Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is a multi-talented American artist excelling as a rapper, actress, and singer. Her illustrious career has earned her numerous prestigious awards including a Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. She also received an Academy Award nomination. Her significant contribution to the entertainment industry was further acknowledged in 2006 when she became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1969: Release of "Oh Happy Day"
The Edwin Hawkins Singers released the iconic gospel song "Oh Happy Day."
March 18, 1970: Birth of Dana Elaine Owens
Dana Elaine Owens, known professionally as Queen Latifah, was born in Newark, New Jersey.
1989: Appearance on "The Hustlers Convention" Album
Queen Latifah appeared as Referee on the UK label Music of Life album "1989 – The Hustlers Convention (live)."
1989: Release of "Wrath of My Madness"
Queen Latifah's first single, "Wrath of My Madness," was released, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
1989: Debut Album "All Hail the Queen" Released
Queen Latifah released her debut album, "All Hail the Queen," which featured the hit single "Ladies First."
1989: Ladies First Music Video
Queen Latifah released her music video for "Ladies First." This work showcased Afrocentric visuals and clothing that aligned with South African culture.
1990: Queen of Rap
Queen Latifah was dubbed the "Queen of Rap" by New York magazine editor Dinitia Smith.
1991: Early Film Roles and Television Appearances
Queen Latifah launches her film career with supporting roles in House Party 2 and Juice, and makes guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
1991: Acting Debut in Jungle Fever
Queen Latifah made her acting debut in the film "Jungle Fever," which featured prominent Black actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Halle Berry.
1991: Second Album "Nature of a Sista'" Released
Queen Latifah released her second album, "Nature of a Sista'," produced by Tommy Boy Records.
1992: Continued Film and Television Work
Queen Latifah appears in Jungle Fever and continues her guest role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
1992: Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women
Queen Latifah received a Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, recognizing her contributions to the empowerment of Black women.
1993: Third Album "Black Reign" Achieves Gold Certification
Queen Latifah's third album, "Black Reign," achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking a significant milestone for a solo female rapper at the time.
1993: Release of "U.N.I.T.Y."
Queen Latifah released the impactful song "U.N.I.T.Y.," addressing violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality.
1993: Release of U.N.I.T.Y
Queen Latifah released "U.N.I.T.Y," a rap song that addressed social issues like harassment and domestic violence within the Black community. The song incorporated elements of jazz and soul music.
1993: Guest Role on Hangin' with Mr. Cooper and Living Single Debut
Queen Latifah has a guest role on Hangin' with Mr. Cooper and begins her starring role on the FOX sitcom Living Single.
1993: "Living Single" Premieres
Queen Latifah began starring as Khadijah James in the Fox sitcom "Living Single."
1995: Co-founds Flavor Unit Entertainment
Queen Latifah and her business partner, Shakim Compere, co-founded Flavor Unit Records, which later became Flavor Unit Entertainment. The multimedia company aimed to provide full service to artists.
1996: "Set It Off" Film Release
Queen Latifah landed a leading role in the action film "Set It Off."
1996: Starring Role in Set It Off
Queen Latifah stars in the box office hit Set It Off.
1996: Set It Off Film and Sexuality
Queen Latifah's role as Cleo, a butch lesbian bank robber in "Set It Off," fueled speculation about her sexuality. Queen Latifah's decision to not address the rumors allowed her to take on diverse roles.
1998: End of Living Single and Role in Living Out Loud
Queen Latifah's run on Living Single comes to an end, and she has a supporting role in the film Living Out Loud.
1998: "Living Single" Concludes
The Fox sitcom "Living Single" concluded after a successful five-season run.
1998: Collaboration with Ro Smith
Queen Latifah collaborated with Ro Smith, now CEO of Def Ro Inc., on her fourth hip-hop album, "Order in the Court."
1998: Fourth Album "Order in the Court" Released
Queen Latifah released her fourth album, "Order in the Court," under Motown Records.
1998: First Rapper to perform at Super Bowl Halftime Show
Queen Latifah became the first rapper to perform during the Super Bowl XXXII halftime show.
1999: "The Queen Latifah Show" Premieres
Queen Latifah launched her daytime talk show, "The Queen Latifah Show."
1999: The Bone Collector and The Queen Latifah Show Premiere
Queen Latifah stars in The Bone Collector alongside Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie, and her talk show, The Queen Latifah Show, premieres.
