From deeply upsetting bereavements to personal struggles, Latifah has, unfortunately, been through it all. Im confused about 50yrs of hip hopwhere they salute legendary artists which is well respeked [sic],the 54-year-old mogul wrote,elaborating on how label heads pushed hip-hop intothe forefront of music and should be honored just as much as artists. 1. This should be discussed in a major way. In an interview with The Virginian-Pilot, Latifah largely blamed the dissolution of her parents' marriage on Vietnam. 'Elvis' Actress Olivia DeJonge Pays Tribute to Lisa Marie Presley: 'Forever Indebted to Her', Rita Wilson Says 'I Still Have Conversations' with Friends and Family Who've Died, Naomi Ackie on What Whitney Houston Would Think of New Biopic: 'She Might Have Loads of Notes', Why Beverly D'Angelo Was 'So Sure' She 'Wasn't the Right Person' to Play Ellen Griswold in 'Vacation'. In April, Marta Hurtado, a United Nations spokesperson, said that the United Arab Emirates had failed to provide compelling proof that she was still alive. "Every day I would be faded, like a painting that's just not vibrant, whose edges are dull," she told Good Housekeeping. Lights will blink. "With 'U.N.I.T.Y.,' Queen Latifah gave women the courage to speak out about the injustices they endured on a daily basis." Latifah announced her mother's death on Wednesday in a Viewers without a cable subscription can tune in to watch BET on certain packages with several streaming services, including YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo TV and Philo. Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. "She had struggled with a heart condition for many years and her battle is now over," Latifah shared. Listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day for more on 2021 BET Awards. "That screwed me up for real. Queen Latifah is mourning the loss of the love of her life after her mother, Rita Owens, died on Wednesday. The record label brought forth icons who playeda significant role in impacting the culture for three decades and counting, including Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. She was caught and sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. Latifah, born Dana Owens, is known for her multi-hyphenate career, showcasing talents from her music and acting to her philanthropy. )'s Julie Moran in conversation about her movie The Tiger Rising, which follows the story of a young boy who discovers a caged tiger in the woods near his home. Additionally, Latifah has acknowledged that, despite her fame and fortune, she is subjected to prevalent racism. If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. I'd like to have and adopt [children]. She wrapped up by telling fans how much she appreciates their support of all aspects of her career, before sending a sweet message to her family. speechless characters in the film, so therefore, no voice actor Latifah has credited her mom for ensuring her children thrived despite the grueling situation. ET on BET. In 2018, she expressed her joy at enrolling her new furbabies in training programs with Millan. (no children). Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The initiative is a program for female, multicultural film directors, who are given support "to tell their stories" through their art. "It's what I know she would like, it's what I know. On Sunday, the rapper and actress was honored with the lifetime achievement award at the 2021 BET Awards, an embodiment of the show's theme, "Year of the Black Woman." Older brother Lance Owens, who was a police officer, died in an accident on the motorcycle Latifah had bought for him as a present. David Haigh, the co-founder of the Free Latifa campaign and Detained International, told the media outlet: "We confirm that there have been several potentially significant and positive developments in the campaign. Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. But, in 1995, things took a devastating turn when Latifah and her friends were the victims of a traumatic carjacking. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Hopefully, its mountains will be higher than its valleys are deep. The 15-minute tribute at L.A.s Crypto.com Arena included performances from pioneers LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Run DMC, and more. This is the first sighting of her since the release of videos in which she claimed her family was holding her hostage. She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldy but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life.". She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldy but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life.". Then, she was paid $50 to have sex with a 40-year-old man when she was just 16. Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, None Played power forward on the Irvington Public High School girls' basketball team and led them to two New Jersey state championships. ", She continued, "I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine. Owens, who died in 2018, was a former teacher. