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.
Nature of a Sista'
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bottom of the basement
The first floor's a bore, so I'll rise
Don't want to make it to the top too quickly
So I take step-to-step all the time
Take a look at the flow of the future
If you can't shake to it
Then it don't suit ya
Bad is the worst, some are bad but soft
Bad this, bad that, who's bad enough?
For those who are bad, then batter up
I pointed this rap with my index
So baby, come on with a rag and some Windex
I'm stepping the step tryna meet me there
I'm avoiding all political fanfare
If you down take a pounding from ya fist-a
For the sound of the nature of a sista'
Who's a king, who's a queen
Who's tryna bang?
I see myself as a queen but it ain't for rank
This for all, not one, not for income
But for knowing who and where we descend from
I kick off with a choke, I come crazy new
They call me Mama Zulu but I won't baby you
I'm not the type to look for a man with cash
But the only thing you get
If you're broke's a cast
I dip, then switch, what floor is this?
I go higher than a fire, try to diss
This is a little of my headed-for-top style
Rippin tracks, whippin' in fact
It's that wild
Right on flow, a few floors to go
I see suites instead of concrete, so
If you down take a pounding from ya fist-a
For the sound of the nature of a sista'
Here's a knick-knack, sit back, hold ya hat
Here's a big rap, ya got close now get back
I got an army bustin
Through the enemy's wall
My thoughts on the situation
Was "fuck em all"
Salt-N-Pepa said it was time to grow
So me and Spin did 'em in, now time to go
Yo-Yo grabbed him, he said, "Hey
Diddle diddle"
While I and Nikki got Monie out of the middle
Sisters in action, strong, real
Still complete i say "what up" cause you
Can't come or compete
The La, the Ti-Fah booms like a speaker
I hold more soul than a sneaker
Don't ask if I'm fast, I come swift, sis
Cause I'm passing an ass if you with this
If you down take a pounding from ya fist-a
For the sound of the nature of a sista'
The lyrics of Queen Latifah's song "Nature of a Sista'" reflect her confidence, resilience, and determination as a woman in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. In the first verse, she establishes her humble beginnings, coming "from the bitty bitty bottom of the basement." She acknowledges that success shouldn't be rushed, highlighting the importance of taking each step carefully and steadily. Latifah's flow is a testament to her vision of the future, encouraging listeners to embrace and dance to a sound that resonates with them.
The second verse sees Latifah questioning societal expectations and gender roles. She sees herself as a ruler, not for rank or superiority, but as a representation of strength and empowerment for all. She rejects materialistic values, stating that she doesn't seek a man with money but rather values real connection and mutual respect. Latifah's confidence and ambition are evident as she boasts about going higher than any obstacle or criticism, never settling for mediocrity. The lyrics embody her determination to rise above and succeed on her own terms.
The third verse showcases Queen Latifah's camaraderie with other influential female hip-hop artists. She references Salt-N-Pepa, Yo-Yo, Monie Love, and MC Lyte, acknowledging their collective power and unity against the challenges they face in the industry. These powerful women stand as warriors, breaking down barriers and standing up for what they believe in. Latifah's strong presence and unique style are emphasized, making it clear that she holds her own and won't back down.
Overall, "Nature of a Sista'" is a celebration of womanhood, unity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Queen Latifah embraces her roots, recognizes her power, and uplifts the voices of other women in hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Coming from the bitty bitty
Starting from the very bottom
Bottom of the basement
The lowest level, the least prestigious position
The first floor's a bore, so I'll rise
Not satisfied with mediocrity, aiming for higher levels of success
Don't want to make it to the top too quickly
Preferring gradual progress over sudden fame
So I take step-to-step all the time
Carefully and consistently moving forward
Take a look at the flow of the future
Analyzing the potential paths and opportunities ahead
If you can't shake to it
If you can't vibe or connect with it
Then it don't suit ya
Then it's not meant for you
Break off, back off, before I bust off
Back away before I unleash my full potential
Bad is the worst, some are bad but soft
Being truly bad is the ultimate, while some only pretend
Bad this, bad that, who's bad enough?
Who can truly live up to the standard of being bad?
