“I've never been the straight rapper that is going to stand in a cipher and battle all day. I started off battle rapping, but to me, making songs became more important than freestyles... I've met many rappers who can freestyle but can't make a record.”

American rapper, actress, and singer

Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is an American rapper, actress, and singer. She has worked across music, film, and television, and her career has brought her major recognition in each field. She has received a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Actor Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards, and was also nominated for an Academy Award. In 2006, she became the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026 through the musical influence category.