Famed rapper, singer, model and actress Dana Elaine Owens, better known by … Read Full Bio ↴Famed rapper, singer, model and actress Dana Elaine Owens, better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, was born on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey. Her debut album All Hail to the Queen sold more than 1 million copies, and the single U.N.I.T.Y. earned Latifah her first Grammy Award. Latifah has also garnered acclaim for acting; she earned her first Oscar nomination (best supporting actress) for her performance in the blockbuster musical Chicago. She has also earned a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination.

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.

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

U.N.I.T.Y.
Queen Latifah Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uh, U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity
U.N.I.T.Y., love a black man from infinity to infinity
(Who you calling a bitch?)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black woman from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black man from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)

Instinct leads me to another flow
Everytime I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho
Trying to make a sister feel low
You know all of that gots to go
Now everybody knows there's exceptions to this rule
Now don't be getting mad, when we playing, it's cool
But don't you be calling out my name
I bring wrath to those who disrespect me like a dame
That's why I'm talking, one day I was walking down the block
I had my cutoff shorts on right cause it was crazy hot
I walked past these dudes when they passed me
One of 'em felt my booty, he was nasty
I turned around red, somebody was catching the wrath
Then the little one said (Yeah me bitch) and laughed
Since he was with his boys he tried to break fly
Huh, I punched him dead in his eye and said "Who you calling a bitch?"

(Here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black woman from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)
(Here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black man from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)

I hit the bottom, there ain't nowhere else to go but up
Bad days at work, give you an attitude then you were rough
And take it out on me but that's about enough
You put your hands on me again I'll put your ass in handcuffs
I guess I fell so deep in love I grew dependency
I was too blind to see just how it was affecting me
All I knew was you, you was all the man I had
And I was scared to let you go, even though you treated me bad
But I don't want my kids to see me getting beat down
By daddy smacking mommy all around
You say I'm nothing without ya, but I'm nothing with ya
A man don't really love you if he hits ya
This is my notice to the door, I'm not taking it no more
I'm not your personal whore, that's not what I'm here for
And nothing good gonna come to ya til you do right by me
Brother you wait and see (Who you calling a bitch?)

(Here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black woman from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)
(Here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black man from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)

What's going on in your mind is what I ask ya
But like Yo-Yo, you don't hear me though
You wear a rag around your head and you call yourself
a "Gangsta Bitch" now that you saw Apache's video
I saw you wilding, acting like a fool
I peeped you out the window jumping girls after school
But where did all of this come from?
A minute ago, you was a nerd and nobody ever heard of ya
Now you a wannabe... hard
You barely know your ABC's, please
There's plenty of people out there with triggers ready to pull it
Why you trying to jump in front of the bullet (Young lady)
Uh, and real bad girls are the silent type
Ain't none of this work getting your face sliced
Cause that's what happened to your homegirl, right? Bucking with nobody
She got to wear that for life (Who you calling a bitch?)

(Here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black woman from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)
(Here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black man from (You must let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain't a bitch or a ho)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Queen Latifah's U.N.I.T.Y. revolve around themes of gender and race equality with a strong focus on the empowerment of black women in the face of oppression. In the first few lines, the song reiterates the importance of unity within the black community, highlighting the strength and power that comes from standing together against systemic racism and discrimination. This message is reiterated in subsequent verses as Queen Latifah speaks out against misogyny and violence towards women, confronting the use of derogatory terms like "bitch" and "ho" which can belittle and dehumanize those they are directed towards.

The lyrics also tackle issues of domestic violence, with Queen Latifah addressing the fear and trauma that can come from abusive relationships. She encourages women to speak up against their abusers and not accept being treated as a personal object to be controlled or dominated. Throughout the song, Queen Latifah's messages of self-respect, empowerment, and fighting back against oppressive societal norms serve as a powerful call to action for all those marginalized within society.

