Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, is a trailblazing American rapper, singer, and actress. She began her music career in the late 1980s, releasing her debut album, *All Hail the Queen*, in 1989, which showcased her unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, and soul. Latifah's empowering lyrics and Afrocentric style set her apart, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for "U.N.I.T.Y." in 1995. Transitioning seamlessly into acting, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role in *Chicago* (2002) and has starred in numerous films and television shows. Latifah's multifaceted talents and commitment to uplifting messages have solidified her status as a cultural icon. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Latifah?utm_source=openai))