0
0
The one and only Queen Latifah has been in the industry for a long time and keeps getting better each year. Latifah is a rapper, actress and singer who has won many awards from a Grammy, Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award and even has a nomination for an Academy Award. In 2006, she was the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Latifah has evolved her career through the years from starting off as a hip-hop artist before making her way to movies and tv. She starred in one of the most influential and greatest 90s TV shows ever, Living Single. She has starred in such films as Set It Off, Chicago, Hairspray and so many others. Let’s give honor and praise to this QUEEN!
Cleopatra ‘Cleo’ Sims- Set It Off (1996)
Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film follows four close friends played by Vivica A. Fox, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Kimberly Elise) in LA, who plan a bank robbery. Latifia plays Cleo and she is great in this role. This was the role that brought Latifah more into the dramatic film roles even with a great hip-hop career. As Cleo, she plays her as a hardened, defiant person but has a soft side for her friends. She went down like the G she was.
Matron “Mama” Morton- Chicago (2002)
Let’s give a major shout out to the one and only, Queen Latifah as Matron “Mama” Morton. Even though she wasn’t in the movie that much, she made sure that “Mama” had a voice and someone who is impactful in the movie if only for a really short time. The role and performance brought this Queen her one and only Oscar nomination. As “Mama” she controlled the prison as the chief nurse and made sure the girls got what they needed if it was illegal.
Khadijah James- Living Single (1993-1998)
I used to watch this show back in the day. The show focuses on six New York City friends who knew each other in Cleveland, OH and now share personal and professional experiences while living in Brooklyn. No lie, this was one of the most influential shows in the 90s and Latifah was front and center. She played Khadijah James, a Howard graduate and editor and publisher of Flavor Magazine. The show is great, and everyone should watch it.
Herself- “U.N.I.T.Y” (1993)
Latifah had a great career in music as a hip-hop artist. In her third studio album, Black Reign, she dropped U.N.I.T.Y. The song focuses on confronting disrespect of women in society such as street harassment, domestic violence, and slurs against women in hip-hop culture. It is a strong song and Latifah paved the way for many rappers today. The song was so good that it won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Bessie Smith- Bessie (2015)
In a film about the legendary blues singer known as the “Empress of the Blues,” Smith was the most popular and sought after blues singer of the 1930s aka the Jazz Age. Latifa shines brightly in the TV film as the legendary singer with an incredible performance. Latifa made sure to capture the larger-than-life performer’s presence and struggles. Latifah was nominated for an Emmy’s Best Actress but capture an Emmy for overall TV movie.
Robyn McCall- The Equalizer (2021-Present)
My mom’s new favorite show, the Equalizer is a second reboot of the franchise. The series revolves around Robyn McCall, a NYC single mother who has skills that rival many from the CIA and other organizations. This is a return for Latifah to the small screen and she is AWESOME in this role. She fully has control of her character and makes it fun to watch her craft.
“Motormouth” Maybelle Stubbs- Hairspray (2007)
Based on a Broadway show and a remake of the 1988 film, Hairspray is set in 1962 Baltimore, that follows a proud big girl named Tracy and her pursuit to being a star. When Tracy makes it big, she uses her star power to teach the city about racial segregation and why it’s not cool. Latifah plays Motormouth Maybelle, a rhythm and blues radio DJ who hosts “Negro Day”. Latifah makes the most of her screen time and one of the best ones to watch.
Gina Norris- Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004)
Even though there is a spin-off of this film called Beauty Shop, I decided to put the original first because Latifah’s character is funny and cold-blooded especially towards Eddie. Latifah plays Gina, a hairdresser next door to Calvin’s shop and his ex. Even though she doesn’t have much screen time, she makes the most of it and goes hard after Cedric the Entertainer character.
Charlene Morton- Bringing Down the House (2003)
Latifah is hilarious in this film starring alongside Steve Martin. Latifah plays Charlene, a woman that Peter meets online only for her to uproot his upper-class life. Latifah stands out with her witty exchanges with characters while she tries to prove that she is innocent of the crime. Also, to see her act beside comedy legend Steve Martin brings out her comedic chops.
Ellie- Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
Ice Age was hilarious and when a sequel was announced, we found out that Queen Latifah was joining the cast. As Ellie, Latifah is hilarious as a woolly mammoth who believes she is a possum. Yup, a possum. Latifah is great in this role as she showed her comedic range and the need of a female in the male dominated film. Also, it’s funny to see her character against the bland Manny.
