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 (ΩΨ·ΩΩΨ©), 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.
Nuff
Queen Latifah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I told you before: you burn when you play with fire
So take off your hats, matter of fact hail the new Sire
You're hungry as hell, so i'm cookin up the chowder
It's laced with ingredients, gon' come on like gunpowder
Pom-pom! lick a shot, then I got to order
I'm runnin for the border for causin disorder
Pom-pom! lick a shot, got on my defenses
The particular name of this queen is Latifah
I've often been classified as a feminine teacher
Collectively capture the heart of a nation
Love my culture and show appreciation
You're lookin for the black influ'?
I do want too give it to you
What are you mad?
Give me some of what you had!
You can huff-huff, puff-puff and bluff-bluff
But I got nuff of the ruff stuff
(Ruff and tuff)
(And all that stuff)
Now nuff of the ruff stuff, that's what I do, and I do it well
The proof is in the puddin, I show and prove, not show and tell
Talk tales, you get caught up in a crossfire
Buckshot must be what you want and desire
I write concepts, I don't be frontin or be buggin
I solely write the rhymes for the beats that you be lovin
It's a love thang, the Queen doin her thang
If I was a liquid, you would drink me like Tanq'
You think I'm kickin things that I myself don't even heed?
I rap not for the love of music, but for greed?
"Latifah's booty, yo, she could never succeed"
Shiiit...
You watch me do it and boom it, the Flavor Unit will snap necks
You a-fi listen a likkle, you fi go buy the cassette
You're starvin, cause you ain't had enough
That's right, nuff of the ruff stuff
(Ruff and tuff)
(And all that stuff)
You talk about flavor...
I got enough flavor to make a grapefruit sweet
Get old ladies jumpin out of their seats
Change a peach to a pear to a plum with a little sun 'n rays
I got flavor for days
Now I'm the type that the fellas call a honey, and
From me you know you get a worth for your money, and
This is no meaningless attack, I gave you a chance
Matter of fact, yo, I ordered them to 'dance
For me', they tried to turn me 'inside out'
They felt the 'wrath of my madness', I let them 'come into my house'
It's called 'latifah's law', for the criminal to curse
And all the gentlemen know its rule: 'ladies first'
Not the typical female that tends to
Fall vitim to the 'evil that men do'
Small puff, I call your bluff
I'm not mad, I just had enuff of the ruff stuff
(Ruff and tuff)
(And all that stuff)
Everybody know Latifah love positivity
Now positivity erase negativity
Mi comin inna di dance (?)
Me rollin with the Flavor Unit posse
As a black woman mi want equality
Equality, and di freedom to be me
Mi have a mother Rita, only call her Mommy
Likkle brother and sister, Angelo and Kelly
A brother in them laws, but mi call him Winki
Lost mi daddy and (?) family
(?) black (?) black country
Believe in one God, one tribe, one destiny
Cease!
The lyrics of Queen Latifahβs song βNuff of the Ruff Stuffβ is a bold and in-your-face reflection of her artistic persona. The song serves as a reminder to people to avoid playing with fire, and instead, focus on positivity and spreading love. The lyrics also serve as a reflection of the value she places on Black culture and the appreciation she has for it. As a female artist, Latifah also emphasizes the importance of womenβs empowerment and encourages people to respect females.
In the lyrics, Latifah talks about her skills and how she writes powerful lyrics that resonate with people. She also talks about how people often underestimate her abilities, but she proves them wrong. The chorus of the song βRuff and tuff, and all that stuffβ is catchy and makes the song memorable. Overall, βNuff of the Ruff Stuffβ is a powerful and empowering song that speaks to the heart and soul of her fans.
Line by Line Meaning
Get funky with it
Let's have fun and groove to the music.
I told you before: you burn when you play with fire
I warned you already, indulging in dangerous activities can lead to negative consequences.
So take off your hats, matter of fact hail the new Sire
Respect me as your queen, and show your admiration by removing your hat.
You're hungry as hell, so i'm cookin up the chowder
You want some good music, so I'm going to deliver it to you.
It's laced with ingredients, gon' come on like gunpowder
My music is powerful and explosive, like gunpowder.
Pom-pom! lick a shot, then I got to order
I'm a leader and I'm calling the shots, and if necessary, I'll use force to get things done.
I'm runnin for the border for causin disorder
I'm creating chaos and confusion, and I'll do whatever it takes to escape the consequences.
Pom-pom! lick a shot, got on my defenses
I'm on my guard and I'm prepared for any possible attacks or threats.
I'm runnin for the fences, of course I'm relentless
I'm striving for excellence and success, and I won't let anyone or anything stop me.
The particular name of this queen is Latifah
My name is Latifah, and I'm a unique and special queen.
I've often been classified as a feminine teacher
Many people see me as a role model and a leader, particularly for women.
Collectively capture the heart of a nation
Through my music, I've won the love and affection of many people across the country.
Love my culture and show appreciation
I'm proud of my cultural heritage, and I express my gratitude for it in my music.
