Queen Latifah has made her mark in TV, fillms as well as music

Some of Queen Latifah’s key projects over the years:

Music

“All Hail The Queen” (1989) – Makes her debut with an Afrocentric, feminist disc that asserts her as rap royalty. Contains the pioneering all-female track “Ladies First.”

“Black Reign” (1993) – Showcases Latifah’s street cred but also contains the Grammy-winning single “U.N.I.T.Y.,” which chastises the degradation of the female in black culture.

“The Dana Owens Album” (2004) – Jazzy throwback to the 1940s and ‘50s that showcases her powerhouse pipes and demonstrates she’s the rare rapper who can actually sing on key.

Television

“Living Single” (1993-98) – Makes the Will Smith-like leap to TV sitcom life in this Fox series about four single black girls living in the big city. Demonstrates her comedic timing and starts to be noticed more for acting than rapping.

Film

“Jungle Fever” (1991) – Makes movie debut in small but memorable scene in which her waitress character takes Wesley Snipes to task for daring to date a white woman.

“Set It Off” (1996) – Garners critical acclaim for dramatic turn as the butch gangsta bank robber.

“Living Out Loud” (1998) – Pivotal supporting role playing a jazz singer in the romantic dramedy featuring Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito. Draws attention not only for acting skills but formidable singing talents.

“Chicago” (2002) – Miramax chief Harvey Weinstein pushes for the casting of Latifah as the double-dealing, conniving Matron “Mama” Morton in the 1920s era comedy-musical. She doesn’t disappoint, earning an Oscar nomination for her performance.

“Bringing Down the House” (2003) – Co-stars in and executive produces this slapstick comedy about a black convict who weasels her way into the life of uptight suburban white guy Steve Martin. A huge smash that made her a bankable movie star.

“Taxi” (2004) – Gets top billing over Jimmy Fallon (“Saturday Night Live”) in this new action-comedy.