For those who are bad, then batter up
Those who are truly bad, step up and prove themselves
I pointed this rap with my index
I emphasize my words with precision and clarity
So baby, come on with a rag and some Windex
Clean up your act, remove the negativity
I'm stepping the step tryna meet me there
I'm striving to reach my goals and achieve success
I'm avoiding all political fanfare
Steering clear of unnecessary drama and conflicts
If you down take a pounding from ya fist-a
If you can handle the intensity and strength
For the sound of the nature of a sista'
For the empowerment and authenticity of a strong woman
Who's a king, who's a queen
Who holds power and authority
Who's tryna bang?
Who's trying to compete or challenge
I see myself as a queen but it ain't for rank
I see myself as a leader, not just for the title
This for all, not one, not for income
This is for everyone, not just for personal gain
But for knowing who and where we descend from
For recognizing our heritage and roots
I kick off with a choke, I come crazy new
I start strong, with a powerful impact
They call me Mama Zulu but I won't baby you
They see me as a strong, influential figure but I won't treat you like a child
I'm not the type to look for a man with cash
I'm not interested in someone's wealth or material possessions
But the only thing you get
But what you will receive
If you're broke's a cast
If you're financially struggling, it's a burden
I dip, then switch, what floor is this?
I move on to different things, constantly evolving
I go higher than a fire, try to diss
I surpass expectations and thrive even in the face of criticism
This is a little of my headed-for-top style
This is a glimpse of my determined, ambitious approach
Rippin tracks, whippin' in fact
Creating powerful music and dominating the scene
It's that wild
It's intense and energetic
Right on flow, a few floors to go
In a seamless rhythm, still a few levels to conquer
I see suites instead of concrete, so
I envision success and luxury instead of limitations
Here's a knick-knack, sit back, hold ya hat
Get ready for something exciting and unexpected
Here's a big rap, ya got close now get back
Presenting a powerful performance, leaving others in awe
I got an army bustin
I have a strong team supporting me
Through the enemy's wall
Breaking through barriers and overcoming obstacles
My thoughts on the situation
My perspective on the current state of affairs
Was "fuck em all"
I have no regard for those who hinder progress
Salt-N-Pepa said it was time to grow
Inspired by Salt-N-Pepa's message of progress and evolution
So me and Spin did 'em in, now time to go
Collaborated with Spin (DJ Spinderella) to overcome challenges, now it's time to move forward
Yo-Yo grabbed him, he said, "Hey, Diddle diddle"
Yo-Yo intervened, telling him to stop and think
While I and Nikki got Monie out of the middle
Meanwhile, myself and Nikki D helped Monie Love out of a difficult situation
Sisters in action, strong, real
Empowered women taking action, being authentic
Still complete i say "what up" cause you
Despite all, I greet you because you
Can't come or compete
Cannot match or challenge
The La, the Ti-Fah booms like a speaker
Queen Latifah's power and impact are felt everywhere
I hold more soul than a sneaker
I possess a deep, authentic essence
Don't ask if I'm fast, I come swift, sis
Don't question my speed, I approach things quickly and efficiently
Cause I'm passing an ass if you with this
Because I'm moving forward, leaving behind those who can't keep up
If you down take a pounding from ya fist-a
If you're ready to face the intensity and strength
For the sound of the nature of a sista'
For the impactful, authentic voice of a strong woman
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Simone Tartocchi
I bought this vinyl in 1989, I was 13! Still love it!!
hearts are pretty
I thought All Hail the Queen came out ‘89 and this came out ‘91?
J Merge
Queen Latifah is so dope man! Sucks female rappers today can't have this same type of respectable energy and DESERVING of being called a queen💯
Sara _Mac
La più dolce e stilosa della scena anni 90❤️ much respect for a Real Queen 👊
Kaylem01 Gorman
Now this is real hip hop
Harvich Sambo
It don't get no realer son! #ol skool rocks!!
Tanis C
💯💯💯💯
Natascha
@Harvich Sambo i agree
vegita_usa
Its soulfulness like this thats really missed in hip hop nowadays. Smh
hania benabed
Love it so much