Line by Line Meaning

Uh, U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity
Unity among black people is important

U.N.I.T.Y., love a black man from infinity to infinity
Respect and love black men unconditionally

(Who you calling a bitch?)
Questioning the use of derogatory terms for women

U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that's a unity
Repetition of importance of unity among black people

(You gotta let him know)
Educating men to not use derogatory terms for women

(You go, come on here we go)
Encouraging women to stand up for themselves

U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black woman from infinity to infinity
Respect and love black women unconditionally

(You got to let him know)
Educating men to respect and not mistreat black women

(You ain't a bitch or a ho)
Rejecting derogatory terms used for women

U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black man from Instinct leads me to another flow
Following instinct to address issues affecting black people

Everytime I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho
Reacting to men using derogatory terms for women

Trying to make a sister feel low
Men should not try to belittle or degrade women

You know all of that gots to go
Derogatory terms for women must stop

Now everybody knows there's exceptions to this rule
Acknowledging nuances in language usage

Now don't be getting mad, when we playing, it's cool
Context matters in language usage

But don't you be calling out my name
Rejecting personal insults and disrespect

I bring wrath to those who disrespect me like a dame
Conveying assertiveness in response to disrespect

That's why I'm talking, one day I was walking down the block
Sharing a personal experience

I had my cutoff shorts on right cause it was crazy hot
Describing personal attire

I walked past these dudes when they passed me
Narrating a situation

One of 'em felt my booty, he was nasty
Experiencing sexual harassment

I turned around red, somebody was catching the wrath
Feeling angry and assertive in response to harassment

Then the little one said (Yeah me bitch) and laughed
Harasser trying to act tough in front of peers

Since he was with his boys he tried to break fly
Harasser trying to impress his friends

Huh, I punched him dead in his eye and said "Who you calling a bitch?"
Confronting the harasser with physical force

(Here we go)
Continuing the encouragement to stand up for oneself

I hit the bottom, there ain't nowhere else to go but up
Facing rock bottom in a relationship and aiming for improvement

Bad days at work, give you an attitude then you were rough
Addressing the impact of external stressors on personal relationships

And take it out on me but that's about enough
Setting personal boundaries for acceptable behavior

You put your hands on me again I'll put your ass in handcuffs
Standing up against domestic violence and abuse

I guess I fell so deep in love I grew dependency
Acknowledging unhealthy dynamics in a relationship

I was too blind to see just how it was affecting me
Coming to a realization about personal well-being

All I knew was you, you was all the man I had
Describing emotional attachment in a relationship

And I was scared to let you go, even though you treated me bad
Struggling to come to terms with a toxic relationship

But I don't want my kids to see me getting beat down
Prioritizing children's well-being over a harmful relationship

By daddy smacking mommy all around
Addressing the impact of domestic violence on families

You say I'm nothing without ya, but I'm nothing with ya
Rejecting codependency and emotional manipulation

A man don't really love you if he hits ya
Stating the obvious and condemning domestic violence

This is my notice to the door, I'm not taking it no more
Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship

I'm not your personal whore, that's not what I'm here for
Stating personal boundaries and rejecting objectification

And nothing good gonna come to ya til you do right by me
Expecting accountability and repentance before reconciliation

Brother you wait and see (Who you calling a bitch?)
Demanding respect and rejecting derogatory language

What's going on in your mind is what I ask ya
Encouraging introspection and open communication

But like Yo-Yo, you don't hear me though
Expressing frustration with being ignored or dismissed

You wear a rag around your head and you call yourself a "Gangsta Bitch" now that you saw Apache's video
Commenting on media portrayal of women and its impact on behavior

I saw you wilding, acting like a fool
Observing erratic or reckless behavior

I peeped you out the window jumping girls after school
Witnessing harassing or predatory behavior

But where did all of this come from?
Questioning the origins of violent and disrespectful behavior

A minute ago, you was a nerd and nobody ever heard of ya
Comparing past behavior to current behavior

Now you a wannabe... hard
Rejecting false or performative displays of toughness

You barely know your ABC's, please
Criticizing ignorance or lack of education

There's plenty of people out there with triggers ready to pull it
Pointing out the potential for violence in certain situations

Why you trying to jump in front of the bullet (Young lady)
Urging caution and self-preservation

(Who you calling a bitch?)
Reiterating the rejection of derogatory language

U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black man from (You must let him know)
Educating black women to assert themselves in relationships

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: D. OWENS, J. SAMPLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

@ThisBahamianGyal

4y↑5.1K

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what TRUE female empowerment looks like.

@mrsbdubc2174

4y↑207

Yep, now you have to worry about being called a B from other women claiming it is a word of empowerment 🤦🏾‍♀️

@ThisBahamianGyal

4y↑36

@G. C. That's what I'm talking about. Much respect, sir.

@shavonnestacia2865

3y↑15

Exactly.

@dilmakbastien7566

3y↑13

Thank you!

@kicobubu

3y↑8

Amen to that!

