Latifah was born and raised in the public housing projects of Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Rita, a schoolteacher who worked at Irvington High School, and Lancelot Owens, a policeman. Her parents divorced when Latifah was ten. Latifah performed the number "Home" from the musical The Wiz in a high school play. Her stage name, Latifah (ΩΨ·ΩΩΨ©), meaning "kind" in Arabic, was given to her when she was eight by her cousin. Latifah was raised in the Baptist church, and, while in high school, was a power forward on her basketball team.
She started her career beatboxing for the rap group Ladies Fresh. Latifah was one of the members of the original version of the Flavor Unit MC's, which, at that time, was a crew of MC's grouped around producer DJ Mark The 45 King. In 1988, DJ Mark the 45 King heard a demo version of Latifah's single Princess of the Posse and gave the demo to Fab 5 Freddy, who was the host of Yo! MTV Raps. The recording captured the attention of Tommy Boy Music employee Dante Ross, who immediately signed Latifah, and in 1988 issued her first single, Wrath of My Madness. The track met with a positive response and afforded her the opportunity to launch a European tour, and to perform at the Harlem's famed Apollo Theater. The next year Latifah released her first album, All Hail the Queen, which went on to sell more than 1 million copies.
As she began to earn money, Latifah displayed an interest in investment, putting money into a delicatessen and a video store on the ground floor of the apartment in which she was living. She came to realize that she had a knack for business, and realized that there was an opening for her in record production. In 1991, Latifah organized and became chief executive officer of the Flavor Unit Records and Management Company, headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the same year she was released her sophomore album, called Nature of a Sista'. It was the final album on Tommy Boy Records. By late 1993, the company had signed 17 rap groups, including the very successful Naughty by Nature. In 1993, Latifah recorded a jazz- and reggae-influenced album titled Black Reign. While the album sold more than 500,000 copies, the single U.N.I.T.Y. earned Latifah her first Grammy Award in 1995. In 1998, Co Produced by Ro Smith now CEO of Def Ro Inc. she released her fourth hip hop album Order in the Court. After Order in the Court, Latifah shifted primarily to sung lyrics in soul music and jazz standards, which she had used sparingly in her previous hip hop-oriented records.
In 2004, she released the soul/jazz standards The Dana Owens Album. On July 11, 2007, Latifah sang at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as the headlining act in a live jazz concert. Before a crowd of more than 12,400, she was backed by a 10-piece live orchestra and three backup vocalists, The Queen Latifah Orchestra. Latifah performed new arrangements of standards including California Dreaming, first made popular by '60s icons The Mamas & the Papas. In 2007, Latifah released an album entitled Trav'lin' Light. Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Joe Sample, George Duke, Christian McBride, and Stevie Wonder made guest appearances. It was nominated for a Grammy in the "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" category. On September 12, 2008, Rolling Stone reported that Queen Latifah is working on a new album that is due in sometime in 2009; this album will be, at least partially, produced by Dr. Dre. She will also work with Missy Elliott.
Acting Success
In the 1990s, Latifah branched out into acting. She made her big screen debut in Spike Lee's interracial romance drama Jungle Fever (1991). The following year, Latifah appeared in the crime thriller Juice with Omar Epps and Tupac Shakur. She soon landed a leading role on the small screen, appearing in the sitcom Living Single from 1993 to '98. The comedy, which also starred Kim Coles, Kim Fields and Erika Alexander, proved to be a ground-breaking show. It remains one of the few sitcoms to focus on a group of African-American women.
A talented performer, Latifah continued to tackle both comedic and dramatic parts. She co-starred in 1996's Set It Off with Jada Pinkett Smith, Kimberly Elise and Vivica A. Fox, playing as a lesbian bank robber. Two years later, Latifah teamed up with Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito for the comedy Living Out Loud (1998). She also appeared with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie[[i]i] in The Bone Collector (1999).
Perhaps Latifah's most acclaimed film role to date came in the 2002 hit musical Chicago, starring Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger. Her portrayal of prison matron Mama Morton gave her a chance to show off both her singing talents and acting skills. For her work in the film, Latifah earned an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress. She lost to Chicago co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Latifah went on to receive strong reviews for 2003's romantic comedy Bringing Down the House co-starring with Steve Martin. The following year, she experienced some disappointment with Taxi, which co-starred Jimmy Fallon. The comedy proved to be a critical and commercial dud. She fared better with Beauty Shop (2005) and her voice-over work in the hit animated film Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006).
In 2007, Queen Latifah again delighted movie-goers with her musical talents. She appeared as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray with John Travolta. Her crime caper Mad Money (2008) with Diane Keaton and Katie Holmes received much colder reception. Returning to drama, Latifah gave a strong performance in The Secret Life of Bees (2008).
On the small screen, Latifah has made a number of guest television appearances over the years, including on the shows 30 Rock and Single Ladies. She also co-starred in the 2012 TV remake of Steel Magnolias with Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad and Jill Scott. Latifah branched out in a new direction the following year. She will enter the daytime television market with a new talk show. The Queen Latifah Show will debut in the fall of 2013. The program promises to be a mix of interviews and comedic and musical performances, according to BET.com.
In addition to acting, Queen Latifah serves as a spokesperson for CoverGirl cosmetics. She even has her own line with the company: The Queen Collection.
