Queen Latifah, a well-known actress and musician, was born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 18, 1970. Her debut album, All Hail to the King, sold over 1 million copies. The single “U.N.I.T.Y.” earned Latifah her very first Grammy Award. Latifah’s acting has received a lot of attention. She was nominated for the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in Chicago. Queen Latifah, a rapper, record producer, and actress, was born Dana Elaine Owens in Newark, New Jersey, on March 18, 1970. Latifah, the second child of Lance Owens and Rita Owens is well-known for her social politics and acting skills as well as her gift for rhyme. At 8 years old, her cousin from Islam gave her the name Latifah which means “delicate” and “sensitive” in Arabic. Latifah started singing in the Shiloh Baptist Church’s choir in Bloomfield, New Jersey. She had her first performance in public when she sang “Home” as one of two Dorothys in a production of The Wizard of Oz at St. Anne’s Parochial School. Latifah started rapping and singing in the locker rooms and restrooms during her first year of highschool. As a response to another young woman’s group being formed, Latifah started a rap band, Ladies Fresh with Tangy B, Landy D and her friends. Soon, the group began making appearances wherever possible. Latifah was inspired by her mother, who was always in touch with students and the music. Mark James, a local disc jockey who is also known as D.J., was invited to the party. Mark the 45 King was invited to perform at a school dance. Latifah and her friends made the basement of James’s East Orange home their hangout. It was equipped with recording and electronic equipment. They started calling themselves “Flavor unit.” James was just starting his career as a producer. He made a demo of Queen Latifah’s rap Princess of the Posse. The demo was given to Yo! Fred Braithwaite, also known as “Fab 5 Freddy”, hosted MTV Raps. Dante Ross, a Tommy Boy Music employee, was immediately attracted to the recording and signed Latifah. She released her first single “Wrath of My Madness” in 1988. It received a positive response, which allowed her to go on a European tour and perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Latifah’s first album, All Hail To the Queen, was released in 2011. It sold more than 1,000,000 copies. From www.biography.com