There are rare moments when an artist defies the boundaries imposed upon them, transcending genres, cultures, and expectations to create something timeless. Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, stands among those figures—pioneering, trailblazing, and always pushing forward. In an exclusive interview, Queen Latifah opened up about her journey from Newark, New Jersey, to becoming a multi-hyphenate icon in music, film, and activism.

Early Life in Newark: A Story of Resilience

Born on March 18, 1970, in Newark, Latifah was raised in a close-knit family that played an integral role in shaping her artistic outlook. Her mother, Rita Owens, was a beacon of strength and a constant influence on her growing ambitions. “My mom was a schoolteacher,” Latifah reminisces, her voice warm with admiration. “She worked hard, and she always instilled in us this sense that we had to be better than good. We had to be excellent.”

Newark, a city often misunderstood and frequently overshadowed by nearby New York, is where Latifah first nurtured her love for the arts. In a home where education and community mattered, Latifah learned the power of resilience early. “Newark shaped me,” she says with conviction. “It wasn’t always easy, but the toughness of the city made me tough too.”

Her father, Lancelot Owens Sr., a police officer, was equally impactful. “He showed me how to be strong,” Latifah explains. “But he also showed me that strength doesn’t always mean being hard. It can mean standing up for what you believe in, but doing it with grace and respect.” This lesson would become a bedrock in Latifah’s life, a guide as she began her ascent in the male-dominated world of hip-hop.

Breaking Barriers in Hip-Hop: Becoming the Queen

Latifah’s entry into hip-hop was nothing short of revolutionary. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, hip-hop was a field heavily dominated by men. It was bold, brash, and frequently dismissive of female voices. But Latifah, with her powerful lyrics and unapologetic presence, wasn’t looking for acceptance—she was carving her own path. Her 1989 debut album All Hail the Queen was a seismic shift in the industry, a declaration of power, and a reminder that women had not only a place in hip-hop but a right to its throne.

“At the time, people didn’t know what to do with me,” Latifah reflects. “A woman? Rapping about issues? Wearing African headpieces and baggy clothes? It wasn’t what the industry expected.” She laughs at the memory, but there’s a clear edge of pride in her voice. “But I wasn’t doing it for them. I was doing it for me. For other women like me.”

Her single “Ladies First” became an anthem for empowerment, setting the tone for Latifah’s unapologetic feminist stance. She used her platform to challenge norms, calling out misogyny, racism, and the narrow definitions of femininity that the industry often upheld. “I wanted young girls to see someone who looked like them, who sounded like them, who wasn’t trying to be anyone but herself.”

Navigating the industry as a young Black woman, Latifah recalls the countless challenges. “People underestimated me all the time,” she says. “I had to fight twice as hard, not just to be heard, but to be respected. There were times I felt like I was shouting into the wind, but I never backed down.”

Despite these obstacles, Latifah’s perseverance paid off. She became the first female hip-hop artist to be nominated for a Grammy Award, and her music’s social commentary made her a voice for a generation seeking change. “It wasn’t about fame for me,” Latifah notes. “It was about using my voice to speak on things that mattered.”

From Music to Hollywood: A Queen in Every Medium

As the ’90s unfolded, Queen Latifah began expanding her horizons beyond music. She ventured into acting, initially with roles that mirrored her tough, no-nonsense image. But Latifah had much more to offer. “I didn’t want to be pigeonholed,” she says. “I love hip-hop, but I knew I had more stories to tell.”

In 1993, Latifah landed her breakout acting role as Khadijah James in the hit sitcom Living Single. “That show was a game-changer,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just about being a rapper anymore. It was about showing the world that I could act, I could produce, I could lead.”

For Latifah, transitioning into Hollywood was not without its struggles. “Hollywood wasn’t exactly welcoming to rappers back then,” she says candidly. “People didn’t see us as real actors. They saw us as gimmicks.” She pauses, considering her words carefully. “But I wasn’t going to let anyone tell me what I could or couldn’t do.”

Her filmography is a testament to her refusal to be confined by stereotypes. From comedic roles in Bringing Down the House to her Oscar-nominated performance in Chicago, Latifah consistently defies expectations. “I’ve always tried to pick roles that felt right to me, not just ones that people thought I should do.”

Yet, even as she gained fame as an actress, Latifah remained deeply connected to her music. “I never left music behind,” she says. “It’s my foundation.” In 2004, she released The Dana Owens Album, showcasing her love for jazz and soul. “People were surprised by that album,” she laughs. “But I wasn’t. That’s always been a part of who I am.”

Advocacy and Activism: Using Her Platform for Change

Queen Latifah has long been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ issues. “I didn’t get into this business to be a role model,” she admits. “But I realized that people were looking up to me, and with that comes a responsibility.”

Her activism is deeply rooted in her own experiences. “As a Black woman in this industry, I’ve seen the way the world can try to limit you,” she says. “I’ve experienced racism, sexism, homophobia—all of it. But instead of letting it break me, I decided to fight back.”

Latifah’s work with organizations that promote equality and justice has become as much a part of her legacy as her music and films. She’s particularly passionate about empowering women of color in entertainment. “It’s not enough to be successful on my own,” she says. “I want to make sure that the door stays open for the next generation.”

In recent years, she’s also become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to speak out against discrimination and support marginalized communities. “I don’t think anyone should have to hide who they are,” she says. “I want to be a voice for those who feel like they don’t have one.”

Looking Ahead: Legacy and Future Projects

As our conversation winds down, Queen Latifah reflects on her future. “I’m not done yet,” she says with a grin. “There’s so much more I want to do.” She’s currently working on new music and has several film projects in the pipeline. “I’m excited about where things are headed,” she adds.

But more than anything, Latifah is focused on mentoring young artists. “I had people who believed in me, who helped me get to where I am,” she says. “Now it’s my turn to do that for others.”

Her legacy is already undeniable—an artist who broke down barriers, shattered stereotypes, and used her voice to inspire change. “When people look back on my career,” she says thoughtfully, “I hope they see someone who stayed true to herself, who fought for what she believed in, and who made things a little easier for those who came after her.”

As we finish the interview, it’s clear that Queen Latifah’s story is far from over. From Newark to the Grammys, to Hollywood, and beyond, she’s a force of nature—an unstoppable queen reigning over every realm she touches.