BIG BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bring on that pecan pie
Pour some sugar on it, sugar, don't be shy
Scoop me up a mess of that chocolate swirl
Don't be stingy, I'm a growing girl
I offer big love with no apology
I am not afraid to throw my weight around
Pound by, pound by, pound
Because I'm big, blonde and beautiful
Face the fact, the simply irrefutable
No one wants a meal that only offers the least
When girl, we're serving up the whole damn feast
Slice me off a piece of that hog head cheese
Then take a look inside my book of recipes
Now, don't you sniff around for something fluffy and light
We need a man who brings a man-size appetite
I'll use a pinch of sugar and a dash of spice
I'll let you lick the spoon because it tastes so nice
We'll keep it in a oven 'til it's good and hot
Keep on stirring 'til it hits the spot
Because I'm big, blonde and beautiful
There is nothing 'bout us that's unsuitable
Why sit in the bleachers, timid and afraid
When Edna, you look like the whole parade
They say that white has might and thin is in
Well, that's just bull
'Cause ladies, big is back and as for black
It's beautiful
All shapes and sizes, follow me
Who wants a twig when you can climb the whole tree
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Groovy baby, groovy
The lyrics of Queen Latifah's song Big Blonde and Beautiful celebrate body positivity and self-love. The opening lines, "Bring on that pecan pie, Pour some sugar on it, sugar, don't be shy, Scoop me up a mess of that chocolate swirl," are an ode to delicious treats and indulging in them. Latifah then goes on to assert her confidence and "big love with no apology." She refuses to deny the world the most of herself, embracing her size and insisting that she will not be afraid to "throw her weight around." Latifah calls upon others to join her in celebrating all shapes and sizes, singing "who wants a twig when you can climb the whole tree."
The lyrics also confront societal beauty standards that suggest "white has might and thin is in." Latifah dismisses these notions as "bull" and declares that big and black is beautiful. She encourages others to join her in rejecting these harmful standards and to celebrate their bodies with confidence and self-love.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring on that pecan pie
I am excited about eating some delicious dessert.
Pour some sugar on it, sugar, don't be shy
Do not be afraid to add extra sweetness to the dessert.
Scoop me up a mess of that chocolate swirl
I want a large portion of that chocolate dessert.
Don't be stingy, I'm a growing girl
Please do not limit my serving size, as I am still growing.
I offer big love with no apology
I give love freely, without any apologies or reservations.
How can I deny the world the most of me
I cannot hold back my true self from the world.
I am not afraid to throw my weight around
I am confident in my physical presence and do not hesitate to assert myself.
Pound by, pound by, pound
My physical weight is an integral part of who I am and how I assert myself.
Because I'm big, blonde and beautiful
My size, hair color, and beauty are important characteristics that I embrace.
Face the fact, the simply irrefutable
It is undeniable that I am big, blonde, and beautiful.
No one wants a meal that only offers the least
People want a full, satisfying experience, not something lacking in substance or flavor.
When girl, we're serving up the whole damn feast
As women, we offer everything and are not holding back.
Slice me off a piece of that hog head cheese
I would like a slice of the specific type of cheese mentioned.
Then take a look inside my book of recipes
I am knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to cooking.
Now, don't you sniff around for something fluffy and light
Do not expect a light meal, as I like food that is rich and substantial.
We need a man who brings a man-size appetite
I want a partner who can appreciate and handle large portions of food, just like me.
I'll use a pinch of sugar and a dash of spice
I like to experiment with ingredients to create tasty culinary experiences.
I'll let you lick the spoon because it tastes so nice
I am generous and like to share delicious treats with others.
We'll keep it in a oven 'til it's good and hot
I prefer food that is hot and fresh out of the oven.
Keep on stirring 'til it hits the spot
I am patient and persistent when cooking, and I refuse to settle for anything less than perfection.
There is nothing 'bout us that's unsuitable
We are unique and perfect just the way we are, and there is no need to conform to any false standards of beauty or behavior.
Why sit in the bleachers, timid and afraid
Why be passive and timid, when you can be confident and assertive?
When Edna, you look like the whole parade
Edna is confident and radiant, and commands attention wherever she goes.
They say that white has might and thin is in
There are societal expectations that prioritize people who are white and thin.
Well, that's just bull
I reject these false societal expectations and norms.
'Cause ladies, big is back and as for black
As women, we are embracing our size and our culture, and rejecting any false expectations or stereotypes.
It's beautiful
We are beautiful, inside and out, just the way we are.
All shapes and sizes, follow me
Everyone is welcome to embrace their unique shape and size, and follow my example of self-love and acceptance.
Who wants a twig when you can climb the whole tree
Why limit yourself to small, insignificant things, when you can reach for greater heights and opportunities in life?
Groovy baby, groovy
Everything is good and cool, and there is no need to stress or worry.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Marc Shaiman, Scott Michael Wittman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@20dabarr58
this makes me feel like a powerful woman, which is impressive because I'm a teenage boy
@theredpotatochip301
yeah same
@eaglesfan4207
Egg cracked
@vucsanna1136
That's so cool!
@yes_no_maybe45
same thoππππ
@aikaameya3930
Feeling like a powerful woman is truly unmatched
@Fran-rt3xs
i'm skinny and white i have no right vibing this hard to this song π
@Foxy-yz6wo
Nonsense! Anyone can vibe to this if they want to
@harryjnagle7321
The Acting The Singing The Music The Songs Colour The set and the story it's just is awesome and it rocks
@vktroylion9859
Wow I was surprised to see 0 comments on this amazing movie musical song that I love so much well I wanted to be first comment so I commented.