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.
Do Your Thing
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Southside, Northside
Eastside, Westside
Alright, alright
Alright, we ride
Ain't the paper, that makes me daner
I just see the strangers they look at me stranger
So I give ya more music, more smackin'
I stepped up to salary cappin'
Passin' traffic and lookin' what happened
See how life takes a turn (uh huh)
More paper earned
Always poof, the case's adjourned
I am what I am, I come from North
So crème de la crème (uh yeah)
And specially when, ya pray for my downfall
That's why I try to stay from round why'all (let's go)
Till my days in the dark, they find me (let's go)
Like me the maids when I park and I'll be
Still, doin' me, still so beautifully
I ain't brushin' off haters nothin' true to me
[Chorus: Mario Winans]
Go and do your thing
'Cause people will talk
Baby it's the way
The way that you are
Keep your head up to the sky
Confidence high
They're the ones that hate you
'cause they're the ones who make you
Go and do your thing
Yo, yo, yo
Now just imagine how the world'll be witchu cruisin'
Sacked down, popped the blouse, get girls aroused
Popped out, shot the brows
Knocked the clothes and copped the house
Could it be that you feel you need me?
Huh, you love the way I flow 'cause it comes to easy
When life imitate artex where the hatin' start
You gotta love dat, try to stay good at
Who knew I'd come this far
Who is this woman, a movie star?
My moms always told me I come from God
And the stress that come from why'all keep taking
You be there keep waiting
Keep trying be patient
Why'all wish I can stand united
And really fall in love in hearts provided
[Chorus: Mario Winans]
Lately, it seems to me
That people ain't what they seem to be
They all want me torn up
I know there's snakes in the grass
So I pay my staff, to keep the lawns cut
I see all the drama you bringin'
I combine that with posit thinking
I'm me till I'm old and grey
When that day comes
I'm a teach my daughters do be the same way
I am the way I am, I'm from the hood
So crème de le crème
And specially when, ya pray for my downfall
That's why I try to stay from round why'all (that's why)
You never keep me down
So I'll always be around, forget about it
Still doin' it, (still doin me)
So beautifully I ain't brushin' off haters nothin' true to me
[Chorus: X 2]
[Ending: Mario Winans]
Just do your thing
'cause people gon' hate you anyway uh
Just do your thing
'cause people gonna hate you anyway uh
Just do your thing why'all see'mon
Can nobody stop me why'all see'mon
We Yellow City why'all
We gon' keep doin' our thing, keep doin' our thing
In her song "Do Your Thing," Queen Latifah encourages her listeners to be confident in themselves and do what they want to do, regardless of what other people may say or think. The song starts with Queen Latifah shouting out to all the different parts of the city, reminding people that everyone is welcome to enjoy the music and ride along with her. She then talks about how she doesn't need money or fame to define her because she knows who she is and where she comes from. She acknowledges that people may talk behind her back, but she chooses to respond with more music and a positive attitude. She talks about how she's worked hard to get where she is, but she doesn't take any of her success for granted, knowing that it can all disappear in an instant. Despite her haters, she continues to "do her thing" and be true to herself.
