If you look up the term multi-hyphenate entertainer in the dictionary, you’ll see a photo of the absolute badass Queen Latifah. From the moment she burst on the scene with her generation-defining anthem “Ladies First,” we knew she was special. She followed that up with the groundbreaking comedy “Living Single,” the iconic film “Set it Off,” an Oscar-nominated role in “Chicago” and a string of classic rom-coms. There’s literally nothing the Queen can’t do. To celebrate her birthday and honor her during Women’s History Month, this is The Evolution of Queen Latifah.
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1989: ‘Ladies First’
Some songs stand the test of time because their message is timeless. This classic female empowerment anthem is still making waves at sporting events, birthday parties, cookouts, bachelorette parties, and yes, even weddings. If you have an event where a group of Black women are gathered, this song is getting played.
1993: ‘U.N.I.T.Y.’
“Who you callin’ a bitch?” With that one question Queen Latifah set off a revolution, letting Black women know they didn’t need to take disrespect from anyone.
1993: ‘Living Single’
Though she’d made small film appearances in the early ‘90s, Queen Latifah’s acting career officially kicked off with the classic series “Living Single.” Alongside Kim Coles, Kim Fields and Erika Alexander, she showed us a wide range of Black women’s lives, proving to the world that we’re not a stereotype or a monolith. Yes it premiered before “Friends” and somehow found a section of New York City where Black people actually lived.
1996: ‘Set it Off’
With apologies to Jada Pinkett Smith, Kimberly Elise and Vivica A. Fox, Cleo is the best character in “Set it Off” and it’s not even close. We’re still heartbroken over her death.
1999: ‘The Queen Latifah Show’
The artist was once again ahead of her time with this daytime talk show designed to appeal to younger, more diverse audiences. Unfortunately, young viewers don’t watch a lot of daytime TV and it was canceled. The show made a comeback in 2013, but was once again canceled due to low ratings.
2002: ‘Chicago’
As Matron “Mama” Morton, Queen Latifah showed off her powerhouse vocals and her stunning stage presence. Though she was a supporting character, she made all of her scenes feel essential to the movie. She may have lost the Oscar to her co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones, but this is where people discovered she’s more than a rapper turned actor.
2003: Bringing Down the House
The way she takes command of this comedy co-starring the legendary Steve Martin showed Hollywood that she was ready to be a leading actress.
2004: ‘The Dana Owens Album’
Fresh off her scene-stealing turn in “Chicago,” she got into her jazz era with this gorgeous album of classics. Imagine waiting until 2004 to figure out that Queen Latifah can do anything?
2005: Beauty Shop
Queen Latifah took one of the most cultural aspects of Black life, going to the beauty shop, and turned it into a classic movie that never gets old.
2006: Last Holiday
Firmly in her leading lady, rom-com bag, we got a holiday classic with a deep emotional message that hits us in the feels every year.
2007: Hairspray
In the wild, over the top world of “Hairspray,” Motormouth Maybelle is the most authentic character. She’s the one who makes the fight for equality feel real.
2010: Just Wright
This was a full circle moment, as Queen Latifah starred in this romantic movie opposite rapper turned actor Common. A star who definitely benefitted from the doors she opened.
2017: Girls Trip
This one is strictly for the Black women, as “Girls Trip” is the ultimately ode to friendship, getting older and partying at ESSENCE Fest.
2021: The Equalizer
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Queen Latifah took a role that had only been played by men and not only made it her own, she improved on it. Now in its fourth season, “The Equalizer” is a hit for CBS.
2023: Kennedy Center Honors
The icon found more history to make when she became the first female rapper to be awarded a Kennedy Center Honor. Remember what we said about “Ladies First?” Yeah, the crowd was on one in their fancy clothes with the president in attendance. It doesn’t matter when you play it, there’s always a party.
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