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.
Mercy Mercy Mercy
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like one of those bunnies out of the Playboy book
Well, I'm sorry bout that, Mr. Williams
But she's got something,
Johnny, much greater than gold
Well, now what's that?
I'm crazy 'bout that girl,
She's got the kind of loving, kissin' and a-huggin'
Sure is mellow, glad that I'm her fellow
And I know that she knocks me off my feet
Have mercy on me!
'Cause she knocks me off my feet
Can you dig it?
There is no girl in the whole world
That can love me like you do - ow!
Tell 'em bout it, Watson
My baby now, when she walks by
All the fellows go '~~~', and I know why
Have mercy, just look at her walk
It's simply because that girl, she walks so fine
And if she ever leave me, I will lose my mind
Because she's got the kind of lovin',
Kissin' and a-huggin'
Sure is mellow, glad that I'm her fellow
And I know that she knocks me off my feet
Have mercy on me!
'Cause she knocks me off my feet
I'd better tell 'em one more thing
There is no girl in the whole world
That can love me like you do
Ow, tell 'em bout it, Mr. Williams
Now everybody in my neighborhood
An' that's what's grooving me
Will testify that my girl, she looks so good
Well, let me tell you something else right here
She looks so fine, she give eyesight to the blind
Help 'em to make 'em see
And if she ever leave me, I will lose my mind
Because she's got the kind of lovin',
Kissin' and a-huggin'
Sure is mellow, glad that I'm her fellow
And I know that she knocks me off my feet
Have mercy on me!
'Cause she knocks me off my feet
Can you dig it?
There is no girl in the whole world
That can love me like you do
Mercy, mercy, mercy!
The song "Mercy Mercy Mercy" by Queen Latifah tells a story about a woman who is not conventionally attractive but has something special that is greater than gold - soul. The singer expresses his love and admiration for this woman and her ability to knock him off his feet. She has the kind of affection that is gentle and sweet, and he is glad to be her fellow.
The lyrics describe the woman's beauty in the way she walks, which makes all the fellows turn their heads. They testify that she looks so good and gives eyesight to the blind. The singer is crazy about her, and she has the ability to make him lose his mind if ever she leaves him. The repetition of "Mercy, mercy, mercy" at the end of the song emphasizes the singer's desperate plea for his girl's love.
Line by Line Meaning
My baby, she may not look
Despite not fitting conventional beauty standards, my partner is incredibly special to me.
Like one of those bunnies out of the Playboy book
My partner doesn't have the stereotypical looks of a model or playmate.
Well, I'm sorry bout that, Mr. Williams
I apologize if my partner does not meet your standards or expectations, Mr. Williams.
But she's got something, Johnny, much greater than gold
My partner has a quality that's more precious to me than any monetary value - something intangible and unique to her.
Well, now what's that?
Curious about what exactly makes my partner so special.
I'm crazy 'bout that girl, She's got so much soul
The thing that makes my partner so valuable to me is her soulful, passionate nature.
She's got the kind of loving, kissin' and a-huggin'
My partner is an expert at expressing affection through physical touch like kissing and hugging.
Sure is mellow, glad that I'm her fellow
My partner's love and tenderness create a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere around us - I'm happy to be with her.
And I know that she knocks me off my feet, Have mercy on me!
My partner's affection is so overwhelming it literally knocks me off my feet - I'm grateful for it.
'Cause she knocks me off my feet, Can you dig it?
Reiterating how much my partner's love affects me.
There is no girl in the whole world, That can love me like you do - ow!
Asserting that I believe my partner loves me in a completely unique and unparalleled way.
Tell 'em bout it, Watson
Asking Watson to reinforce my point about my partner's amazing qualities.
My baby now, when she walks by, All the fellows go '~~~', and I know why
Other men are drawn to my partner because of her physical attractiveness.
Have mercy, just look at her walk
My partner's walk is so alluring, it's worth begging for mercy over.
