Queen Latifah has had an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the entertainment industry.
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Known primarily as a rapper in her early years, she has evolved into an acclaimed actress, singer, producer, and all-around entertainment powerhouse.
Montell Jordan
One of Queen Latifah’s earliest and most successful collaborations was with R&B singer Montell Jordan. The duo first joined forces in 1995 for the hit single “UNITY (Who Needs It).” Produced by DJ Scratch and featuring Latifah’s rap verses alongside Jordan’s smooth vocals, the song was a major success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its message of unity resonated strongly and helped bring Latifah’s rap style to wider audiences.
Latifah and Jordan had great chemistry in the studio that translated well live. They performed “UNITY” together on several TV shows and awards shows, delighting audiences. Their collaboration showed that hip hop and R&B could effectively blend together. Jordan later appeared as himself in an episode of Latifah’s sitcom “Living Single” in 1996, further cementing their creative partnership. While they never recorded another full song together, “UNITY” stands out as one of Latifah’s most memorable collaborations from her early rap career.
Mary J. Blige
Another artist Queen Latifah developed a strong working relationship with is Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige. Their first collaboration came in 1998 for the soulful ballad “I Never Knew” from Blige’s multi-platinum album “Mary.” Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song featured Latifah’s rap verses intertwined with Blige’s powerhouse vocals. Their combined talents resulted in a raw, emotional performance that highlighted both artists.
Latifah and Blige joined forces again in 2007 for the single “Just Fine” from Latifah’s album “Trav’lin’ Light.” With a more upbeat, funky arrangement produced by DJ Premier, the song showcased their chemistry and sisterhood. They have also supported each other’s careers by appearing at each other’s concerts over the years. Latifah even executive produced Blige’s 2011 documentary “My Life.” Their collaborations have amplified both of their voices and brought more attention to the queens of hip hop.
Ronald Isley
One of Queen Latifah’s most soulful collaborations was with legendary singer Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers. In 2004, she recruited Isley to sing the hook and provide backing vocals for “Someday We’ll Be Free” on her album “The Dana Owens Album.” Produced by DJ Premier, the inspirational track blended Latifah’s rap verses with Isley’s timeless vocals to create an anthemic message of hope.
At the time, Isley was in his 60s while Latifah was in her 30s, showing their ability to bridge generations through music. Their undeniable talents meshed together beautifully. Latifah has cited The Isley Brothers as one of her biggest musical influences, so collaborating with Ronald Isley was a full-circle moment. The song became a fan favorite, highlighting Latifah’s evolution into an artist blending rap, R&B and soul. Her collaboration with Isley showed the power of intergenerational artistic partnerships.
Will Smith
One of Queen Latifah’s most high-profile collaborations was with fellow actor and rapper Will Smith. In 1993, they joined forces on the hit single “Just Cruisin’” from the “Made in America” soundtrack. Produced by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, the upbeat song was a major success, peaking at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its music video, featuring Latifah and Smith cruising through the city, received heavy rotation on music television.
Latifah and Smith had great comedic chemistry that translated well to their performances. Their playful dynamic helped introduce Latifah to wider mainstream audiences. She later appeared alongside Smith in the films “Wild Wild West” in 1999 and “Madagascar” in 2005, further cementing their friendship. While they never recorded another full song together, “Just Cruisin’” stands out as one of Latifah’s most popular collaborations from her early rap career and her first high-profile pairing with another A-list movie star.
Erykah Badu
In the late 90s, Queen Latifah joined forces with neo soul pioneer Erykah Badu for the empowering single “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” from Latifah’s 1999 album “Order in the Court.” Produced by Badu and featuring her trademark vocals alongside Latifah’s rap verses, the song paid tribute to their love of hip hop culture. Their distinct styles blended together beautifully over a jazzy, soulful beat.
The music video featured Latifah and Badu cruising through the city, hanging out, and performing together – showing their real-life friendship. Their collaboration was significant as two of the biggest female voices in hip hop/soul at the time. Both Latifah and Badu have cited each other as inspirations, so their pairing felt organic. While they never recorded together again, “Love of My Life” highlighted the sisterhood between these pioneering artists and their role in shaping the culture.
Jill Scott
In the 2000s, Queen Latifah joined forces with another neo soul queen – Jill Scott. Their first collaboration came in 2006 for the sensual duet “Hate on Me” from Latifah’s album “The 18th Letter.” Produced by 9th Wonder, the song featured Latifah’s rap verses matched with Scott’s sultry vocals over a smooth, jazzy beat. Their chemistry was palpable, showcasing two powerhouse black female voices in harmony.
Latifah later recruited Scott to play the role of ‘Joan’ in the 2009 musical drama “The Cookout.” Their on-screen friendship and rapport was evident. Latifah executive produced the film, giving Scott one of her breakout roles. Their collaborations highlighted the sisterhood between these trailblazing artists. Latifah continues to support Scott’s career, cementing their long-standing creative and personal bond. While they’ve never recorded another full song together, “Hate on Me” stands out as one of Latifah’s most memorable collaborations with another R&B/soul queen.
Joss Stone
In 2011, Queen Latifah joined forces with British soul singer Joss Stone for the inspirational duet “Sing.” Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the uplifting track was featured on Latifah’s album “Persona.” Their distinct vocal styles blended beautifully together over an anthemic, gospel-tinged arrangement. Latifah’s rap verses were a perfect match for Stone’s powerhouse pipes.
The music video, directed by Sanaa Hamri, showed Latifah and Stone performing the song together with a gospel choir. Their undeniable talents clearly meshed. This collaboration introduced Stone to a wider hip hop audience while allowing Latifah to flex her singing abilities. It highlighted how artists from different genres and generations can effectively come together through music. While they’ve never recorded again, “Sing” stands out as one of Latifah’s most memorable duets with another strong female vocalist.
Jhené Aiko
In recent years, Queen Latifah has collaborated with newer R&B talents like Jhené Aiko. In 2016, they joined forces on the sultry duet “U Got Me” for Latifah’s album “Chapter 28.” Produced by DJ Camper, the sensual track featured Latifah’s melodic rap verses matched with Aiko’s smoky vocals. Their chemistry was palpable, showcasing two powerful black female voices.
This collaboration introduced Aiko to a wider hip hop audience while allowing Latifah to flex her singing skills. Their distinct styles blended together beautifully. Latifah continues to support up-and-coming artists, cementing her role as a pioneer who passes the torch to new generations. While they’ve never recorded again, “U Got Me” stands out as one of Latifah’s most memorable collaborations with a fresher R&B talent pushing boundaries.
As her lengthy career shows, Queen Latifah has always had a gift for collaboration. Whether pairing with established legends or newer stars, she brings out the best in her fellow artists through her unique flow and stage presence. Latifah also uses her platform to uplift other talented women and introduce diverse collaborators to wider audiences. Her artistic partnerships have expanded hip hop’s reach while amplifying powerful voices across genres. As one of rap’s pioneering queens, Latifah’s illustrious legacy of collaboration continues to inspire new artists today.
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