Queen Latifah

Dana Elaine Owens is an American singer and rapper better than her stage name Queen Latifah. Queen Latifah's performance in music film and television has been recognized with the Golden Globe award two Screen Actors Guild Awards two Image Awards a Grammy Award and six more Grammy nominations an Emmy Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination. Queen Latifah's parents were Lancelot and Rita Owens, both Police officers. Rita was a Newark New Jersey teacher who was a teacher the class at Irvington High School. The couple separated after Latifah was ten years old. Latifah was born and was raised within Newark New Jersey attended Catholic school in Newark. Latifah refers to an Arabic term that translates to "delicate and compassionate". Her aunt bestowed it on her at the age of eight. Latifah was who was 5'10" tall power forward for the high school team, was always a tall girl. She performed the hit song home from The Wiz at a performance in high school. Latifah began beatboxing with the fresh rap ladies. Latifah became part of the Flavor Unit in its original version, made up of a team of MCs and DJ Mark The 45 King. Mark James, aka DJ Mark the45 King, recorded Queen Latifah's rap Princess of the Posse. The recorded was sent to Yo! MTV Raps Freddy. Dante Ross of Tommy Boy Music, who worked for Latifah during that time and was awed by the song. The song was released in 1988. Wrath of My Madness as Latifah's first single.