Queen Latifah Takes On a New 'Persona'
It's hard to believe that 20-years ago, Queen Latifah bum rushed the scene with her empowering rhymes on her debut album, "All Hail the Queen." In the years since then, she has structured one of the most amazing careers in entertainment as a rapper, singer, actress, spokesperson and even author. She's earned countless awards including a Golden Globe, a Grammy Award and an Academy Award nomination in 2002 for her role in "Chicago." With all that talent under one hat, there's no wonder she sees herself having different personalities to encompass all of these interests. She brings them all out on her new album, "Persona" where she shows everything from a roots reggae vibe to vintage hip-hop to a little bit of heavy rock. The Queen chatted with ESSENCE.com to discuss the inspiration behind "Persona," wrapping up her latest movie and what has her hella mad about hip-hop today.
ESSENCE.COM: How would you describe "Persona"?
QUEEN LATIFAH: I think "Persona" is the hottest album by a female rapper in 2009 [Laughs]. No, this is the type of album you can put on from beginning to end. It's rooted in hip-hop but if I had to put it into a category, I would say it's rooted in urban alternative because it dabbles in dance music, reggae, R&B joints and definitely rap. It's very musical which is indicative of who I've become over the years. Plus, there are guest appearances from Missy Elliott to Mary J. Blige to Busta Rhymes.
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ESSENCE.COM: Since you mentioned it, how did you get all these amazing artists to contribute to the album?
QUEEN LATIFAH: I just called them. I wanted to work with people who are passionate about music. There are certain people I've just been cool with throughout the years and we have a mutual appreciation for each other's artistry. So, I was like ‘Yo, I want you to be on this joint' and they were like ‘send it.'
ESSENCE.COM: Why did you chose the song "Cue the Rain" as your first single?
QUEEN LATIFAH: It's different and it establishes that this is not going to be your typical rap album. It's about me stepping into different zones. I already made two jazz albums, but I wanted people to know that I have something for everyone on here. Plus, hip-hop is expanding these days. Music is universal. If anything it's the companies and certain radio stations that separate us in terms of what music we're allowed to make.
ESSENCE.COM: Did you experience that type of conflict when you came out with your jazz albums?
QUEEN LATIFAH: I get that a little bit with everything I've done, but I'm so immune to it. I do what's true to me and every time I do, things work out. It's when I don't do what's true to me that things tend to fail and I feel like I shortchanged myself and the world in a way.
ESSENCE.COM: We see a little glimpse of your various personalities on your album cover. Was it fun dressing up in all the different looks?
LATIFAH: It was great. I loved expressing all these different sides and allowing them to have their own life through music. I hope people understand that I am all these people and that's why I can't make just one kind of record. I need to let all these people inside of me have life. I got a girl who loves being sexy and edgy, another with an amazing gown who's a diva and a nurturing, mother-type as well. There's also a rocker chick inside of me who listens to Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and AC/DC. I'm not going to deny her. I got to let her out too every now and again.
ESSENCE.COM: Is it true you're facilitating a contest to have unsigned artists open on tour for you?
QUEEN LATIFAH: I've been very blessed to have such a great career. If it wasn't for hip-hop, I'm not sure what I'd be doing, but there is a big disparity in music right now with female rappers. We are absent in this game and it's just not right! Never has it been more male dominated than right now. When I came out, there was MC Lyte, Monie Love, Salt-n-Pepa, Yo-Yo, [Lady of] Rage, and all these Philly rappers. Then came Missy, [Lil] Kim, Foxxy [Brown], Eve, Lauryn [Hill] and Da Brat. There was always a rotation of one of us with a big album out. Right now, who's out? Nobody! That's just unacceptable. I've been complaining about this behind the scenes for a minute but now I want to do something about it. Each market I go to, I'm going to have a local female rapper or group to open for me. Right now, I'm booked on a 25-city tour and those are 25 opportunities for someone to prove that she should be in this game. Hopefully, I can give someone the exposure they need to get them out there and be seen. You can go to [href="http://queenlatifah.com/"] for more information on how to register.
ESSENCE.COM: Have you wrapped up filming your latest movie, "Just Wright"?
QUEEN LATIFAH: Yes, I'm so excited about this. It's going to be a really great romantic that's funny, will make your cry, and has action because it's set around the NBA. We've got some great cameos from Dwayne Wade and Dwight Howard so guys are going to want to come see this as well.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