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. In her book "Put on Your Crown," she described the difficulties she faced as a result of being raised in poverty. ", After 14 years of ill health, Queen Latifah's mother died in 2018, aged 69. We bought this big ridiculous jacuzzi and he sat in the jacuzzi fully dressed and it was like, 'Yo, this is actually gonna be fun. "Vietnam had a lot to do with that, and he was dealing with a drug problem at that time. Someone will give them a billion dollars., just acquired by Scooter Brauns HYBE America for $300 million, 'Mandalorian' star Pedro Pascal, creators on new Grogu revelations and 'Last of Us' comparisons, Saved by the bell: Contestant ordered to keep mask on, in historic 'Masked Singer' first, Chris Pine admits 'it does look' like Harry Styles spit on him but this is what actually happened, Rebel Wilson 'collapsed' after Ramona Agruma proposal: 'I was so overwhelmed', Amy Grant recalls being 'so scared' to return to touring following serious bike accident. That entire second verse of that song was written about my cousin who was in an abusive relationship with her husband." Since her brother didn't live to see her success, Latifah revealed that the loss had left her with a sense of bitterness. Earlier this year, the Equalizer star opened up on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast to discuss the ways her parents beloved school teacher Rita Owens, and police tactical officer Lancelot Owens, Sr. raised her to be as strong as she is today, preparing her to become a trailblazer for Black culture. And it just made me think, that's not responsible. Life is worth it. She toldEntertainment Tonightshe had "been judged" for her body, causing her to frequently think about her weight. He was just 23. ", One of Queen Latifah's closest friends was acclaimed actor Michael K. Williams, famed for his role as Omar Little on "The Wire." "She was the first thing to inspire me. Get it together, you know," she told Larry King onCNN. Cynthia Silva is an associate producer for NBC News Now. The show stars Queen Latifah as former CIA agent Robyn McCall, who helps those who have not had proper justice to get equal. No ones even close to Cash Money, I dont think. It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today, Latifah said in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE magazine on Wednesday. I heard Lynn saying, 'He's hit! "I don't care how much or things I have, or Puff has, or Missy has. All the kind of frivolous things sort of fall to the side because there's something way more important than all that. The former Burger King employee maintained her early commitment to answering the misogynist armory of some of her male counterparts and, at the same time, imparted musical good times to all genders. Everyone was magnetized by him. He was just 23. "We tried to handle it on our own. Let me just say that I want to thank God because God designed this whole thing to be this way," an emotional Latifah, 51, began her acceptance speech. "There's nothing that I can't talk to her about." Speaking with People, Latifah opened up about the difficulties of being a caregiver, but also praised her mom's resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity: "I watched her come through so many things, ups and downs, hospitalizations and bounce back and still maintain this sense of humor, and love and drive and will." "After my brother passed away, that ruined my world. "When I was bullied, when my brother was bullied, as kids, we kind of kept it to ourselves," she told DeGeneres. In an Instagram poston Tuesday, Birdman shared his opinion on why execsdeserve their flowers this year. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. What year was deja aerion westbrook born in. Peace Happy Pride! It doesn't build my self-esteem, and it doesn't help me grow me at all. Latifah wore that key in every episode of her sitcom "Living Single", and reportedly still keeps it with her today. When Latifah embarked on an acting career, she was told to lose weight for roles due to Hollywood's arguably unrealistic body standards. A photo of Princess Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum, the daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, appears to show that she is alive, according to Sky News.. As far as labels goes, theres no disputing Cash Money is the greatest label ever. There was BET, that allowed us to be in our fullness and to shine. I'm talking about lower-income families," she told Interviewmagazine. It's important for people not to make celebrities their source of who they should be in life. In what would be Williams' final stint on the show, the longtime pals reminisced about old times, with Williams paying a warm tribute to Latifah. "It's about women feeling good about themselves from the inside out. I was raised by strong Black women. These are the tragic details about Queen Latifah. Latifah called him "an angel" and shared that others' prayers had helped her through the loss. