Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah & Missy Elliott Receive National Medals Of Arts From Joe Biden

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Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott are easily some of the most versatile and forward-thinking female hip-hop stars of the genre. Without them, who knows where that corner of rap would be. Well, POTUS Joe Biden and the United States government certainly recognize their hand in music but also for their general trailblazing abilities. According to AllHipHop, this past Monday, Latifah and Elliott were awarded with National Medals of Arts. They are the highest honor any artist can receive from the United States government. To be exact, “the highest award given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the United States Government and honors exemplary individuals and organizations that have advanced the arts in America and offered inspiration to others through their distinguished achievement, support, or patronage.” 

Elliott was quick to thank Joe Biden on X (Twitter) for the achievement. “I am HUMBLY GRATEFUL! Crying Tears of JOY! Thinking of the days I wasn’t so strong but through FAITH & PRAYER I kept going.. I’m SO THANKFUL. @POTUS & CONGRATULATIONS to the other amazing ppl who was blessed with this honor.”

Read More: Busta Rhymes Goes Off During Heated Exchange At The Airport: Watch

Missy Elliott Shouts Out Queen Latifah & Joe Biden

However, the gushing didn’t stop there, as the “Get Ur Freak On” rapper also gave her iconic contemporary tons of praise. “And a BiG CONGRATS to my sis @IAMQUEENLATIFAH who deserve all the bouquets. She also was honored today! Thank you for kicking down doors QUEEN for me & those after you #NationalMedalsofArts @FLOTUS The entire committee.” Biden made sure to speak highly about the recipients, tweeting, “You are inspiring as individuals and truly extraordinary as a group. The newest recipients of the National Medals of Arts and Humanities have broken barriers, blazed new trails, and redefined culture. They are truth-tellers, bridge-builders, and change-seekers. And above all they are masters of their crafts who have made us a better America.”

What are your thoughts on Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott earning National Medals of Arts from Joe Biden? Are they deserving of this honor, why or why not? How impactful have they been to music in your opinion? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Read More: Live Nation Settles 100 Personal Injury Lawsuits Stemming From Travis Scott Astroworld Tragedy

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Missy Elliott And Queen Latifah Were Awarded National Medals Of Arts At The White House

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Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah were among the artists honored by President Joe Biden with National Medals of Arts on Monday (October 21). The award is the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. Past recipients have included writer Ralph Ellison, painter Georgia O’Keeffe, singer Ella Fitzgerald, actor James Earl Jones, and actor/activist Harry Belafonte.

Missy and Latifah were both honored for their contributions to music — Missy in 2022 and Latifah in 2023 — and actually given their medals by Biden at Monday’s ceremony, alongside fellow recipients Ken Burns, Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Idina Menzel, and Eva Longoria. The two rappers were the first rappers to receive National Medals of Arts since the honor was established in 1984. Incidentally, both were the first recipients of other prestigious honors; in 2023, Latifah was the first female rapper to become a Kennedy Center honoree, while Elliott became the first female rapper inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

On Twitter (not “X,” which is a horrible name), Missy wrote: “I am HUMBLY GRATEFUL! Crying Tears of JOY! Thinking of the days I wasn’t so strong but through FAITH & PRAYER I kept going..I’m SO THANKFUL @POTUS & CONGRATULATIONS to the other amazing ppl who was blessed with this honor. And a BIG CONGRATS to my sis @IAMQUEENLATIFAH who deserve all the bouquets she also was honored today! Thank you for kicking down doors QUEEN for me & those after you.”

Unfortunately, there’s no report on whether Biden put his thang down, flipped it, and reversed it, but one can only hope.

Will Smith Is Co-Producing A Queen Latifah Biopic, Which She Is Also Producing

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Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be an increase in the sheer volume of musical biography films lately? Just in the past year, we’ve had Bob Marley: One Love, Back To Black, and Maestro, and looking forward, there are films in development about The Beatles, Pharrell, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and Linda Ronstadt.

But hopefully, you’re not all biopicked out, because another name has been added to that list, and it’s one to actually get excited about: Queen Latifah. According to Deadline, an upcoming biopic about the Kennedy Center honoree co-produced by Will Smith will be the first of a slew of hip-hop-focused bio films from Flavor Unit Entertainment (Latifah’s production company), Westbrook Studios (Smith’s), and Jesse Collins Entertainment (which produced The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story).

