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 (لطيفة), 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.
Bananas
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who you gonna call when it's time to brawl?
Standin' 'round, waitin' for my queendom to fall.
Well I think not, styles are pipin' hot.
Blazin', amazin', I give it all I got.
I'm tellin' you straight up, all sleepin' beauties better wake up.
I'll tear your state up, so set the date up,
Who did it, who does it,
From private to public,
Anywhere I'm in there and been there.
So recognize this, who the nicest?
Sit down and settle for your consolation prizes.
Whatever you want, I got.
Whether you ready or not
It's about to get hot when I drop.
So notes, pause another spot.
To do you, don't get me in a corner make me do you.
Don't try to be me, do you.
Be coo' to you and do you.
I'm on a higher level with different class, another plane.
I am the Queen, that's my name, time to explain
That I spit game with dames.
Leave 'em all with shit stains,
Split frames, hopin' you hopin' that I'm jokin'.
Don't know but still blink off like fo'-fo's,
But so-so, slow mo's comin' in like the po-po's.
Don't want rocks comin' at me the wrong way,
Packin' much rocks, it's gonna be a long day.
And for real, spittin' on imbeciles, and spinnin' wheels
On my six hundred, you want it, you must be blunted.
I'll take it to your stomach, run it, give me all
Mic for mic, steppin' to me, you gonna fall, we brawl.
Throwin' a two-piece so loose leafs,
It's the Q-U-double-E-N.
You know how I'm MCin'.
[Chorus: x2]
See, physically you not ready,
Lyrically you not ready,
Mentally, maybe.
Who talks tough, time to get the baby.
No threats or small bets on my bond, we can get it on
From dusk 'til dawn, from night till morn.
Some bubble hard squads are gone, no gimmicks, no tricks,
Till one of us admits it's a battle a whisk.
So look, I'm off the hook, while you off the rocker,
Thinkin' I'm shook, get the phone book, call the doctor.
Are you out of your mind, doubtin' mines, out of line
Talkin' out your behind, shoutin' rhymes out of time?
It's all over, what's up, yeah, what, what now, you tough now?
Now you hush, hush now, ain't sayin' too much now.
Thought so, haunt yo' sleepin' ass, creepin' fast,
Like you was doin' somethin', now I gotta ruin somethin'.
You image, your career, lookie here, you whole life is hangin' in the air.
Like a Chandelier, poppin' off like a can of beer, understand is it clear,
If not let me put it in your ear that I'm royalty.
Even though I'm low-key, you know me.
You be singin' over my tracks like it's karaoke.
If you don't know the half you gon' feel the wrath.
Represent the rugged path, the Flavor Unit staff,
Droppin' mathematics, layin' you out like craftmatic.
I'll let you have it, so you don't want the static.
[Chorus: x2]
In this song, Queen Latifah establishes her dominance in the rap world and challenges anyone who doubts her skills. She boasts about her prowess as an MC, rhyming about how she gives her all and delivers blazing-hot styles. She demands respect and recognition for her talents and critiques those who try to imitate her. She warns those who doubt her ability by saying that they will feel the wrath of her lyrical skills. The chorus repeats the question, "Who you gonna call when it's time to brawl?" a nod to the popular Ghostbusters theme song.
Queen Latifah uses metaphors and puns throughout the song to express her confidence in her abilities. She talks about being in a different class and on another plane, both as a reference to her high status as an artist and as a way of saying that she's ahead of the game. She also challenges those who want to step to her by saying they will "fall," and describes herself as a "whisk," implying that she's powerful and unbeatable.
Overall, "Bananas" is a powerful rap track that showcases Queen Latifah's skills both as a rapper and a lyricist. She uses her words to establish her authority and assert her dominance in a challenging and provocative way.
Line by Line Meaning
Who you gonna call when it's time to brawl?
Who will you turn to when you need someone to fight for you?
Standin' 'round, waitin' for my queendom to fall.
People are waiting for me to fail, but I won't.
Well I think not, styles are pipin' hot.
I won't fail because my style is too good.
Blazin', amazin', I give it all I got.
I'm giving my all and my performance is impressive.
I'm tellin' you straight up, all sleepin' beauties better wake up.
Everyone needs to wake up and realize what's happening around them.
I'll tear your state up, so set the date up,
I'm ready to fight and will destroy anything in my way, so let's set a date for it.
And I'm a rip it, what if it what was it.
I'll destroy anything in my path, no matter what it is.
Who did it, who does it,
Whoever is responsible for it, I'll take care of them.
From private to public,
I'll handle any situation, whether it's private or public.
Anywhere I'm in there and been there.
I've been there before and can handle it no matter where it is.
So recognize this, who the nicest?
You need to recognize that I'm the best.
