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.
Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Possy Dovey! (Yes mama?) Time to get up!
Hello I'm Queen Latifah how ya doing?
I hope that you're with this I hope that you're willing
I want to introduce you to a cut called
"Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children"
The truth to the goy
You know the one that ate up like boy
Stepping with a step, keeping with a kept
Making an appearance with a notty-head set
Lunatics you lose cause the Plug 2's singing
Peace to the negative, nah, you make the weigh-in
Weigh-in, weigh-in, way out of order
If you know you're better, you'd better that you caught a
Waving mine a peace sign higher than a kite
If you're feeling sick, it's alright it's fever night
Don't do "Do see do" and dig in no potholes
Cause if you do we calling in March Patrol
It's no different from the verbal last heard
Cayumbo is the ruler that's bond to the word
He's moving more than three feet, jocking with the knee deep
Dove is going to leave you with a tweet tweet tweet
Next on the menu, we continue with the pasta
Dipped in chocolate, served with lots a
Twizzlers and honey, yum yum yummy
Lyrics I'm flaunting is good for the tummy
Tiptoeing in I proceed to the floors
Selling much records like a pimp mover
Excuse me mommy, Pos wins
Cause I'm the A to the Plug W-O-N
Brother freak it live for this tribe
Now let's ride down the highway of vibes
Pushing that we start cause the soul says please
Cutting back with the raps and we don't get cheese
Ducks and we sit need to get
Cause preacher is the key to the casualty
Polaroid flicks are back and you know
That the soul is moving on up like the Jeffersons
[Repeat: x16]
Go mommy!
I'm back, a black queen upon the scene
With a knack for funky tracks, know what I mean?
Prince Paul produces this and it's a fly one
It has a beat that weigh, he's one of my sons
It's a family affair and then we're out of here
There is no doubt here, cause this is our year
So flex to a Queen Latifah/De La Soul sound
(Go ahead mama get down)
It's inevitable that this joint venture would be incredible
We never put ourselves on any pedestal
But the rhyme is so good it's practically edible (Say what?)
So check the sounds of Mama Zulu
As I relay the story untold
And if you're wondering why I got kids so big
They weren't born from the body, they were born from the soul
"Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children" by Queen Latifah and De La Soul is a song that is packed with loads of insights and meaning in its lyrics. The song was released in 1989 under the album All Hail the Queen. It is an up-tempo track that features Queen Latifah and De La Soul. The song celebrates cultural identity, pays homage to African traditionalism, and also addresses the struggles of being African American in society.
The song starts off with Queen Latifah and Posdnuos' intros, calling for everyone to wake up and get ready to groove to the song. Then, Queen Latifah introduces the track and asks if everyone is ready to listen to "Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children." The song's lyrics are witty and rhyming, which makes it very catchy and easily understandable.
Throughout the song, it is evident that the artist addresses various issues such as inequality, cultural appropriation, and self-love. By referring to themselves as "Soul Children," they're acknowledging the origin of their existence- the African traditionalism and that their music is an extension of their identity. They also use the lyrics of the song to empower their audience to take pride in their own identity regardless of historical or societal labels that may have been placed on African Americans.
In conclusion, "Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children" is a song that presents a combination of powerful lyrics and rhythms that address the issues that mattered at that time, but still ring true today. It also celebrates the African cultural heritage that has continued to influence artists in contemporary music.
Line by Line Meaning
Possy Dovey! (Yes mama?) Time to get up!
Queen Latifah wakes up her children and starts the song.
Hello I'm Queen Latifah how ya doing?
Queen Latifah introduces herself to the audience.
I hope that you're with this I hope that you're willing
Queen Latifah hopes that the audience is interested and willing to listen to the song.
I want to introduce you to a cut called Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children
Queen Latifah introduces the title of the song.
Well here comes the goy
De La Soul starts rapping.
The truth to the goy
De La Soul speaks the truth.
You know the one that ate up like boy
De La Soul refers to the person who is not truthful and eats up lies like a boy.
Stepping with a step, keeping with a kept
De La Soul is confident and maintains his style.
Making an appearance with a notty-head set
De La Soul has a unique hairdo.
Lunatics you lose cause the Plug 2's singing
De La Soul is saying that you can't compete with them because of their singing.
Peace to the negative, nah, you make the weigh-in
De La Soul gives a shoutout to those who are negative and makes themselves known.
Weigh-in, weigh-in, way out of order
De La Soul thinks that some people weigh in too much and go beyond their limits.
If you know you're better, you'd better that you caught a
De La Soul thinks that if you're better, you should accept it.
Waving mine a peace sign higher than a kite
De La Soul makes a hand gesture of peace which is above everyone else.
If you're feeling sick, it's alright it's fever night
De La Soul is reassuring those who are sick that everything will be fine.
Don't do "Do see do" and dig in no potholes
De La Soul advises to steer clear of any obstacles or problems.
Cause if you do we calling in March Patrol
De La Soul will call in for backup if there is any trouble.
It's no different from the verbal last heard
De La Soul's advice is not different from what has been said before.
Cayumbo is the ruler that's bond to the word
De La Soul refers to a ruler named Cayumbo who is truthful and sticks to his word.
He's moving more than three feet, jocking with the knee deep
De La Soul is saying that someone is always active, even knee-deep in something.