You're lookin for the black influ'?
Are you searching for a positive role model for black people?
I do want too give it to you
I'll gladly share my positive influence with you.
What are you mad?
Why are you angry?
Give me some of what you had!
Share your anger and frustration with me, and let's work together to overcome it.
You can huff-huff, puff-puff and bluff-bluff
You can talk big and act tough, but it doesn't impress me.
But I got nuff of the ruff stuff
I've had enough of the negativity and the tough-guy act.
Now nuff of the ruff stuff, that's what I do, and I do it well
I specialize in positive, uplifting music, and I'm really good at it.
The proof is in the puddin, I show and prove, not show and tell
I let my music speak for itself, and I don't need to brag about it.
Talk tales, you get caught up in a crossfire
If you spread rumors and gossip, you'll get yourself in trouble.
Buckshot must be what you want and desire
You seem to enjoy negativity and violence.
I write concepts, I don't be frontin or be buggin
I create meaningful, thought-provoking music, and I don't try to be fake or irritating.
I solely write the rhymes for the beats that you be lovin
I write lyrics that match the great music that you enjoy listening to.
It's a love thang, the Queen doin her thang
My music is based on love and positivity, and I'm just doing what I do best.
If I was a liquid, you would drink me like Tanq'
My music is so refreshing and enjoyable, you would consume it like a delicious drink.
You think I'm kickin things that I myself don't even heed?
You think I'm promoting something that I don't even believe in myself?
I rap not for the love of music, but for greed?
Do you seriously think I'm only in it for the money and fame?
"Latifah's booty, yo, she could never succeed"
Some people are so shallow that they can't see beyond physical appearances and talent.
Shiiit...
That's ridiculous and insulting!
You watch me do it and boom it, the Flavor Unit will snap necks
You will witness me creating great music and achieving great success, along with my talented team.
You a-fi listen a likkle, you fi go buy the cassette
You should take a listen to my music and buy the cassette, you won't regret it.
You're starvin, cause you ain't had enough
You're craving positive, uplifting music, and you haven't had enough of it yet.
That's right, nuff of the ruff stuff
That's correct, I'm all about positivity and love, and I'm done with the negativity.
You talk about flavor...
You mention the concept of flavor.
I got enough flavor to make a grapefruit sweet
My music is so flavorful and enjoyable, it can even enhance the taste of a grapefruit.
Get old ladies jumpin out of their seats
My music is so lively and exciting, even older people will dance to it.
Change a peach to a pear to a plum with a little sun 'n rays
My music can transform a regular day into a sweet, special occasion.
I got flavor for days
My music is delicious and satisfying, and there's plenty to go around.
Now I'm the type that the fellas call a honey, and
I'm the kind of woman that men find attractive and engaging, and
From me you know you get a worth for your money, and
If you spend money on my music, you know you're getting your money's worth.
This is no meaningless attack, I gave you a chance
I'm not just attacking you for no reason, I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Matter of fact, yo, I ordered them to 'dance
Actually, I commanded them to dance, because my music is irresistible.
For me', they tried to turn me 'inside out'
They tried to undermine my reputation and influence, but they couldn't succeed.
They felt the 'wrath of my madness', I let them 'come into my house'
They experienced the power and fierceness of my music, and I welcomed them into my world.
It's called 'latifah's law', for the criminal to curse
My influence is so strong, even criminals feel compelled to follow my positive example.
And all the gentlemen know its rule: 'ladies first'
Men who appreciate and respect women understand the importance of treating them with priority and respect.
Not the typical female that tends to
I'm not like the stereotypical woman who usually
Fall vitim to the 'evil that men do'
I don't let myself be victimized by men's bad behavior or negative influence.
Small puff, I call your bluff
Your threats and posturing don't intimidate me, and I'm ready to call your bluff.
I'm not mad, I just had enuff of the ruff stuff
I'm not angry, I'm just fed up with all the negativity and violence in the world.
(Ruff and tuff)
Tough and rough.
(And all that stuff)
Etcetera, and things like that.
Lyrics Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANA OWENS, LUIS VEGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@osaserewizzyboo13
Nature of a sista is a classicπ
@Denizli727
Queen Latifah π₯°π₯°π₯°π!
@rightweaponry908
I listened to this soo much as a kid the lyrics are literally seared into my brain and the older i get the more i am grateful this is the type of shit my young ears were hearing. Couldn't of had a better role model growing upππ½β¨
@antrite08
My Favorite Latifah album and one of my favorite tracks.
@windsorcopywriting4120
this is my fave Latifah track.... so good. produced by The 45 King's understudy Louie Louie (I think)
@phatkatvegamusic
Your right
@81VALERA
Love Queenπ€
@j.tradeforexinc.2819
Lawd ha mercy.... Real female MC....β€β€β€β€.....HAIL TO THE π QUEEN!!!!!
@bespiritfilledbespiritfill410
+AAA+Proofπ
@edmilsonnunes589
Show!! Show!! Show!!ππππππππ