68 More Replies...

@osariemenefosa4569

25w↑238

Who's with me jamming unity in 2023
Queen Latifah. ❤❤❤

@cash9739

15w↑11

I’m sorry…It’s Jan 8,2024 🕺 🙌🏽 Big Jersey

@user-by4qi3ww8e

13w↑1

Me!!!!

@user-cu8jt2ei9u

13w

Sholl not me

@brendaducharme8434

13w↑3

2024 🎉❤

@pfchim2012

13w↑4

2024. Here to support sisters and cleanse from Pound Town.

6 More Replies...

@lisareimers3943

1y↑1.4K

This song was popular when I was in the process of leaving an abusive marriage. I listened to it all the time. Looking back now, I realize how much it helped me get the strength and courage to leave before it was too late. Thanks Queen 💖

@chineramairehoward3538

1y↑10

A NYC in a Brooklyn
A grab of a book ,s
A read , a better word

@jl2937

1y↑8

Same

@Nerdylady

1y↑3

❤❤❤

@nicolecurry3978

1y↑12

Thank GOD you made it baby 🙏🏾🙏🏾✨✨✨✨✨✨we love you 💕

@lisareimers3943

1y↑4

@@nicolecurry3978 Thank you very much! 💕🙏🕊️

6 More Replies...

@Etcher

21w↑169

Queen Latifah, a living Hip Hop legend. I was 16 when this dropped; always loved this tune and a very positive message in Hip Hop. Latifah, YoYo and Lyte are untouchable.

@user-lb5yu5bd3e

18w↑4

Don't forget Salt N Pepa!

@thedeepthought

39w↑296

30 years later this song STILL SPEAKS VOLUMES
Thank you Queen Latifah

@yemixakin

50w↑968

You see? This is how true real rap is done. Preaching a story to the masses through quality wordplay and a catchy, funky beat. She's reciprocaitng a valid story with lessons that actually mean something! Personally, I wish I could hear more rap music like this.

@bigballfiend4

46w↑2

You are the problem can you tell me the only female rapper with a no one solo single? You don't spend money your opinion is invalid.

@yemixakin

45w↑33

@@bigballfiend4 chillll bruh omg. it’s never that deep…😭✋

@michelledowdle7549

38w

@@yemixakin😂

@Sentient.A.I.

37w↑15

people ain't the problem the industry is the problem. You can't buy what isn't produced labeled and sold. I mean you can now with some newer platforms but the stuff that gets big is only big because its what they Agreed to sell you. Its hard for stuff to go viral without Being bribed up at the radio stations. Nobody is looking through 10 million songs to find the real shit and if they are then someone is paying them. The music industry in the usa has always been a scam. It's why the majority of "artists" are young and attractive. Just look at Opera the best singers there are focused only on voice and not looks. I call everything that is listened to in the usa Sub-pop because it's either pop or a subdivision trying to be pop. Original Rap was about story telling to a beat. Its not all garbage like mumble rap and wannabe dealer/gangster rap of today

@leejee88

37w↑17

exactly telling tales from the hood ...where hip hop originated

12 More Replies...

@hamaxawara4987

4y↑1.7K

No one's gonna talk about how beautiful she is😍

@useyurhed

4y↑32

Shit I have always said i would have put so many babies in the gorgeous woman!

@michaelrivera2080

4y↑18

Yes she is!

@fabricesioul3397

4y↑19

She definitely is !

@billiswillis4087

4y↑3

@@useyurhed 👌

@JuanFuentes8492

4y↑8

She looks like whale with feet..

61 More Replies...

@KAs619

40w↑115

THE 90s. Nothing on this planet gives me the feeling I get when listening to 'Golden Era' music. Songs had 3 verses and were more than 3 minutes long. Queen set a high standard, for men & female MCs. Pure classic.

@dweb704

1y↑687

Them saxes/horn sections in mid 90's hip/hop & RnB are EVERYTHING. TLC, Redman, Queen Latifah and so many more. Hammers down that east coast city vibe all too well.

@NatoShinobi

1y↑14

Yes . Yes. And more Yes. You get it. Bless up

@Ariell848

52w↑2

Yessss! ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽🙌🏽🫶🏽🙏🏽♥️

@JoseDavidAcevedoMontalvo

50w↑12

The Crusaders - A Message From The Inner City

@rickyshwarz

49w

Yes, sir. Preach it. I see you peeped that, too.

