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.
I Don
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it makes me scared
Because I'm falling in love
And I don't know if you feel the same
I'm taking this time to write you this letter
Cause what we got is good but want to make it better
Yo boo, I'm digging you, you got all of the equipment
I'm not trying to rush things
Not looking for an engagement ring
But the queen needs a king
And I choose you, cause what we got is in tune
Since you promised me the moon I hope to see it soon
(see it soon)
I want make this official man, I miss you
I fiegn for your touch and your kiss too
Listen I hope I'm not being to blunt
Don't wanna scare you away, it's a game I want to play but...
Oh I don't know
And it makes me scared
Because I'm falling in love
And I don't know if you feel the same
(hey)
Oh I don't know
(I don't know)
And it makes me scared
(so scared)
Because I'm falling in love
(falling in love)
And I don't know if you feel the same
(falling in love, hey)
I know you love it when I call you big poppa
My thoughts are pure
I heard you left your last cause she was insecure
I'm not tryin' to compare myself but
I got health and wealth
And now you dealing w/ the top shelf
My orgasmic thoughts need support
Thinking of positions you taught
While I stare at the gifts you bought
The things you do for me make you my number one
When you're around I have a lot of fun
Check me now
Like the time we went to six flags
Boostin', tearin off tags
And sticking souvenirs into our bags
Slipped up, almost got caught then tried again
You're more than a lover you my best friend
Do you remember the first time I letcha get it
I was nervous you were too but wouldn't admit it
You were the best I had that's why I want all of you
Now tell them hookers to stop calling you
I'm dead up I want to wear your name
So I pray and ask god to make you feel the same
(hey)
Oh I don't know
(don't know)
And it makes me scared
(It makes me so scared)
Because I'm falling in love
(I'm falling in love again again)
And I don't know if you feel the same
(baby baby baby baby)
(hey)
Oh I don't know
(I don't know)
And it makes me scared
(makes me scared)
Because I'm falling in love
(falling in love again)
And I don't know if you feel the same
(baby baby, oh oh oh yeah)
Is there a place to ease my mind
(place to ease my mind)
(think about you all the time, yeah)
Show me a sign and wish that you would offer me a sign
Relax my mind
Let me close by saying stop delaying our fate
Let go your fear I'm here come hold your soul make
I want more but I don't want push
It's never to late so be straight
Don't beat around the bush
I'm all woman if you don't feel like I feel that's fine
Let's stay friends but I want you to be mine now check it
But I'll take what I can take it can't get no plainer
With love sincerely yours your boo dana
Oh p.s. guess who's back around
My ex he called me said he bought a house up town
But I told him that my love for you was too strong
Write back and don't make me wait to long
Oh I don't know
Oh I don't know
(I don't know)
And it makes me scared
(makes me so scared)
Because I'm falling in love
(falling in love)
And I don't know if you feel the same
(I want to know, wanna know)
(just me and my queen
Do you know what I mean
Hey hey hey
Falling in love
Tell me if it's good enough for you)
Queen Latifah’s song “I Don’t Know” is a ballad dedicated to the uncertainty of falling in love. She describes her fear of not knowing if her feelings are reciprocated in the beginning stanza, singing “Oh I don't know, and it makes me scared / Because I'm falling in love / And I don't know if you feel the same.” However, she quickly follows up with a letter confessing her love and desire for a committed relationship with this individual.
She reminisces on their experiences together and the ways in which they complement each other, as she longs for this person to reciprocate her feelings. As the song continues, she escalates in her longing, as she describes falling for someone else as a significant fear. She describes how she wants this person to be her partner and to make their relationship official. Her final plea is for this person to be true to themselves and not to string her along, but for them to become one another's partners in life together.
Overall, “I Don’t Know” by Queen Latifah is a vulnerable confession of love and fear of not knowing if one’s feelings are reciprocated. It is a plea for honesty, transparency, and the hope that two individuals who feel connected can partner together in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh I don't know
The singer is unsure and feels uncertain about something.
And it makes me scared
The fact that the singer is not sure about the situation is causing them fear.
Because I'm falling in love
The situation relates to the singer falling in love.
And I don't know if you feel the same
The singer is uncertain about whether the other person they are in love with feels the same way.
I'm taking this time to write you this letter
The singer is communicating their feelings through writing a letter.
Cause what we got is good but want to make it better
The singer wants to take the current relationship to the next level and improve it.
Yo boo, I'm digging you, you got all of the equipment
The singer is attracted to the other person and admires their qualities.
Now I'm ready for a commitment
The singer is ready to commit to a serious relationship with the other person.
I'm not trying to rush things
The singer does not want to force anything to happen too quickly.
Not looking for an engagement ring
The singer is not asking for engagement at this point.
But the queen needs a king
The singer acknowledges the importance of having a significant other in their life.
And I choose you, cause what we got is in tune
The singer wants to be with the other person because their relationship is working well.
Since you promised me the moon I hope to see it soon
The other person has made promises to the singer, and they are hoping that these promises will be fulfilled.