Sit down and settle for your consolation prizes.
Accept that you'll never be as good as me and settle for second place.
Whatever you want, I got.
I have everything you need.
Whether you ready or not
Whether you're prepared or not.
It's about to get hot when I drop.
I'm about to bring the heat with my performance.
So notes, pause another spot.
Take a moment to appreciate my talent.
To do you, don't get me in a corner make me do you.
Do what's best for you without putting me in a difficult position.
Don't try to be me, do you.
Don't try to imitate me, be yourself.
Be coo' to you and do you.
Be calm and true to yourself.
I'm on a higher level with different class, another plane.
I'm above the rest, in a different league.
I am the Queen, that's my name, time to explain
I'm royalty, and it's time to explain what that means.
That I spit game with dames.
I'm good at flirting with women.
Leave 'em all with shit stains,
I have a big impact on the people I talk to.
Split frames, hopin' you hopin' that I'm jokin'.
I'll leave you speechless and wondering if I'm joking.
Don't know but still blink off like fo'-fo's,
I may be unpredictable, but I'm still dangerous.
But so-so, slow mo's comin' in like the po-po's.
Things may seem to be going slowly, but they're already here.
Don't want rocks comin' at me the wrong way,
Don't mess with me, or I'll come after you.
Packin' much rocks, it's gonna be a long day.
I have a lot of power, and I'll use it against you.
And for real, spittin' on imbeciles, and spinnin' wheels
I'm wasting my time on fools and spinning my wheels.
On my six hundred, you want it, you must be blunted.
If you want to challenge me, you must be crazy.
I'll take it to your stomach, run it, give me all
I'll hit you hard in the gut and take everything from you.
Mic for mic, steppin' to me, you gonna fall, we brawl.
If you try to compete with me, you'll lose, and we'll fight.
Throwin' a two-piece so loose leafs,
I'll punch you twice, and it won't be very hard for me.
It's the Q-U-double-E-N.
I'm the queen, and I'm the best.
See, physically you not ready,
Physically, you're not prepared to compete with me.
Lyrically you not ready,
In terms of skills, you're not ready to take me on.
Mentally, maybe.
Maybe you're prepared to challenge me mentally.
Who talks tough, time to get the baby.
It's time to stop talking and start acting.
No threats or small bets on my bond, we can get it on
Don't make threats or small bets on my reputation, let's just fight.
From dusk 'til dawn, from night till morn.
I'm ready to fight anytime, day or night.
Some bubble hard squads are gone, no gimmicks, no tricks,
I don't need to use any tricks to defeat my opponents.
Till one of us admits it's a battle a whisk.
We'll keep fighting until one of us admits defeat.
So look, I'm off the hook, while you off the rocker,
I'm not responsible for what happens to you while you're crazy.
Thinkin' I'm shook, get the phone book, call the doctor.
If you think I'm afraid, you should call a doctor.
Are you out of your mind, doubtin' mines, out of line
You're crazy to doubt me and cross the line.
Talkin' out your behind, shoutin' rhymes out of time?
You're talking nonsense and rapping poorly.
It's all over, what's up, yeah, what, what now, you tough now?
It's game over, what are you going to do now? You think you're tough now?
Now you hush, hush now, ain't sayin' too much now.
You're not talking much anymore.
Thought so, haunt yo' sleepin' ass, creepin' fast,
I'm going to haunt you and move quickly.
Like you was doin' somethin', now I gotta ruin somethin'.
You were trying to be something, and now I have to ruin it for you.
You image, your career, lookie here, you whole life is hangin' in the air.
Your reputation, career, and life are all on the line.
Like a Chandelier, poppin' off like a can of beer, understand is it clear,
I'm shining like a chandelier and popping off like a can of beer. Do you understand?
If not let me put it in your ear that I'm royalty.
If you don't understand, let me remind you that I'm a queen.
Even though I'm low-key, you know me.
I may not be in the spotlight, but you still know who I am.
You be singin' over my tracks like it's karaoke.
You're trying to imitate me and sing along to my music.
If you don't know the half you gon' feel the wrath.
If you don't know what you're up against, you'll feel my anger and retaliation.
Represent the rugged path, the Flavor Unit staff,
I represent a difficult journey and my team.
Droppin' mathematics, layin' you out like craftmatic.
I'm using complex skills to take you down and leave you vulnerable.
I'll let you have it, so you don't want the static.
I'll give you what you want so there's no argument.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLEN HENRY MCGRIER, TEENA MARIE BROCKERT, GREGORY JR. CRAPPS, LAURYN N. HILL, NEL WYCLEF JEAN, SAMUEL MICHEL, DANA OWENS, ANTHONY PEAKS, SALAAM REMI
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