@chrisfearro

38w

@@JoseDavidAcevedoMontalvo thank you for sharing this

6 More Replies...

@naylabirden9050

24w↑64

This lady was beyond her time she is still beautiful!! This song had a great message we need more songs like this in this era she always had on modest clothes and made hits!! She is a legend

@loveablearies02

1y↑450

You can't appreciate these old school records until you're up in age and have truly lived.

@jl2937

1y↑2

Yess

@kncdco5966

1y↑16

Not true...this is a classic and the message is timeless

@raealexander9125

1y↑1

Good ol days

@oberfeldwebelhans7652

39w↑2

Nah man I can appreciate this

@aedwardsss

37w↑5

Back in the day this was revolutionary. Women were ready for this shit to stop and then the pendulum swung back hard. It’s swinging back again though, and so we may see this come back.

3 More Replies...

@MF-zo6kk

34w↑46

Definition of a Black Queen right here loud and clear and what ever happened to Muzik! 💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@keltonwheeler9770

28w↑2

💯

@anonnnymousthegreat

8w↑1

That’s why she’s Queen Latifah

@nzinghak3566

3y↑2.4K

“A man don’t really love ya if he hits ya!” Straight truth✨✨✨

@agfromdai.e3806

3y↑6

Depends most of the time that’s true

@shira4441

3y↑199

@@agfromdai.e3806 hitting someone is never ok unless it’s self defense

@adoremedream5834

3y↑26

@@shira4441 this.

@yellingateveryone2520

3y↑66

@@agfromdai.e3806 hitting someone is inexcusable except for self defence. And if a man is in a situation where he has to defend himself from his girl, that’s toxic and that relationship needs to be over and vice versa.

@pleaseshutup7053

3y↑1

@@yellingateveryone2520 that’s exactly what he said most of the time I assume he was talking self defense

11 More Replies...

@darowdeeone2106

12w↑16

The Queen smashed this track out of the park then and the ball is still flying in 2024!! Timeless!! 💖❤‍🔥🖤

@driaw7104

11w↑19

2024 needs more women like this in mainstream media ❤

@DonyoSanghelei30

20w↑44

If only we took songs like these seriously 😔 this what we need

@TheNelsonmonteiro

1y↑100

What a message for us men; let's make sure we treat the ladies with respect.

@Trudon

1y↑1

The sad part is the female rappers of today dont respect themselves or men. Its all trash.

@Max-jn7gz

14w

@truthhearer6323

11w↑1

Respect goes both ways

@jackiemaldonado7777

11w↑1

❤❤❤

@Jay42000

27w↑13

The horns at the beginning was genius, this song takes me right back to the 90's. 🥺

@annieromero3955

9y↑14.6K

The reason why she's wearing a key is because her brother died in a motorcycle accident. That's the same key he used. She still wears it to this day.

@peanutboy0921

9y↑615

Never knew that!

@nicolegeary9636

9y↑250

+Annie Romero I never knew that! That's really awesome actually :)

@willowbanks4859

8y↑291

+Annie Romero that is so sad but great that she remembers about him

@geronjenkins18

8y↑98

+Annie Romero Her bro name was Lance. She knew him since they were kids.

@peanutboy0921

8y↑672

Geron Jenkins normally you know your siblings since you were a kid.

242 More Replies...

@shirleyhendricks1342

1y↑107

I have been watching Fight The Power's history of hip-hop she was mentioned. She won the first rap Grammy against four rap male artists. Now she is an actress too. Love her style & music.

@VirgoBaby07

1y↑137

I love this song and everything about it because it's speaking a powerful truth while being powerful! But nobody's talking about her being on the motorcycle and the key on her necklace around her neck. I also love she added that in her music video as a way of remembering her brother that had passed away a year previous from when this music video was made. This just goes on to prove how powerful of a message she is really just sending through. This video gives me chills in an amazing way, and Queen Latifah has always been and always will be one of the biggest role models in my life, and I only have a very few role models. She speaks up and out for the underdogs and stands up for herself while being at it. She is just literally everything and is so inspiring! I love you Queen Latifah thank you for bringing on such powerful messages to this ass-backward world. Y'know what, it's not even the world, it's the people.

@mookiecarter904

37w↑21

Dam dat saxophone hit my soul & took me back to my childhood

@rachelfrederick9769

30w↑28

She's what I grew up with. Music and lyric wise! I respect her so much 💕 love you Queen!