Latifah and Smith have a long history together, as noted by both in their press release about the project, including the 1989 Grammys boycott that forced the Recording Academy to truly acknowledge hip-hop in its annual award show. “We all came into this industry together and Hip-Hop has shaped each and every one of us,” said Latifah. “Hip-Hop’s impact has expanded beyond just music and has created a lasting impression on culture and society overall. It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding, but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives.”

Smith echoed. “When you bring talented people and teams together, you can create something truly special. I’m thrilled to work alongside Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment and HarbourView, to highlight the incredible stories of some of our favorite artists and icons. There’s no better story to start with than the one of Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has both entertained and inspired us for so many years.”

Latifah’s previous production credits include films about Salt-N-Pepa and The Clark Sisters.

The Roots Brought The Best Parts Of Roots Picnic To The Hollywood Bowl

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This past Saturday, The Roots brought the best parts of their annual festival, Roots Picnic, to the Hollywood Bowl for a special concert, Love Of My Life. Named after a song from the Philadelphia band’s 1999 fourth studio album Things Fall Apart (which was itself inspired by Common’s metaphorical 1994 storytelling track “I Used to Love H.E.R.”), the concert was dedicated to celebrating the group’s 30-year love affair with this thing called hip-hop. To that end, they recruited a slew of guests from the genre’s Golden Era to join them onstage to perform some of their greatest hits.

Arrested Development, Black Sheep, Common, Digable Planets, The Pharcyde, and Queen Latifah were all billed as performers, but throughout the evening, surprise guests ranging from Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am to an all-star roster of pioneer women in rap, including The Lady Of Rage, MC Lyte, Monie Love, and Yo-Yo, all joined The Roots on the legendary stage. And, as befits any live performance played the Philadelphian ensemble (the most recent of which I have to compare it to was their New Year’s Eve show at the Wiltern in LA just seven months ago), those hits were reinterpreted, remixed, and transformed by the addition of the live band.

When the crew launched Roots Picnic back in 2008, I felt so left out, living on the West Coast. While endless sunshine and pretty people never really gets stale, it did feel a bit like I was missing out on all the best bits of culture taking place in the northeast. As social media became more commonplace, allowed more footage from the festival to enter the public consciousness, that feeling was only intensified. For someone who counts The Roots among his most formative acts, watching Black Thought freestyle for 15 minutes on a phone screen was as exciting as it was disheartening that I couldn’t see it live.

On Saturday, I did. It was glorious. I’ve seen LeBron James play basketball in person in a high school gym in the hood (another of those perks of growing up in LA). I got the same, transformative feeling watching Tariq Trotter, a master of his craft in the same respect, do things very few other earthly powers have ever been able to come close to reproducing. When Common came out to perform “I Used To Love H.E.R.,” to see nearly 17,500 other people rap EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. was akin to a spiritual experience.

The biggest pops, though, were reserved for Queen Latifah and the cadre of hip-hop sistren who joined her for a mini-set that proved that women have always run hip-hop — and always should. Not expecting Lyte, Rage, or Yo-Yo to put in appearances, I was genuinely surprised by the surprise guest appearances. And I was awed. These women, all well into their 50s, hit every bar. The mics were ON. I get why younger artists often look like deer in the headlights at these festivals, but I’m going to recommend that you festival organizers start sending out media packages for study with the booking contracts. This is what it’s supposed to look like.

The night ended, somewhat fascinatingly, with a singalong of Black Sheep’s “The Choice Is Yours.” It was a high point, but there were so many singalong moments that could have been the finale: Thought and Com running through the title track of the evening. Arrested Development crooning “People Everyday,” Will sitting in with Pharcyde for a rendition of “Passin’ Me By,” or the Jungle Brothers popping out to perform the Native Tongues posse cut “Buddy” with more than a few of the original artists in attendance.

The best part of the show was the best part of the Roots Picnic as an event. Getting to see all these pillars of hip-hop together, not just on the same stage performing their own sets, but as a group, playing off each other, enjoying each other’s company and vibing together. That’s the one-of-a-kind experience that makes Roots Picnic one of the premiere festivals throughout the year. Even getting to sample it at an iconic venue like Hollywood Bowl? You can’t beat that with a bat.

MC Lyte Joined by Queen Latifah to Celebrate Black Men with New Single “King King”

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In a powerful collaboration just in time to close out Black Music Month, Hip-Hop legends MC Lyte and Queen Latifah have released a new single titled “King King.” The track showcases their musical prowess and delivers a heartfelt tribute to Black men, celebrating their resilience and strength.