It's simply because that girl, she walks so fine
Explaining why my partner's walk is so captivating to others.
And if she ever leave me, I will lose my mind
I can't even fathom the idea of losing my partner - it would drive me crazy.
Because she's got the kind of lovin', Kissin' and a-huggin'
Repeating that my partner is an expert at showing affection through physical touch.
I'd better tell 'em one more thing
Making an additional point about my partner's lovable qualities.
Now everybody in my neighborhood, An' that's what's grooving me
My partner's attractiveness and charm are well-known by everyone around us, and it makes me happy to be with her.
Will testify that my girl, she looks so good
Others in my community will confirm that my partner is incredibly attractive.
Well, let me tell you something else right here
Making another additional point about my partner and our relationship.
She looks so fine, she give eyesight to the blind, Help 'em to make 'em see
My partner's beauty is so profound it could even help a blind person regain their sight.
Mercy, mercy, mercy!
An exclamation of gratitude for my partner's love and all its accompanying qualities.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gail Fisher, Josef Zawinul, Vincent Lopez Levy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Zoraidasinger
Have mercy on me!
It seems, that life has played a game on me.
I'm lost, in a sea of misery.
My love, is turning his back on me.
Heartache, why won't you, let me be.
Now baby, have some mercy please.
Don't make me, beg on bended knees.
Oh please.
Mercy mercy mercy please...Have mercy on me!
Mercy mercy mercy please.
How can I face life?
Without you?
What would I do?
If we, were through?
Don't you know daddy, I'll wait for you every single night?
Hoping you return, to make things right.
You don't show, and I'm sitting here all alone. (all alone now)
Just afraid you're gonna call me on the fone.
Oh baby, have some mercy please.
Don't make me, beg on bended knees.
Oh please.
Mercy mercy mercy (mercy, mercy on me) Have mercy on me!
Mercy mercy mercy me.
You know I love you.
And I'm begging you.
Give me one chance.
One chance.
One more.
I know life's got its many a twists.
But loving you daddy, is the one that I cannot resist.
Your lovin' understandin', you've been givin givin givin givin me.
Without you, I just can't go on livin.
Oh baby, have some mercy please.
Don't make me beg on bended knees.
I said.
Mercy mercy mercy (oh, mercy on me) Have mercy on me!
Mercy mercy mercy please...Have mercy on me!
Mercy mercy mercy...Have mercy on me!
Mercy mercy mercy...Oooooo
Have a little bit of mercy for your mama.
I ain't ask for too much, just a little bit from you you you you you....
@CallMeCharlie09
She is so freaking talented and humble! I can't do anything but love, respect, and admire her.
@dhalsim-1
She ain't that good
@gyulaigyula5254
>be humble
>literally call yourself Queen
choose one
@CallMeCharlie09
@Gyulai Gyula I will not! You must be bored! move around....
@Kindred04
@Gyulai Gyula - You can be humble and still be confident and think very highly of yourself in order to reach your goals. She is humble through her charitable acts and philanthropy and the way she treats people. She gave herself the moniker "Queen Latifah" (her real name is Dana Owens) when she was just a teenager starting out as rapper, which was a male dominated field at that time. I've never heard anybody say that she acts like she's better than anyone else nor that she treats her staff poorly. She always acknowledges her upbringing in Newark, NJ. She has even mentored young girls from her old community. Please educate yourself before posting such ignorance.
@beedubb7755
She is an ageless beauty! I first saw her in a fresh Prince episode and ever since then she becomes more beautiful with every passing year.
@rubbermannequin6595
What do she and Grace Jones know that the rest of us don't?!? ^_^
@ericholmes5962
Queen Latifah is very inspiring 1 of the best lyricist.the things she do inspires a lot of other artist like playing in movies and making music and reaching out to others.
@lisareutenauer2625
Agree but she did not write the lyrics for this songs. I believe Marlena Shaw did.
@TreeLeg
the song was composed by Joe Zawinul. Pretty sure he also wrote the lyrics