@andrewboland1062

1y↑49

We all need to push this song, a great message like this deserves more, imagine thousands of people if not more than that, listening/watching this music video on a daily basis, imagine how much it would get the YouTube algorithm to recommend it, it's very much needed nowadays

@lexkanyima2195

More involved

@shethingsd

1y↑6

I'm an Empowerment Self Defense instructor with 20 years experience. I live in a country where most women are harassed every day just going to the shop. I prepare myself mentally and physically just to buy some groceries. 2 things I love and live by for many years with this song: standing up to street harassment; "who you calling a bitcch?" And of course UNITY because we have to stand together. I see so much nasty online bullying of women on women and it is upsetting.

@anitafoxworth6564

Yes

@FocusedFighter777

51w↑2

@@shethingsd
This truth is so sickening: because most men still deny it all. Despite women going through it, and going through it, and going through it......

@jostallworth3087

4y↑1.7K

THIS is why the other rappers hated her. She was speaking truth.

@dollynina8992

4y↑43

@Vee Quilfe that was said so beautifully omg🙌🙌👏👏

@billiswillis4087

4y↑7

@Vee Quilfe 👌😇👌

@sosa4186

4y↑45

Vee Quilfe which Rapper hated the Queen

@lauraflewellen4500

4y↑15

And did it with class

@lalaready

4y↑4

@Vee Quilfe I love this comment

14 More Replies...

@jessicawilliams1176

1y↑78

From the music to the rap/lyrics, I love it. Definitely one of her greatest songs, if not the greatest. Happy 53rd Birthday to one of the greatest MC’s and pioneers of all time, Queen Latifah! I love you. 03/18/2023 ❤❤️🥳🎉🎊

@mamachida1

1y↑58

I have loved this since it came out when I was a kid. At 43, I just wrote about this song & video for my American Women history class as an empowering representation of women in media. This song has helped me so many times in life to stay strong. Thank you, QUEEN. 👑

@OscarRamirezHH

30w

👏🙏

@takishaflowers672

1y↑51

This song has so much power in it..Truth is..💯💯

@longbeachcalifornia847

1y↑64

Queen Latifah is beautiful I can’t get enough of this music video took me back to yo MTV rap days❤

@nazarene5461

1y↑2

Hell yeah

@longbeachcalifornia847

1y↑2

@@nazarene5461 Queen Latifah is very beautiful I like that TV show living single

@deborahvenetucci8278

22w

For r realz. Ha! ❤❤❤😊

@longbeachcalifornia847

22w

@@deborahvenetucci8278. Queen Latifah is beautiful.

@shantitakemoto1058

27w↑16

Heard this message as a 11 yr old when it was playing on MTV..the standard it gave me for how I should be treated as a woman in a relationship I think has made me have better relationships with men ..more than I think I would have had I not heard this song. I think I dodged a lot of unnecessary hardship and can stand up and know my worth when it really counts, and I’m really grateful for that. On top of that it’s a freaking badass song and video..the vibe is off the charts!!!

@MewWolf5

8y↑3.8K

This song is over 20 years old and it's still relevant.

@catdelo1203

8y↑58

That's really sad

@MewWolf5

8y↑4

Cat DeLo Yeah

@TrillBill

8y↑2

+MewWolf5 Which is a good thing

@MewWolf5

8y↑65

+Little Richard What I meant is that it's still relevant because we still live in a world with so much sexism and abuse, which this song is speaking out against. 20 years and not much has changed.

@TrillBill

8y↑14

MewWolf5 Oh,I'm sorry lol I thought you were talking about it's lyrical authenticity.My bad,Wolf.

41 More Replies...

@LisaCatalina

1y↑25

NOTHING compares to these days!!!! 🔥🔥🔥

@shawnni3014

51w↑3

Facts

@StephanBoyyy

10w↑4

In my early 20s there was a club called "Stereo" where we would always party. They played exactly this kind of music, basically the whole old school hip hop era. This was over 10 years ago now, which already feels like an eternity for me. I miss these times so bad. This song just took me back <3

@jackieknight4049

20w↑21

Absolutely Timeless...they dont make 'em like that anymore 🙅

@strauqq1

1y↑16

Dang that beat is incredible. The bassline is not playing

@arthuroliver1862

28w↑7

Im 56 and i remember seeing her in concert, she is the true Queen of hip hop. She dedicates everything she does to the spirit of her brother.

@joselynjolivet337

4y↑398

One of the baddest female rappers ever. Intelligent, articulate. Love her message and flow.

@corylackland8377

3y↑1

Absolutely! She's a legend.✌🏾
https://youtu.be/f3a_si4A1vQ

@nr30199

3y↑1

Straight facts!!!

