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.
If You Don't Know
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 feign 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 let cha 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 "If You Don't Know" is an emotional and heartfelt track that delves into the uncertainty and fear surrounding falling in love. The opening lines of the song express the singer's confusion and anxiety around the situation. She is scared that she might be falling in love with someone but is unsure if the feeling is reciprocated.
The lyrics then progress into the main message of the song, where the singer writes a letter to her lover, expressing her feelings for him and her desire to make this relationship work. She assures him that she is not in a rush to get engaged or married, but that she longs for a commitment from him. She reminisces about the good times they've shared and hopes to create more memories together. The singer also talks about her own desires and hints at her sexual attraction towards her lover.
Throughout the song, the singer is vulnerable and open about her feelings, demonstrating the bravery it takes to expose oneself emotionally. The chorus repeatedly highlights the uncertainty and fear that comes with falling in love, and the listener can feel the singer's apprehension through the music and lyrics.
Overall, "If You Don't Know" is a beautiful and relatable song that captures the essence of what it's like to fall in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh I don't know
I'm unsure about what you feel
And it makes me scared
I'm nervous and scared
Because I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love with you
And I don't know if you feel the same
I'm unsure if you feel the same way
I'm taking this time to write you this letter
I'm writing this letter to express my feelings
Cause what we got is good but want to make it better
Our relationship is good, but I want to improve it
Yo boo, I'm digging you, you got all of the equipment
I really like you and everything about you
Now I'm ready for a commitment
I'm ready to commit to our relationship
I'm not trying to rush things
I'm not in a hurry to move forward
Not looking for an engagement ring
I'm not asking for an engagement right now
But the queen needs a king
I want a partner who is good for me
And I choose you, cause what we got is in tune
I want to be with you because our relationship works
Since you promised me the moon I hope to see it soon
I'm excited to see what our future holds based on what you've promised me
I want make this official man, I miss you
I want to make our relationship official because I miss you
I feign for your touch and your kiss too
I really want to kiss and touch you
Listen I hope I'm not being too blunt
I hope I'm being clear without being too forceful
Don't wanna scare you away, it's a game I want to play but
I don't want to push you away, but I do want to pursue our relationship
I know you love it when I call you big poppa
I know you like it when I call you affectionate names
My thoughts are pure
My intentions are sincere
I heard you left your last cause she was insecure
I heard you left your last partner because of her insecurities
I'm not tryin' to compare myself but
I'm not trying to put myself above others
I got health and wealth
I'm healthy and have financial stability
And now you dealing w/ the top shelf
I'm the best you can get
My orgasmic thoughts need support
I need your attention and affection
Thinking of positions you taught
I'm thinking about sexual positions you've taught me
While I stare at the gifts you bought
While I admire the gifts you've given me
The things you do for me make you my number one
Everything you do for me makes you important to me
When you're around I have a lot of fun
I enjoy spending time with you
Let go your fear I'm here come hold your soul make
Don't be afraid, I'm here to support you and be there for you
I want more but I don't want push
I want more from this relationship, but I won't force anything
It's never too late so be straight
It's never too late to be honest with me
I'm all woman if you don't feel like I feel that's fine
If you don't feel the same way, I understand
But I want you to be mine now check it
I want you to be my partner
I'll take what I can take it can't get no plainer
I'll accept what I can get from this relationship
With love sincerely yours your boo dana
I love you and sincerely hope we can make this work
Oh p.s. guess who's back around
By the way, my ex has come back into my life
My ex he called me said he bought a house up town
My ex called and said he bought a house
But I told him that my love for you was too strong
I told him that I'm committed to you
Write back and don't make me wait to long
Please respond soon
Is there a place to ease my mind
Is there somewhere I can go to feel calm
Show me a sign and wish that you would offer me a sign
Give me a sign that our relationship is going well
Let me close by saying stop delaying our fate
Let's stop putting off our relationship
Don't beat around the bush
Don't avoid talking about our relationship
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: QUEEN LATIFAH, NEVELLE HODGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Over the Nonsense
Girl, yes! That's a 90s smooth happy feeling vibe! Bring it!
la young
This lady kept it real. She didn’t add nothing but her own. Thank you Lady Love for keeping the world away And let the music play
wani wani
She is really legend awesome😘🥰😀👍👍👍👍👍❤💞💙💚💯
Anthony Lewis
My favorite song by Queen latifah just another day living living in the hood
Jopie Mackey
I love queen latifah
Universal Kaos
Great album
No song more favourite than "Fly girl" from this album
Memories of a time & place,& all the good,bad & love that came with it
Word,from New Zealand
Seki Uso's🤙
Mr and Mrs. W
Love it ur awesome
Kevin Magobe
That lady is hip hop icon of 20th century
Catherine Tsakalis
Queen 🙏
Mathieu Aouimeur
Keep this album.