Queen Latifah

Dana Elaine Owens better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American musician, actress, and rapper. Queen Latifah is an American rapper, actress and singer. Queen Latifah's parents are Lancelot and Rita Owens. They were both members of the police force. Rita was a Newark New Jersey teacher, who worked the class at Irvington High School. Her parents divorced in the year Latifah was ten. Latifah was born and brought up in Newark New Jersey attended Catholic schools in Newark. Latifah is a word that means gentle and kind. Her cousin gave it to her at the age of eight years old. Latifah was always tall and tall. Standing 5'10" She was a power forward of her high-school basketball team. She sang "Home" from The Wiz during a play at her highschool. Latifah was a member of Ladies Fresh, a rap group that launched her beatboxing career. Latifah was a part of with the Flavor Unit in its original version, made up of a team of MCs led by producer DJ Mark The 45 King. Mark James (aka DJ Mark the 45King) recorded a sample of Queen Latifah rapper Princess of the Posse. The song was recorded and given to Yo! MTV Raps who is known as Freddy. Dante Ross of Tommy Boy Music was signed by Latifah following her hearing of the song. Her first single, Wrath of My Madness, in 1988.