@payableondeath9091

3y↑2

@@nr30199 her bday was the 18th of March had to revisit this HAPPY BELATED BDAY 2021 QUEEEEEN

@angelanatasha4418

1y↑27

I remember on In Living Single at the end of one of their episodes they played this but I've always loved this song! More women need to listen to this❤ I always come here because she's always been a strong women and this song gives me strength and make mes feel confident and a sense of empowerment! Always loved the Queen! 👑

@cheetalious36

51w↑17

That whole album was lit. She is so talented❤

@ThisIsTori_

28w↑12

This song is always lowkey playing in my head. My mantra at this point.

@juanmarrero6848

1y↑18

This is a one of my dopest tracks I've ever heard. Growing up as a youth this song let it be known not to disrespect your Lady.

@OnyensoCaleb

35w↑10

Never letting go off this track!!!!!! its 2023 and I'm here for it!!!!!

@kidix389

4y↑2.7K

U.N.I.T.Y, still listening in 2020.
When Hip Hop had a positive message.

@chronorust3359

4y↑50

Still does...just wont find much of it outside of the Underground. Check out Substantial and Oddisee, they're amazing :)

@navimarlow

4y↑1

Yesss!!

@moniquecoker6481

4y↑6

Lenny Gil she needs to rerelease this now

@TheOnyanchizzo

4y↑3

@@moniquecoker6481 true ahahaahha

@tshepokenneth6938

4y↑2

Let's fight this Corona together Gil

29 More Replies...

@nohrancaldeira4674

1y↑35

All hail to our Queen!!!!!!!

@jeanemlicar

32w↑8

I love Queen Latifah as an entertainer yet music wise,this was her best album to me. I notice whenever an artist goes through some rough times,they release their best material. For real.

@glendalangley1686

9w↑1

I love and respect Queen Latifah. One time I was asked the security question who was my favorite teacher. My answer Queen Latifah we both just start giggling😊 if the Queen see this . I hope it makes her smile.😊

@Alexandra-ix3be

1y↑22

Who's here to come back and reminisce this song after the 2023 grammys hip-hop performances!

@LoveTarnar

32w

Meeee

This ain’t my favorite song in rap, but in general my actual favorite song!!

@KBriBeats

4y↑2.1K

The original Queen of Hip hop.

@1NV4S10N

4y↑21

🔥🙌🏾🔥🙌🏾

@kellco465

4y↑101

Before the industry tied to push thots and strippers, the music today is programming and poisoning the youth today

@supthanks2600

4y↑58

And Mc Lyte......😒

@toidean633

4y↑12

@@supthanks2600 definitely!

@hamadoubachirou6146

@@1NV4S10N m est

48 More Replies...

@ikephipps2696

49w↑9

The sax doesn't get enough love

@shesonfire_

25w↑11

❤❤❤ this message…. Love it. And it wasn’t the nineties of a sax wasn’t in the song. ❤

@chyannethespiritualempress

9w↑16

Whos here in 2024?❤

@Cheyanidexoxo

Cool name

@chyannethespiritualempress

@@Cheyanidexoxo thankyou

@damonjohnson1408

We in here

@jeanmariegustave5506

1y↑12

Really deserved the Grammy this hit won🔥🔥🔥

@darsellabiles2146

37w↑8

I miss old school uplifting raps and enlightening messages! She very creative, sang jazz , dance , model, and act!

@tyliekinc.

3y↑881

U.N.I.T.Y won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance

@duncan3998

3y↑26

Thankgod otherwise it would've been a huge waste for this `1993' gem

@pedrosalles9273

3y↑21

as it should

@ArmyWolves

3y↑17

I love how Queen Latifah carried the whole song... Naughty by Nature were in the video as the guys who grabbed her as she walked by but they didn't rap or do the chorus and this was a good move in my view

@joshingram071

2y↑3

@@ArmyWolves They her lil bros. Flavor Unit was not to play w out here in NJ. Treach even said Latifah was knocking dudes out over disrespect back then.

@ArmyWolves

2y↑1

@@joshingram071 Thanx. Didnt know that.

1 More Replies...

@menininha92

50w↑32

We need more female rappers like Queen Latifah in 2023 ♥

@sommercurrie5540

31w↑1

Honestly she needs to come back miss Queen Latifah

@chinedueke6981

14w↑1

You ain't get that anymore...