2001: First Run of "The Queen Latifah Show" Ends
The initial run of Queen Latifah's daytime talk show, "The Queen Latifah Show," came to an end.
2001: Conclusion of The Queen Latifah Show's First Run
The initial run of The Queen Latifah Show ends.
2001: Will Smith's Oscar Nomination for Ali
Will Smith is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in the film Ali.
2002: Academy Award Nomination for "Chicago"
Queen Latifah received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Matron "Mama" Morton in the musical film "Chicago."
2003: Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year
Queen Latifah was awarded Artist of the Year by the Harvard Foundation.
2003: "Bringing Down the House" Film Release
Queen Latifah starred in the comedy film "Bringing Down the House."
2003: Bringing Down the House and Soundtrack Contribution
Queen Latifah stars alongside Steve Martin in the hit comedy Bringing Down the House and contributes the song "Do Your Thing" to the soundtrack.
2004: Jamie Foxx's Oscar Wins for Ray and Collateral
Jamie Foxx makes history by winning two Oscars in the same year: Best Actor for Ray and Best Supporting Actor for Collateral.
2004: "Taxi" Film Release
Queen Latifah co-starred in the comedy film "Taxi."
2004: Release of "The Dana Owens Album"
Queen Latifah released "The Dana Owens Album," showcasing her exploration of soul and jazz music.
2004: Grammy Nomination for "Trav'lin' Light"
Queen Latifah's album "Trav'lin' Light" received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" category.
2005: Release of "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and "Beauty Shop"
Queen Latifah appeared in two films: "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and "Beauty Shop."
2005: Creation of Sugar Water Festival Tour
Queen Latifah, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu came together to create and own the rights to the Sugar Water Festival Tour, LLC. The trio embarked on a tour, featuring music duo Floetry as opening acts.
January 4, 2006: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Queen Latifah receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
2006: Sugar Water Tour with Kelis and Mo'Nique
The Sugar Water Festival Tour continued, with singer Kelis joining as an opening act and comedian/actress Mo'Nique serving as the host.
2006: Will Smith's Oscar Nomination for The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith receives his second Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in The Pursuit of Happyness.
2006: Hollywood Walk of Fame
Queen Latifah was the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2006: Critically Acclaimed Performance in Last Holiday
Queen Latifah receives praise from critics, notably Richard Roeper, for her performance in the romantic comedy/drama Last Holiday.
2006: Queen Latifah Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Queen Latifah was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first hip hop artist to receive this honor.
2006: "Last Holiday" Film Release
Queen Latifah starred in the comedy-drama film "Last Holiday."
July 11, 2007: Performance at the Hollywood Bowl
Queen Latifah headlined a live jazz concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, backed by a 10-piece orchestra and three backup vocalists.
2007: Jennifer Hudson's Oscar Win for Dreamgirls
Jennifer Hudson wins the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dreamgirls.
2007: "Hairspray" Film Release
Queen Latifah appeared in the musical film "Hairspray."
2007: Success with Hairspray and Acclaimed Performance in Life Support
Queen Latifah enjoys success with the film adaptation of Hairspray and earns critical acclaim for her portrayal of an HIV-positive woman in Life Support, winning a Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Emmy nomination.
2007: Production of The Perfect Holiday
Queen Latifah produces and stars in the film The Perfect Holiday alongside Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Charles Q. Murphy, Jill Marie Jones, and Faizon Love.
2007: Release of "Trav'lin' Light"
Queen Latifah released "Trav'lin' Light," an album featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Stevie Wonder.
October 4, 2008: Saturday Night Live Appearance
Queen Latifah appears on Saturday Night Live, impersonating Gwen Ifill in a sketch about the vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin.
2008: Queen Latifah Confirms Completion of All Hail the Queen II
Queen Latifah confirms that her new hip-hop album, titled All Hail the Queen II, is finished.
2009: Release of Persona Album
Queen Latifah releases her album Persona, featuring the lead single "Cue the Rain."
2009: Release of "Persona"
Queen Latifah released her album "Persona."
2009: Presenter at the 81st Academy Awards and Michael Jackson's Memorial
Queen Latifah presents the "In Memoriam" segment at the 81st Academy Awards and speaks at Michael Jackson's memorial service in Los Angeles.