Throughout the song, Queen Latifah raps with confidence and authority, encouraging her listeners to believe in themselves and their dreams. She talks about the challenges she's faced and overcome, and how she's learned to ignore the negative voices around her. She also highlights the importance of staying positive and focusing on the good in life, even when things get tough. Overall, "Do Your Thing" is an empowering anthem that encourages people to embrace their individuality and live life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Southside, Northside
No matter where you are from, this message is for you
Eastside, Westside
No matter where you are from, this message is for you
Alright, alright
Everything is good
Alright, we ride
Let's continue moving forward
Ain't the paper, that makes me daner
Money does not define me
I just see the strangers they look at me stranger
I am aware of those who try to bring me down
They all give me more lip
They talk a lot of smack
So I give ya more music, more smackin'
I respond by creating more music
I stepped up to salary cappin'
I have reached the top of my game
Passin' traffic and lookin' what happened
Reflecting on my journey and where I started
See how life takes a turn (uh huh)
Life can be unpredictable
More paper earned
More money is made
Always poof, the case's adjourned
I always come out on top
I am what I am, I come from North
I am who I am and proud of where I come from
So crème de la crème (uh yeah)
Only the best for me
And specially when, ya pray for my downfall
People hope for my failure
That's why I try to stay from round why'all (let's go)
I distance myself from negativity
Till my days in the dark, they find me (let's go)
Even in the toughest times, I will still persevere
Like me the maids when I park and I'll be
I will always remain true to myself
Still, doin' me, still so beautifully
I will continue to be myself despite what others say
I ain't brushin' off haters nothin' true to me
I won't let negativity make me stray from who I am
Go and do your thing
Follow your dreams
'Cause people will talk
No matter what you do, people will have something to say
Baby it's the way
It's all about your unique qualities and strengths
The way that you are
Embrace who you are
Keep your head up to the sky
Stay positive
Confidence high
Be confident in yourself
They're the ones that hate you
Those who hate you are not worth your time
'cause they're the ones who make you
They are the ones who motivate you to succeed
Now just imagine how the world'll be witchu cruisin'
Visualize the possibilities and the future
Sacked down, popped the blouse, get girls aroused
Painting a picture of living luxuriously
Popped out, shot the brows
Taking care of one's appearance
Knocked the clothes and copped the house
Achieving financial success
Could it be that you feel you need me?
Do you need my guidance?
Huh, you love the way I flow 'cause it comes to easy
Others admire my talent and skill
When life imitate artex where the hatin' start
Jealousy and negativity can arise when success is achieved
You gotta love dat, try to stay good at
Stay positive and stay true to yourself
Who knew I'd come this far
Reflecting on success and achievement
Who is this woman, a movie star?
My success has made me into a superstar
My moms always told me I come from God
I was raised to believe in a higher power
And the stress that come from why'all keep taking
Others can cause stress and negativity
You be there keep waiting
I persevere and continue to work hard
Keep trying be patient
Success takes time and patience
Why'all wish I can stand united
I wish for unity and positivity
And really fall in love in hearts provided
Spread love and kindness
Lately, it seems to me
Recently, I've noticed
That people ain't what they seem to be
People can be deceiving
They all want me torn up
Others want to see me fail
I know there's snakes in the grass
I am aware of those who are not genuine
So I pay my staff, to keep the lawns cut
I take care of those who take care of me
I see all the drama you bringin'
I am aware of the negativity around me
I combine that with posit thinking
I counteract negativity with positivity
I'm me till I'm old and grey
I will always stay true to myself
When that day comes
When I am old and grey
I'm a teach my daughters do be the same way
I will teach my children to be themselves
You never keep me down
I always rise above
So I'll always be around, forget about it
I will always persevere
We Yellow City why'all
I am from Yellow City and proud
We gon' keep doin' our thing, keep doin' our thing
We will continue to follow our dreams
Just do your thing
Be yourself and follow your dreams
'cause people gon' hate you anyway uh
There will always be haters
Can nobody stop me why'all see'mon
No one can stop me from achieving my dreams
Just do your thing why'all see'mon
Continue to follow your dreams
People gonna hate you anyway uh
There will always be negativity and haters
Just do your thing
Be yourself and follow your dreams
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANA OWENS, MARIO WINANS, MARIO MENDELL WINANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@awcohen3020
Latifah is criminally underrated when people mention great female MCs. Sheβs a living legend
@Slxsh777
Every time I finish watching the movie I listen to this song β€οΈ one of the best movies ever
@abrahamisaacmuciusiii9192
I feel the same way
@dietrichmyatt9822
Agreed
@gailmcnair5024
Me tooβ£οΈβΌοΈ
@MZACEMALLA
Same
@idontevenknow00
Yes and i didnt realize the ending has a absolute bop at the end the whole soundtrack is amazing
@2fvded
This song is my childhood β€οΈπ₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
@magiruzdeutz8701
This song has so much potential .... It's a shame that it wasn't a single
@user-dr2yz8um3d
My favorite song in the movie even after 20 years!
My sister loves Queen Latifah