Dove is going to leave you with a tweet tweet tweet
De La Soul introduces another rapper who is going to bring happiness and fun.
Next on the menu, we continue with the pasta
De La Soul is continuing their rap with a food analogy.
Dipped in chocolate, served with lots a
De La Soul is using chocolate and sauce to describe their lyrics.
Twizzlers and honey, yum yum yummy
De La Soul is adding more food items to their analogy.
Lyrics I'm flaunting is good for the tummy
De La Soul's lyrics are enjoyable and pleasing just like good food.
Tiptoeing in I proceed to the floors
De La Soul enters a party quietly and slowly.
Selling much records like a pimp mover
De La Soul are selling a lot of records just like a skilled salesperson.
Excuse me mommy, Pos wins
De La Soul apologizes for interrupting Queen Latifah, and introduces themselves one more time with their nickname.
Cause I'm the A to the Plug W-O-N
De La Soul are spelling out their name in a playful way.
Brother freak it live for this tribe
De La Soul is dedicating their rap and performance for their audience - their tribe.
Now let's ride down the highway of vibes
De La Soul and the audience are enjoying good vibes and vibes that uplift them.
Pushing that we start cause the soul says please
De La Soul is saying that their spirits are guiding them towards spreading positivity and good vibes.
Cutting back with the raps and we don't get cheese
De La Soul is saying that they are creating music not for material gain, but for enjoyment and fun.
Ducks and we sit need to get
De La Soul is saying that they don't want to be stuck or held back, they should always keep moving forward.
Cause preacher is the key to the casualty
De La Soul is saying that their lyrics and positive vibes can be helpful and healing, just like a preacher's words.
Polaroid flicks are back and you know
De La Soul is saying that old trends and styles are coming back and everyone should embrace it.
That the soul is moving on up like the Jeffersons
De La Soul is saying that their 'soul' music is popular and uplifting just like the famous tv show 'The Jeffersons', whose theme song is about moving up and becoming successful.
Go mommy!
De La Soul is chanting and cheering on Queen Latifah as she takes over the song again.
I'm back, a black queen upon the scene
Queen Latifah is rapping again and introduces herself as a powerful and influential black figure.
With a knack for funky tracks, know what I mean?
Queen Latifah is confident in her music and style and wants everyone to appreciate it.
Prince Paul produces this and it's a fly one
Queen Latifah gives credit to her producer Prince Paul and thinks that the song is great and enjoyable.
It has a beat that weigh, he's one of my sons
Queen Latifah thinks that the beat is great and thinks of Prince Paul as one of her own.
It's a family affair and then we're out of here
Queen Latifah thinks of her producer, rapper, and herself as a family making great music together, and the song will soon be over.
There is no doubt here, cause this is our year
Queen Latifah is confident that they will reach great success and have a great year with their music.
So flex to a Queen Latifah/De La Soul sound
Queen Latifah is encouraging the audience to enjoy the collaborative sound of her and De La Soul's music.
(Go ahead mama get down)
De La Soul is cheering on Queen Latifah to continue rapping and entertaining the audience.
It's inevitable that this joint venture would be incredible
Queen Latifah thinks that their collaboration with De La Soul is great and amazing.
We never put ourselves on any pedestal
Queen Latifah and De La Soul are humble and don't think of themselves as better than anyone else.
But the rhyme is so good it's practically edible (Say what?)
Queen Latifah is saying that their lyrics are so good that it's enjoyable, and De La Soul is confirming this phrase in a playful way.
So check the sounds of Mama Zulu
Queen Latifah is referencing her Queen mother, Mama Zulu, and tells the audience to enjoy her music and sound.
As I relay the story untold
Queen Latifah is sharing a story that hasn't been told before.
And if you're wondering why I got kids so big
Queen Latifah is referring to her fans and supporters as her 'kids' and is explaining why they are so big or successful.
They weren't born from the body, they were born from the soul
Queen Latifah's 'kids' or supporters were not born out of a physical connection but instead of a connection made by their love and appreciation of her music and message.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL E. HUSTON, DEMETRIUS CATES, MOSE ROBERT DAVIS, ANDY GIBSON, DAVID J. JOLICOEUR, RAOUL MANGRUM, LEROY MANNUEL, KELVIN MERCER, DANA OWENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Craig Davis
Disco Godfather The Movie!!!!
Bad Boys/K Love-Veronica!!!!
The Counts-What's Up Front The Counts.
Grandmaster Flash And The Furious 5-Flash It To The Beat.
Billy Squier-The Big Beat!!!!
Otis Redding-Merry Christmas Baby!!!!
Uncle Louie-I Like Funky Music.
Janet Dubois-The Jefferson's Theme!!!!
Dennis Coffey And The Detroit Guitar Band-Scorpio!!!!
Craig Davis
Queen Latifah and De La Soul are true legends.
hebert johnson
;;;/
øZzLX98
De La Soul, yes
Craig Davis
De La Soul are really underrated Hip Hop band.
Greg C
I wouldn’t say underrated? they had huge success.
Flappatackle
Not at all underrated. The problem is nobody can hear their stuff due to copyright reasons
Craig Davis
Queen Latifah is a true icon.
miguel benton
They weren't born from the body they were born from the soul💥💥💥
DGray78
Just bought this on vinyl! Really good.
Jerome Godley
Did you get the red vinyl repress?