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.
Just A Flow
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sid, you burnin' shit!
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
To every earthling on the planet
Especially Jersey and New York
Chilled in Irvington born in Newark
Thanks for support it's just a flow
I'd like to say hello (hello)
Even though I know you don't know me
It's just a stack kick from the pack
Gimme a smile c'mon, you can show me
Take an inspiration from the SID
Thanks for the beat it's kinda fly
And oh yeah, Sa'Buddah told me tell ya hi
She thinks you're sweet
I'm looking for the vibe y'all
Then I must be looking for my tribe y'all
I'm rolling with the F-L-A-V-O-R and Unit
Somebody in the house, gimme five, y'all
And get live, y'all
And just clap your hands to the beat
'Cause I gotta go find out
Where we got the loot 'Cause I gotta know
I put special concentration on the flow
I love to see you and me say, "ho!"
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
Wheel out
Sexy baby doll, girl that's me yo, QL
I get loose, y'all, I get loose, y'all
I get loose, l-loose, l-loose, loose, y'all
I get loose, y'all you don't know nothing
Gotta get loose, y'all bring it on
It's like this
The lyrics to Queen Latifah's song "Just A Flow" are a celebration of her unique style and flow as an artist. The opening lines, "What are you doin'?! Sid, you burnin' shit!" serve as a playful introduction to the song, setting the tone for a lighthearted and energetic flow. The repetition of the phrase "it's just a flow" throughout the song emphasizes the importance of the rhythm and delivery in her music.
The lyrics go on to express gratitude and appreciation to her fans, particularly those from her hometown of Irvington, New Jersey and Newark. She acknowledges that while many may not know her personally, she still feels connected to them through her music. The mention of Sid and Sa'Buddah indicates the collaboration and influence of other artists in the creation of the song, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the music industry.
Queen Latifah's lyrics also convey a sense of unity and belonging. She mentions rolling with her crew, F-L-A-V-O-R and Unit, and encourages everyone to come together and enjoy the music. The line "I love to see you and me say, 'ho!'" is an invitation for everyone to participate and express themselves. Overall, the lyrics of "Just A Flow" are a testament to Queen Latifah's artistry, her connection with her fans, and her love for the music and the culture it represents.
Line by Line Meaning
What are you doin'?!
What actions or behavior are you currently engaged in?!
Sid, you burnin' shit!
Sid, you're doing an incredible job and excelling in your work!
It's just a flow, it's just a flow
It's simply a natural rhythm and expression of oneself
I give a shout out
I express my appreciation and acknowledgement
To every earthling on the planet
To every individual living on Earth
Especially Jersey and New York
Particularly to the regions of Jersey and New York
Chilled in Irvington born in Newark
Relaxed in Irvington, but originally born in Newark
Thanks for support it's just a flow
Grateful for the support received, it's simply a natural expression of oneself
I'd like to say hello (hello)
I would like to greet and acknowledge you (hello)
Even though I know you don't know me
Despite being aware that you are unfamiliar with me
It's just a stack kick from the pack
It's just a powerful and energetic performance from the group
Gimme a smile c'mon, you can show me
Give me a smile, come on, share your happiness with me
Take an inspiration from the SID
Find motivation and inspiration from Sid's talent
Thanks for the beat it's kinda fly
Thank you for the rhythmic sound, it's impressive
And oh yeah, Sa'Buddah told me tell ya hi
And by the way, Sa'Buddah informed me to send you greetings
She thinks you're sweet
She finds you endearing and charming
I'm looking for the vibe y'all
I'm searching for a positive and enjoyable atmosphere, everyone
Then I must be looking for my tribe y'all
In that case, I must be searching for my like-minded community, everyone
I'm rolling with the F-L-A-V-O-R and Unit
I'm associating myself and collaborating with the F-L-A-V-O-R and Unit groups
Somebody in the house, gimme five, y'all
If there's someone present, let's exchange a high five, everyone
And get live, y'all
And let's engage in an animated and lively state, everyone
And just clap your hands to the beat
And simply rhythmically applaud along with the music
'Cause I gotta go find out
Because I need to discover or ascertain
Where we got the loot 'Cause I gotta know
Where we obtained the wealth or valuable possessions, because I need to have that information
I put special concentration on the flow
I focus and prioritize on the natural rhythm and expression
I love to see you and me say, 'ho!'
I enjoy witnessing both you and me enthusiastically express excitement or celebration with 'ho!'
Wheel out
Move or proceed energetically and enthusiastically
Sexy baby doll, girl that's me yo, QL
Attractive and charming female figure, that's me, Queen Latifah
I get loose, y'all, I get loose, y'all
I become uninhibited and carefree, everyone
I get loose, l-loose, l-loose, loose, y'all
I become uninhibited and carefree, everyone, with emphasis
I get loose, y'all you don't know nothing
I become uninhibited and carefree, everyone, and you are unaware of my abilities
Gotta get loose, y'all bring it on
I must become uninhibited and carefree, everyone, so let's get started
It's like this
It's similar to this, let me explain
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gpuppy1234
It bothers me that this is an interlude it shouldve been a song
The BimmerGuy SA
He’ll yea
Austin Barry
Yes, it should have been.
LaNe' J
The Queen is dope!
Randy Taylor
Just a flow dope
Joseph Mccall
From the native tongue and flava unit the queen has always lived up to her title
mario rodriguez
this is a serious joint
David Allen
Anybody know the sample on this track?
lifestraight
I give a shout out, to Kim and Shiniece, all the women, I know in Jersey........
KharMohn
What are you DOING ?? 20199