@gerardop4986

37w↑11

I remember growing up to beautiful music like this…..Art like this educated and inspired. Their messages are POWERFUL and carried so much growing up in a very poor environment. ❤❤❤

@Gadrawingz

40w↑31

100 years later but the song is still in our hearts!

@Trey-he4bg

34w↑4

100 years are you for real?

@xxgaming_angelsxx

27w

This song is 28 years old.

@Trey-he4bg

27w

@@xxgaming_angelsxx 28 years is less than 100 fool

@AmillionWays2live

37w↑7

This has to be certified top 50 hip hop joints of all time.

@empressmoon5794

26w↑8

This woman doesn't even know how much of a legend she is ❤

@waleades8682

8y↑2.8K

this woman never ages still looks like this

@peterpanfan010

8y↑150

black don't crack :)

@1-to-Adore

8y↑32

+peterpanfan010 you never lied!!

@anthonyblue321

8y↑5

+Stef C
True true

@FreebieBabe

8y↑48

Balck don't crack. Her skin and hair has always been flawless.

@FreebieBabe

8y↑2

+Sarah Smile Black

23 More Replies...

@KaptifLaDistillerie

1y↑4

Everytime I hear a woman saying rap is a man's world and that she has no chance in it, I just introduce her to Queen Latifah ! Timeless !

@elisae4335

46w↑7

Why is rap no longer like that? Am so nostalgic of those years and the queen doesn’t aging still gorgeous

@diamond-tw9rs

48w↑6

🎷🎷🎷 There's that SAX 🎷🎷🎷 U N I T Y 👏👏👏👏👏 May 21,2023 👏👏👏👏

@ramblingrahema2125

1y↑6

This was my FAVORITE song as a kid! Like as a 5/6 year old

@keshonafletcher1439

1y↑8

Love a black woman from infinity to infinityyyyy

@LetriceAllia

4y↑239

The saxophone is EVERYTHING 👏🏽🎷

@Jm-ek8th

@fivecinco5923

YEAH HE IS

@kallee8917

OMG yessssssssss!!!!!

@stackbundles2663

it's hard

@amb-yz9ee

1y↑7

Love this 80s/90s Afrocentric hip hop.

@Antario29

1y↑6

That saxophone hits the right spot

@charlesc.b2435

35w↑4

My mom used to pump this on a regular while we drove up the 405. Still 🔥🔥🔥

@RA1NM4N978

12w↑4

I was only 5 and I still prefer this over today’s music any day of the week.

@nicolehermes5677

19w↑2

Used to play this song all the time when i was in abusive relationship. He used to hate it. I played it several times a day till one day i finally left. Still here in 2023. Queen helped me get out fr.

@veronicah9306

5y↑1.5K

I rapped this song when I was 9. I ended up in a marriage with a guy who treated me like this. I thought back to this song & it gave me the inspiration to leave him

@GeronFletcher

5y↑62

Veronica H that’s powerful

@vanillabeanos7911

4y↑34

Veronica H Good for you, thats the power of music

@Penitten

4y↑6

Nice✌

@ruru_bckwrds8737

4y↑5

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

@patrickmiller278

4y↑12

I'll Always RESPECT 1 QUEEN

24 More Replies...

@titubamoon

1y↑14

This still goes hard!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@SEMI.REZZY1114

35w↑4

Mama love taught me this song growing up 💯 .. I love listening to this now more than ever now that she’s gone .. main reason I treat women with respect no matter what .. sometimes they’ll play you but it’s best to move on & wish em the best .. chin up gangsta real Men still get their flowers 💐🐺

@felicitywillboughby6901

9w↑1

Ain't nothing like the old skool. Still listening 2024 to this gifted Queen

@geriko1

1y↑14

One of my favorites from the Queen. She wears her deceased brother’s motorcycle key on her chain in order to remember him. That’s love.

@Black-jv2fv

1y↑11

Congratulations 🎉 Now this song will be preserved forever in our history.

@leatitiamairsx447

6y↑1.1K

Every time I see Queen Latifah I see a beautiful strong black women 😍😍

@godspeed1176

5y↑3

Leatitia_ Mairsxox yo she’s always been real & down for the real

@i.1213

5y↑6

She’s talented, eclectic and HOT! 🔥 😍

@brandoncujcuy3259

5y↑1

I think the same too girl.