I want make this official man, I miss you
The singer wants to make their relationship official and admits to missing the other person.
I fiegn for your touch and your kiss too
The singer desires physical intimacy with the other person.
Listen I hope I'm not being to blunt
The singer hopes that they are not being too direct with what they are saying.
Don't wanna scare you away, it's a game I want to play but...
The singer does not want to scare the other person away, but they want to take a chance on this relationship.
I know you love it when I call you big poppa
The singer knows a nickname the other person likes and uses it affectionately.
My thoughts are pure
The singer's feelings are genuine and authentic.
I heard you left your last cause she was insecure
The singer heard that the other person's previous relationship ended due to insecurities on the other person's part.
I'm not tryin' to compare myself but
The singer does not want to compare themselves to the other person's ex.
I got health and wealth
The singer has good health and financial resources.
And now you dealing w/ the top shelf
The other person is now with the best option on the market.
My orgasmic thoughts need support
The singer's sexual thoughts and desires require proper attention and care.
Thinking of positions you taught
The singer is thinking about intimate positions that the other person has taught them.
While I stare at the gifts you bought
The singer is appreciating the material gifts that the other person has given them.
The things you do for me make you my number one
The actions that the other person does for the singer make them the most important person in the singer's life.
When you're around I have a lot of fun
The singer enjoys spending time with the other person and having fun together.
Check me now
The singer is asking the other person to understand where they are coming from and how they feel.
Like the time we went to six flags
The singer is referencing a particular experience they had with the other person at a theme park.
Boostin', tearin off tags
The singer and other person were playfully removing tags from merchandise.
And sticking souvenirs into our bags
The singer and other person were collecting souvenirs from the theme park.
Slipped up, almost got caught then tried again
The singer and other person were doing something that could have gotten them in trouble, but they tried again after a close call.
You're more than a lover you my best friend
The other person is not just a romantic partner to the singer, but also their close friend.
Do you remember the first time I letcha get it
The singer is referring to their first sexual encounter with the other person.
I was nervous you were too but wouldn't admit it
Both the singer and other person were nervous during their first sexual experience together, but the other person did not want to admit it.
You were the best I had that's why I want all of you
The other person was the best sexual partner the singer has had, and that is why they want to fully commit to this relationship.
Now tell them hookers to stop calling you
The singer wants the other person to stop receiving calls from sex workers.
I'm dead up I want to wear your name
The singer wants to proudly take on the other person's name, symbolizing a committed relationship.
So I pray and ask god to make you feel the same
The singer prays that the other person will share the same feelings towards them.
Is there a place to ease my mind
The singer is asking if there is somewhere to find peace and comfort for their mind.
(place to ease my mind)
This is a repeating line, emphasizing the singer's desire for peace of mind.
(think about you all the time, yeah)
The singer is constantly thinking about the other person, adding to their anxiety.
Show me a sign and wish that you would offer me a sign
The singer is looking for a clear indication from the other person about their feelings for them.
Relax my mind
The singer wants to calm down and relieve their anxiety about the situation.
Let me close by saying stop delaying our fate
The singer is asking the other person to stop putting off their future together.
Let go your fear I'm here come hold your soul make
The singer wants the other person to let go of their fear and embrace the relationship.
I want more but I don't want push
The singer wants more from the relationship, but does not want to force anything to happen.
It's never to late so be straight
The singer believes there is still time for the other person to be honest and upfront about their feelings.
Don't beat around the bush
The singer wants the other person to be direct and honest about their feelings, without wasting time.
I'm all woman if you don't feel like I feel that's fine
The singer is confident in their femininity, regardless of how the other person feels about them.
Let's stay friends but I want you to be mine now check it
The singer wants to remain friends if the other person does not share their feelings, but they desire a romantic relationship.
But I'll take what I can take it can't get no plainer
The singer will accept any outcome, but they want clarity about the other person's feelings.
With love sincerely yours your boo dana
The singer signs off the letter with their name and a declaration of love.
(just me and my queen
This is part of a repeating phrase, indicating the singer's devotion to and love for their partner.
Do you know what I mean
The singer is asking if the other person understands the singer's perspective.
Hey hey hey
This is part of a repeated refrain, adding emphasis to the emotion and passion in the song.
Tell me if it's good enough for you)
The singer is asking if the situation is satisfactory for the other person.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHANCE DYLAN WATERS, JONATHAN ANDERS REICHARDT, KIERAN OWENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rycents
This sounds nice!...Queen Latifah has a Beautiful voice!
Gabdollas
I know for a fact she was singing this in the church 😂😂❤❤
Treasure Price
Your right
Moses Madden
Yea
Jenna Owens
😂😂
Suprem3 Savages
bling bling right uplifting Black folk lol 😂
Drama King
bling bling lol Carlotta loves it
Suprem3 Savages
Can everyone believe that she was originally a Rapper 🤗🤗💯
- Slytherin SNACC -
Juanita Peters no rapper are you even a Queen L fan
Uniquely Jas
Jay Hardy I been knew