Produced by the talented Nottz and Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, “King King” is poised to become a summer anthem. The song opens with MC Lyte’s signature lyrical brilliance, praising the journey and dedication of men who overcome challenges to embrace love and responsibility. With lines like “I see you here doing your thing king,” Lyte’s verses resonate deeply, offering a rare musical acknowledgment of Black men’s positive roles in their families and communities.

The chorus features MC Lyte and Queen Latifah harmonizing, “It’s your crown, hold it / Even if the world falls down, show it,” emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. This collaboration between two iconic figures in Hip-Hop brings a powerful message of unity and strength.

“There has never been an anthem like this that celebrated men who are committed to their families,” MC Lyte explains. “It’s about time we recognize them as Kings who deserve praise for their guidance and protection.” This sentiment is especially poignant as Black Music Month draws to a close, providing a fitting tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of Black men.

“King King” is distributed by Vydia and is set to make waves in the music industry. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 28th. This dynamic collaboration promises to be a standout track of the season, delivering a message of empowerment and respect for all listeners.

Beyond her music, MC Lyte continues to thrive in various ventures, including voiceover work and empowerment conferences. Her career, spanned decades, has set a benchmark for male and female MCs, making her a pivotal figure in Hip-Hop. MC Lyte remains a source of inspiration, demonstrating her versatility and influence in the entertainment industry.

Queen Latifah, an icon in her own right, brings her unique blend of strength and grace to “King King,” making the collaboration even more impactful. Together, they celebrate the essence of Black manhood, providing a much-needed anthem that honors their contributions and sacrifices.

“King King” invites listeners to recognize and celebrate the kings in their lives, acknowledging their struggles and triumphs. As the summer progresses, this track is set to become a staple in playlists, reminding everyone of the importance of love, commitment, and family.

The release of “King King” marks another milestone in MC Lyte’s illustrious career. Known for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics, she has paved the way for many artists and continues to inspire with her work. Her involvement in voiceovers and conferences further cements her as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Queen Latifah’s participation in “King King” adds depth to the track. Her career, marked by numerous music, acting, and production achievements, complements MC Lyte’s powerful message. Together, they have created a song that entertains, uplifts and empowers.

For those looking to immerse themselves in this celebration of Black excellence, “King King” is available on all major streaming platforms. You can also see MC Lyte at a show nearest you. Her list of current dates is available here.

The post MC Lyte Joined by Queen Latifah to Celebrate Black Men with New Single “King King” first appeared on The Source.

The post MC Lyte Joined by Queen Latifah to Celebrate Black Men with New Single “King King” appeared first on The Source.

MC Lyte Joined by Queen Latifah to Celebrate Black Men with New Single “King Kong”

by
puissancemasion mc lyte

In a powerful collaboration just in time to close out Black Music Month, Hip-hHp legends MC Lyte and Queen Latifah have released a new single titled “King Kong.” The track showcases their musical prowess and delivers a heartfelt tribute to Black men, celebrating their resilience and strength.

Produced by the talented Nottz and Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, “King Kong” is poised to become a summer anthem. The song opens with MC Lyte’s signature lyrical brilliance, praising the journey and dedication of men who overcome challenges to embrace love and responsibility. With lines like “I see you here doing your thing king,” Lyte’s verses resonate deeply, offering a rare musical acknowledgment of Black men’s positive roles in their families and communities.

The chorus features MC Lyte and Queen Latifah harmonizing, “It’s your crown, hold it / Even if the world falls down, show it,” emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. This collaboration between two iconic figures in Hip-Hop brings a powerful message of unity and strength.

“There has never been an anthem like this that celebrated men who are committed to their families,” MC Lyte explains. “It’s about time we recognize them as Kings who deserve praise for their guidance and protection.” This sentiment is especially poignant as Black Music Month draws to a close, providing a fitting tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of Black men.

“King Kong” is distributed by Vydia and is set to make waves in the music industry. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 28th. This dynamic collaboration promises to be a standout track of the season, delivering a message of empowerment and respect for all listeners.

Beyond her music, MC Lyte continues to thrive in various ventures, including voiceover work and empowerment conferences. Her career, spanned decades, has set a benchmark for male and female MCs, making her a pivotal figure in Hip-Hop. MC Lyte remains a source of inspiration, demonstrating her versatility and influence in the entertainment industry.