@justiceanderson5891

5y↑15

@co122189 i think Females and Men can all take notes from this. We all can change and become a unity brotha. These beautiful queens already know how to be queens. Some of our strong brothas know how to be kings already. Dont judge a book by its cover. 😊

@kerrihenderson9292

5y↑1

💕yes

12 More Replies...

@adib6992

1y↑7

This Song and Album is Perfect ❤️…….Queen is a G.O.A.T!!!…..Everything about this is Flawless🔥❤️

@benjamincastleman8580

1y↑4

Man Queen latifah is A lyrical genius... I've known that my whole life, I Was raised in the '90s.. AND I can't believe I hardly Appreciated her, until Now..! But This Song is So Real to This Day 2023, and I don't think the Way thing's Are going with you WORLD IN 2023…, That we Are going to UNIFY ANYTIME SOON.. But that's what dreams we're made for..if you're a DREAMER..!

@mattsmiff1753

34w↑2

i get chillz ery time that sax comes in.

@gearea5189

1y↑4

That saxophone 🎷 though🎶....all hail the Queen!

@yonathanseleshi

19w↑1

We are so blessed to have had Queen Latifah and all the incredible female MCs we've had. Hip Hop wouldn't be what it is without Queen Latifah, Mc Lyte, Missy, Lauryn, Foxy, Kim, Salt & Peppa, Ladybug Mecca, and on and on..

@larrytan73

4y↑1.2K

I remember How ignorant parents were back then . Saying how hip-hop was negative ..Most of the music in the early 90's was pro-black and positive!

@ladyruler9585

3y↑30

Stop it. NWA, Too Live Crew, Tupac, Biggie, ect were all def deginerate rappers.

@larrytan73

3y↑45

@@ladyruler9585 i said most! if your looking for an argument goto court...

@larrytan73

3y↑5

hahahahaha lmao! that was some 90's street talk..i'm just playing bro! but u right!

@Hi-xh5ck

3y↑33

@@ladyruler9585 no if actually heard they music and knew what they stand for you would know they was uplifting.

@Jm-ek8th

3y↑6

@@ladyruler9585 NWA ? U sure ?🥴

37 More Replies...

@sammydane5988

11w↑2

Latifah scored a classic with this one, & 'Just Another Day'! 💯❤️😎

@algrolls

25w↑7

One of my all time favorite Hip-Hop songs.

@screamingtima1318

42w↑2

I fell in love with Queen Latifah around the time this video came out and I absolutely loved her in ‘Chicago.’ What a woman!

@rojasfilms3250

1y↑6

i thought queen latifah was just an actress, i feel so ignorant, but im happy i discovered this amazing song im elevated to another level.

@latriciabrooks5953

36w↑4

For me, this is real rap/ music. I'm a 80's child and I grew up on the best. This stuff some of these women rappers are saying, well, they're not saying nothing.

@NeverLetLoveGo

4y↑403

Literally a mother of black feminism. You are amazing, Queen Latifah!

@-xnnybimb-9398

4y↑13

Too bad black feminism mixed in with white feminism in a horrible way

@woogoo400

4y↑13

*A mother of black U.N.IT.Y

@duncan3998

3y↑1

Yeah, even treating her as a mother too.

@tamilashultz9676

3y↑1

Feminism is a negative. It's all about hating men. She's not a happy woman. She never has been.

@emmieshytgoode2164

1y↑2

Love A Black man from infinity to infinity ❤ 💃🏾

@kdub6898

36w↑3

Classic. Vibes unmatched… 90s hip-hop!🔥🔥🔥

@lotus___freedom

37w↑9

This message is still relevant today ❤

@IK_4

17w↑4

I was in high school when this song came out. The sad thing is that this message is needed now more than ever 😢

@mattsheezy5469

1y↑10

I love Latifah, & Yo-Yo 💟 Such classy, & beautiful women, both are brilliant writers & true artists.

@carlaward1256

3y↑4.6K

Twenty eight years later, and her lyrics still speak truth.

@khanyisilephewa7529

3y↑39

Ain't that the truth!

@lucasmccauley782

3y↑14

Hello. Carla

@duncan3998

3y↑24

Oh shit, that means she blessed me with this and Just Another Day. ✨1993✨

@pleaseshutup7053

3y↑8

More now than ever

@changestillinfinity5550

3y↑4

@@lucasmccauley782 hello Lucas 😏

32 More Replies...

@Earnie104

Thank you Queen Latifah for the rap aera where the songs had meaningful messages and gave all Queens around the world the strength and courage to be bold, beautiful and classy. This generation needs more of you and your phenomenal hits. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