Career Timeline of Queen Latifah: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Queen Latifah made an impact.
Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is a highly accomplished American rapper, singer, and actress. Her career is marked by numerous awards, including a Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, and multiple Screen Actors Guild and NAACP Image Awards. She earned an Academy Award nomination and, notably, became the first hip hop artist honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. Queen Latifah's success spans music and film, solidifying her status as a versatile and influential entertainer.
1989: Release of 'Ladies First' music video.
In 1989, Queen Latifah released the ‘Ladies First’ music video, in which South African culture is present, and included Afrocentric visuals and clothes that align culturally with South Africa.
1990: Queen Latifah's art described as politically sophisticated.
In 1990, Michelle Wallace of The New York Times described Queen Latifah's art as politically sophisticated, distinguishing it from the adolescent and overtly sexual content prevalent in most rap music at the time.
1990: Referred to as the "Queen of Rap".
In 1990, New York magazine editor Dinitia Smith referred to Queen Latifah as the "Queen of Rap".
1990: Release of Ladies First.
In 1990, Queen Latifah released her single, "Ladies First".
1991: Acting debut in Jungle Fever.
In 1991, Queen Latifah made her acting debut in the movie Jungle Fever, performing alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Halle Berry.
1993: Release of U.N.I.T.Y.
In 1993, Queen Latifah incorporated jazz and soul sounds in her rap song, U.N.I.T.Y., to address concerns regarding harassment and domestic violence within the black community, lyrics to uplift black women, and lyrics that address misogyny within the hip hop community.
1995: Co-launching Flavor Unit Entertainment.
In 1995, Queen Latifah co-launched Flavor Unit Entertainment with her business partner Shakim Compere.
1996: Queen Latifah's role in Set It Off sparks sexuality rumors.
In 1996, Queen Latifah's masculine role as Cleo in the film Set It Off led to increased speculation and rumors about her sexuality.
1996: Disagreements begin between Foxy Brown and Queen Latifah.
In mid-1996, disagreements between Foxy Brown and Queen Latifah began. Media reports indicated that Brown was a prime target of Latifah's diss record "Name Callin'", which was featured on the Set It Off soundtrack.
1998: Foxy Brown releases diss record "10% Dis".
In 1998, Foxy Brown released a diss record titled "10% Dis", where she continually questioned Queen Latifah's sexuality and accused her of being jealous.
1998: Super Bowl Halftime Performance.
In 1998, Queen Latifah performed in the Super Bowl XXXII halftime show, becoming the first rapper to do so.
1998: Queen Latifah responds to Foxy Brown with "Name Callin' Part II".
In late spring of 1998, Queen Latifah responded to Foxy Brown with another diss record titled "Name Callin' Part II", criticizing Brown's reliance on sex appeal.
2000: Reconciliation between Foxy Brown and Queen Latifah.
In 2000, Foxy Brown and Queen Latifah reconciled, with Brown performing her song "Na Na Be Like" on The Queen Latifah Show.
2005: Sugar Water Festival Tour.
In 2005, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu toured together in the Sugar Water Festival Tour, inviting music duo Floetry as opening acts.
2006: Sugar Water Festival Tour.
In 2006, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu toured together in the Sugar Water Festival Tour, inviting singer Kelis as opening acts. Comedian/actress Mo'Nique served as host.
2019: Awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal.
In 2019, Harvard University awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal to Queen Latifah for cultural contributions.
2021: Premiere of The Equalizer and signing deal with Audible.
In 2021, CBS premiered "The Equalizer", a reboot of the 1980s series, starring Queen Latifah in the lead role. Also, in 2021, she signed a deal with Audible.
2021: Receives the BET Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2021, Queen Latifah received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and was the first rapper, female or male, to be so awarded.
2023: Kennedy Center Honoree.
In 2023, Queen Latifah became the first female rapper to be a Kennedy Center honoree.
2023: All Hail the Queen album added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry.
In 2023, Queen Latifah's debut album All Hail the Queen was added into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, making it the earliest female rap recording to enter the Registry.
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