February 7, 2010: Super Bowl XLIV Performance
Queen Latifah performs "America the Beautiful" alongside Carrie Underwood at Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, Florida.
June 27, 2010: 2010 BET Awards Host
Queen Latifah hosts the 2010 BET Awards.
June 2011: Honorary Doctorate Degree
Queen Latifah receives an honorary doctorate degree in Humane Letters from Delaware State University.
2011: Collaboration with Tony Bennett
Queen Latifah collaborates with Tony Bennett on the duet "Who Can I Turn To" for Bennett's album Duets II.
2011: Inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame
Queen Latifah was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
January 2012: Queen Latifah Announces New Album
While appearing on 106 & Park with Dolly Parton to promote Joyful Noise, Latifah revealed she was working on a new album.
2012: "Joyful Noise" Film Release
Queen Latifah co-starred in the musical film "Joyful Noise."
2012: Starring Role in Joyful Noise
Queen Latifah stars alongside Dolly Parton in the musical film Joyful Noise.
September 16, 2013: Premiere of The Queen Latifah Show
Queen Latifah's syndicated daytime television show, The Queen Latifah Show, premieres.
2013: Revival of The Queen Latifah Show
Queen Latifah revives her talk show, The Queen Latifah Show, for a new run.
2013: "The Queen Latifah Show" Returns
Queen Latifah's daytime talk show, "The Queen Latifah Show," was revived for a new run in syndication.
January 6, 2014: The Queen Latifah Show Renewed for a Second Season
The Queen Latifah Show is renewed for a second season due to its popularity.
January 26, 2014: Officiating Weddings at the Grammy Awards
Queen Latifah officiates the weddings of 33 couples during Macklemore's performance of "Same Love" at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
November 21, 2014: Cancellation of The Queen Latifah Show
Sony Pictures Television announces the cancellation of The Queen Latifah Show due to declining ratings.
December 18, 2014: Production Ends for The Queen Latifah Show
Production of The Queen Latifah Show ceases, marking the end of its run.
2014: "22 Jump Street" Film Release
Queen Latifah appeared in the action-comedy film "22 Jump Street."
March 6, 2015: Final Episodes of The Queen Latifah Show Air
The final episodes of The Queen Latifah Show air, concluding the show's second season.
2015: Emmy Nomination for Bessie
Queen Latifah receives a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her portrayal of Bessie Smith in the HBO film Bessie.
2015: Emmy Award for "Bessie"
Queen Latifah won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie for her role as Bessie Smith in the HBO film "Bessie," which she also co-produced.
2015: Second Run of "The Queen Latifah Show" Ends
The syndicated revival of "The Queen Latifah Show" concluded after two seasons.
2016: "Star" Series Premiere
Queen Latifah began starring as Carlotta Brown in the musical drama series "Star."
2017: "Girls Trip" Film Release
Queen Latifah starred in the comedy film "Girls Trip."
2017: Mary J. Blige's Oscar Nomination for Mudbound
Mary J. Blige is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Mudbound.
2017: American Black Film Festival Honors
Queen Latifah received the Entertainment Icon award at the American Black Film Festival.
2018: Honorary Doctorate from Rutgers University
Queen Latifah received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Rutgers University.
2018: Death of Rita Lamae Owens
Queen Latifah's mother, Rita Lamae Owens, passed away.
2019: W.E.B. Du Bois Medal from Harvard University
Harvard University awarded Queen Latifah the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, recognizing her cultural contributions.
2019: "Star" Series Finale
The musical drama series "Star," in which Queen Latifah starred as Carlotta Brown, aired its final episode.
2020: Portrayal of Hattie McDaniel in "Hollywood"
Queen Latifah portrayed Hattie McDaniel in the miniseries "Hollywood."
2020: Fashion Icon and Body Image Advocate
Vogue editor Janelle Okwodu recognized Queen Latifah as a fashion icon who helped spark a conversation about body image and size inclusivity in the fashion industry.
2021: BET Lifetime Achievement Award
Queen Latifah received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first rapper, male or female, to receive this honor.
2021: Lead Role in "The Equalizer"
Queen Latifah took on the lead role in CBS's revival of the action drama "The Equalizer."
2023: Album Added to Library of Congress
Queen Latifah's debut album, "All Hail the Queen," was added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry. It became the earliest female rap recording to be included and made Queen Latifah the second female hip-hop artist to have her work in the registry.