Queen Latifah, an icon in her own right, brings her unique blend of strength and grace to “King Kong,” making the collaboration even more impactful. Together, they celebrate the essence of Black manhood, providing a much-needed anthem that honors their contributions and sacrifices.

“King Kong” invites listeners to recognize and celebrate the kings in their lives, acknowledging their struggles and triumphs. As the summer progresses, this track is set to become a staple in playlists, reminding everyone of the importance of love, commitment, and family.

The release of “King Kong” marks another milestone in MC Lyte’s illustrious career. Known for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics, she has paved the way for many artists and continues to inspire with her work. Her involvement in voiceovers and conferences further cements her as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Queen Latifah’s participation in “King Kong” adds depth to the track. Her career, marked by numerous music, acting, and production achievements, complements MC Lyte’s powerful message. Together, they have created a song that entertains, uplifts and empowers.

For those looking to immerse themselves in this celebration of Black excellence, “King Kong” is available on all major streaming platforms. You can also see MC Lyte at a show nearest you. Her list of current dates is available here.

The post MC Lyte Joined by Queen Latifah to Celebrate Black Men with New Single “King Kong” first appeared on The Source.

The post MC Lyte Joined by Queen Latifah to Celebrate Black Men with New Single “King Kong” appeared first on The Source.

Queen Latifah Twerked On Janelle Monáe And Gabrielle Union At OUTLOUD Music Festival During WeHo Pride

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Janelle Monáe released their Grammy-nominated album The Age Of Pleasure nearly one year ago — long live the perfectly utilized 6/9 release date — and Monáe is still very much in the afterglow.

Monáe headlined the 2024 OUTLOUD Music Festival on Saturday, June 1, in West Hollywood Park as part of WeHo Pride 2024. During their set, Monáe brought out Gabrielle Union and Queen Latifah. “I want my sisters out here,” Monáe said. “We gonna walk this runway together. Legends. Legends. Period.” Latifah and Union flanked Monáe down the runway, and then all three danced it out for the cheering crowd. “I love you,” Monáe said twice, pointing at Latifah and Union. “We love you. Say y’all love ’em!”

(((( I love us and this so damn much )))),” Monáe later wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in response to a fan-taken video of the moment. “Happy PRIDE!!! [rainbow emoji, smiling face with hearts emoji, heart on fire emoji, silver heart emoji, lipstick emoji] @itsgabrielleu @IAMQUEENLATIFAH.”

Kesha and Kylie Minogue also performed as OUTLOUD headliners, while other notable acts included Adam Lambert, Big Freedia, Doechii, Keke Palmer, Noah Cyrus, Diplo, and former Uproxx cover star Ashnikko.

See more clips from the festival below.

Happy 54th Birthday To Hip Hop Matriarch Queen Latifah!

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On this date 54 years ago, Hip-Hop’s first matriarch was born in Newark, New Jersey.

Born Dana Owens, Queen Latifah grew from an affluent and promising basketball player from Irvington, New Jersey into one of the most iconic figures in the world’s most transformative sub-culture known as Hip Hop. Whether it’s hitting the booth over the past three decades, delivering solid albums for her fans or wowing viewers on the silver screen in some of her legendary roles like “Cleo” in Set It Off or “Mama” in her award-winning role in Chicago, the Queen of the legendary Flavor Unit is undoubtedly one of the most prolific figures and illustrious personalities not only in Hip-Hop but global pop culture in general.

Peace to Latifah on her born day but it wouldn’t be right unless we took it back to where it all started.

The post Happy 54th Birthday To Hip Hop Matriarch Queen Latifah! first appeared on The Source.

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A ‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant Got Beyoncé And Queen Latifah Confused Despite A ‘Greatest Rappers Of All Time’ Category

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The world is still abuzz over the Queen Bey. This past Sunday (February 11), Beyoncé broke the internet after dropping two new country singles, “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Showcasing her versatility, Bey continues to show us that she can nail any genre.

In fact, she did so last year when she dropped her rap single, “My House,” which premiered in tandem with her Renaissance concert film. As a result of her fire bars, one might think this would put her on some sort of greatest rappers of all time list. At least, such was the case for a contestant on Jeopardy.

In a category for “50 Greatest Rappers of All Time,” contestants were given a prompt, which read “She invited us to ‘come into my house’ and also deal with ‘the wrath of my madness’; We bow down before this queen.”

One contestant answered, “Who is Beyoncé?” presumably thinking the prompt was referring to “My House.” Unfortunately, this was not the correct answer.

Another contestant answered “Who is Queen Latifah,” which was in fact, the correct answer. The prompt was alluding to Latifah’s songs, “Come Into My House” and “Wrath Of My Madness” from her 1989 album, All Hail The Queen.

You can see the clip above.

7 Rappers Who Starred In Romantic Comedies

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In the entertainment world, Hip Hop artists are known for their lyrical prowess, commanding stage presence, and dynamic personalities. However, some rappers have also ventured into the realm of romantic comedies, bringing their charisma to the big screen. In stories that blend love and laughter with a dash of adversity, these artists have showcased their acting talent. Here’s a look at some notable rappers turned actors who have left a mark on the rom-com genre. 

Read More: T.I. Names His Top Five Rappers Turned Actors

Queen Latifah

Few rappers have starred in as many iconic romantic comedies as Queen Latifah. A trailblazer in both Hip Hop and film, she has graced the genre with her presence in multiple movies. Starring beside LL Cool J, she played the lead in the 2006 classic, Last Holiday. In Girls Trip (2017), she portrayed Sasha Franklin, a former journalist turned internet gossip reporter who is struggling financially. she also starred in Brown Sugar (2002), and Just Wright (2010). Evidently, Queen Latifah is an experienced Hollywood veteran, with a stellar rom-com portfolio.

Will Smith

Will Smith initially gained fame as part of the Hip Hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. However, over the years, he seamlessly transitioned into acting and it has been nothing short of extraordinary. One of the most iconic rappers of the 90s, he also has a history with romantic comedies. In 2005, he starred as the titular character in the romantic comedy film, Hitch. While it’s not as big as some other films he has started in, Hitch is a very fun watch. In the movie, Smith played a charismatic dating coach, bringing his trademark charm and comedic timing to the role.

LL Cool J

A pioneer in the rap industry, LL Cool J showcased his acting chops in the romantic comedy Deliver Us From Eva (2003). Starring alongside Gabrielle Union, he played Raymond ‘Ray’ Adams, a man caught up in a scheme to smooth out Eva Dandridge’s overbearing tendencies. He is hired by his old friend to seduce Eva and convince her to move away from her sisters’ relationships. However, in an interesting twist, he unexpectedly falls for her. Not many rappers get to be leading men in romantic comedies, but LL Cool J delivers in this role. 

Read More: LL Cool J’s Best Acting Roles

Common

Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and smooth delivery, Common took a leading role in the rom-com Just Wright. Playing alongside Queen Latifah, he took on the role of Scott McKnight, a basketball player recovering from an injury. While going through physiotherapy sessions with Leslie Wright (Latifah), McKnight finds himself falling for her. Common is one of the most notable rappers turned actors, with a healthy catalog of diverse roles.

Idris Elba

While it may come as a shocker to some, Idris Elba has actually been rapping since the 2000s. Over the years, he has also made a name for himself in the film and television industry. A prominent figure in Hollywood, he has been a leading man in many movies. Unsurprisingly, he is among the list of rappers who have starred in romantic comedies. He portrayed a single father of three daughters in the Tyler Perry film, Daddy’s Little Girls (2007). He had great chemistry with Gabrielle Union who played Julia Rossmore, his love interest. 

Nick Cannon

Love Don’t Cost A Thing was released on December 12, 2003. Featuring Nick Cannon and Christina Milian in lead roles, the movie is a remake of Can’t Buy Me Love (1987). It was released just days after Nick Cannon’s eponymous debut album dropped, and helped boost his popularity. Despite low ratings, the movie was a favorite among young audiences, and made Cannon a heartthrob. Additionally, the chemistry between the two leads was great, even leading to a romantic relationship after the film. 

Yasiin Bey 

It’s not very often romantic comedies feature multiple rappers. However, the 2002 classic, Brown Sugar, does that, and utilizes the Hip Hop stars excellently. As aforementioned, Queen Latifah appears in the film. However, Black Star’s Yasiin Bey (then known as Mos Def) also stars in Brown Sugar. While he does not play a lead role, Bey completely embodies the supporting character he portrays. Besides Latifah and Bey, many other Hip Hop stars appear in the film, but they do so as themselves. These include Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, Method Man, and Slick Rick, among many others.    

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