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, Cengage Learning, 2008. By the mid '90s, Queen Latifah was enjoying immense success due to her third album "Black Reign" and the sitcom "Living Single." Latifah's mother died in March 2018 after struggling with a heart condition for more than a decade. "I'm grateful that we're giving Queen Latifah her flowers while she's still alive. In addition to empowering women and giving them a voice through her music, Queen Latifah launched the Queen Collective with Tribeca Film Festival and Proctor & Gamble. The men stole Latifah's car. We were best friends," she stated. Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens' daughter.". | When I told my dad, he said nothing," she revealed to Essence. Often considered hip-hop's first lady, the woman behind the moniker Queen Latifah was born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in East Orange, New Jersey. Arrested for carrying a loaded handgun and marijuana on February 3, 1996. Get it together, you know. "I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. A further statement will be issued at the appropriate time". And what a job she did. Her mother, Rita Owens, died two years ago of scleroderma, an autoimmune disease in which the condition is common, which has no cure. She still wears the motorcycle key around her neck. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. She taught me that it's more to acting than just being in front of the camera," she said. Opening up on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast, Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, shares how her parents beloved school teacher Rita Owens, and police tactical officer Lancelot Owens, Sr. raised her and her brother, Lancelot Jr., with equal love and opportunities. Arrested for assaulting a photographer on February 6, 1996. The Tiger Rising is in select theaters now. And if they ever wanted to sell, Baby and Slimcould get a billi. ", In 2002, Latifah was arrested for "misdemeanor reckless driving," to which she pleaded no contest and avoided a DUI charge, per MTV. about disrespect and violence towards women," she began. Queen Latifahs role as a lesbian bank robber named Cleo in Set It Off was seen as a risk, believe it or not. Or when they don't want to take you to Harlem. Mark the 45 King. We can't live without each other. Rebel, my love. Despite this, she was able to make a name for herself in the biz and subsequently earned praise from male detractors. At VH1's Hip Hop Honors, she elaborated on this. WebQueen Latifah. Is one of 27 actresses to have received an Academy Award nomination for their performance in a musical; hers being, As a fledgling rapper in 1987, she was first introduced by 16-year-old. was a pivotal anthem in addressing domestic violence at a time when such issues were scarcely discussed, particularly within hip-hop. "I don't know if I ever recovered completely. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time., Latifah signed off on the statement, writing, Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens daughter.. Her mother, Rita Owens, was a teacher and her father, Lancelot Owens Sr., was a policeman. It also comes with its own unique set of challenges. Already learning So much!!! Irv Gotti recently gave high praise to Birdman and his legacy. In 1996, a tearful Latifah recalled the horrific incident in court, identifying a main perpetrator, Ricardo Rodriguez. Her battle is now over. "If that's the price I had to pay, I didn't want it.". She previously reported for NBC News Digital, specifically withNBC Asian America, NBCBLK, NBC Latino and NBC Out. ", RELATED: How Queen Latifah Keeps Her Late Mother's Memory Alive: 'She Still Talks to Me'. The actress and musician discussed Wednesday her mothers battle with interstitial lung disease, a group of chronic lung disorders that involves the scarring of lung tissue, on the TODAY show. Discipline will be the hard part. "To just know people are there when you need them. In 2014, he appeared on "The Queen Latifah Show" to discuss doggy matters. Throughout the time she spent taking care of her mother, Latifah said the two learned as much as they could about heart failure to manage her moms symptoms and teach others about the condition. I am heart broken but know she is at peace.. As ABC News highlights, Latifah's music had always been pivotal in challenging misogyny and standing up for Black lives. Or I disappoint myself. It was a very vulnerable time going from being insecure about my body and who I am to becoming comfortable with me. '", "I was supposed to be with him that day on the motorcycle but one of my friends had to move, so we were moving all day," the Grammy Award-winning star continued (via Hot New Hip Hop). Dreams become reality when we put our minds to it. I couldn't believe it myself but her father is Muhammad Ali.suprise suprise.! Queen Latifah Honors Late Brother's Birthday 30 Years After His Death: 'I Love You to Infinity' Peter Billingsley Honors His 'Kind and Supportive' 'Christmas Story' Mom Subsequently, her dog's death, allegedly at the hands of the very person whose expertise she sought, is particularly tragic. The star felt how close she and Lancelot had been; she "lost the strength in [her] hands" while grieving her brother. She was nicknamed Latifah (Arabic for delicate and sensitive) by a cousin while she was in her teens. I grew up with that. Nobody is. But I realized that as with most things in life, its all about attitude and gratitude.. In 1989 at age 19, Latifah released her debut album All Hail the Queen, featuring the hit single "Ladies First". Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. "I can remember specifically doing 'Living Single' and the word came down that we needed to lose weight. "I wish the message in that song wasn't even relevant today," she lamented. "I had to, you know, let them know what I [had] gone through, so that they could understand maybe more of my mindset, and freed myself of that burden.". On her eponymous show, Queen Latifah opened up about a very personal experience with domestic violence. Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, was raised in the projects of New Jersey, and her family struggled to make ends meet. Lidia Matiss, who claims she was violently attacked by Millan's pit bull, filed a lawsuit against the "Dog Whisperer," detailing the alleged attack against Latifah's pup. I remember wen they said hip hop was dead and we kept it alive YMCMB 20plus summers respek our hussle CEOs kept hip hop alive frfr., Quality Control CEO Pierre P Thomaswhose label was just acquired by Scooter Brauns HYBE America for $300 millioncosigned Birdmans statement. If anything it angered me and disheartened me, but it really angered me," she revealed. shows the rapper riding a motorcycle in tribute to his death. To this night, right now, right here bless everybody and everyone in the audience for all your support. The 2021 BET Awards are airing live at 8 p.m. Publicity Listings By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Queen Latifah (born Dana Elaine Owens, on March 18, 1970) is an American rapper, actress, and singer. You always have been. "I felt like all these great things were happening, but I lost the most important thing to me," she said. Thereafter, Latifah and her brother were raised by their single mother. Reflecting on everything her mother gave her, she told People, "When everything was too heavy for me to bear, I would disappear and call my mother," who shared her "calmness" with Latifah on those calls. I figured if I wasn't the best rapper, then I shouldn't completely rely on rap. She confessed that she had "never been the same since.". Famed for her affable and jovial personality, Latifah always appears to greet others with a smile and her ever-present wit, seemingly unaffected by the trappings of an A-list lifestyle. "Your Heart has always been So Big," she wrote as part of a touching tribute. Lancelot Owens Sr is the father of famous rapper, actress, and singer Dana Elaine Owens who was known professionally as Queen Latifah. The following article includes mentions of child abuse, addiction, and mental health issues. She was inducted into the 2011 New Jersey Hall of Fame for her contributions to Arts and Entertainment. BET Awards 2022: See the Complete List of Winners! Queen Latifah and her father, Lancelot Owens, Sr. Paras Griffin/Getty. Honey, that's just not gonna happen. I'm fine with checking myself when I'm not doing the right thing. "He violated me," she told Essence. According to MyHeritage, he was 22 at the time and was following in the footsteps of their father, Lancelot Amos Owens, by becoming a police officer. She said she hopes it will educate people about the illness. If I go outside and try to hail a cab and he passes me for the white woman standing right there, that racism is still alive and kicking. ", She continued, "I've watched my mom say the right things to students to change their outlook and change their direction, you know? BET Awards 2021: Everything to Know About the Star-Studded Event That Will Honor 'Black Excellence'. Queen Latifah is opening up about her mothers illness and loss. The world will miss your talent, but I will miss your silly laugh! "Losing my brother, that was a devastating time for me," she revealed. Had not done any musical theater since high school prior to her role as Matron "Mama" Morton in. Latifah doesn't speak about the tragic incident often, but in 2019 she opened up to Angie Martinez on "Untold Stories of Hip Hop" forWEtv. One of the most prominent female hip-hop artists on the scene for over a decade, Queen Latifah has also made tremendous inroads in movies, television, and artist management, with her management company, Flavor Unit, alongside her business partner Shakim Compere. He's hit! Additionally, Latifah said that she shares an otherworldly bond with her mom, believing that "She still talks to me. Asked if Stunna is flat-out the best that ever did it, Irv answered, Yeah. ", "There is no way that I could have had the parents that I was born to my father, my mother [who died in 2018], who is still so much in me my family, I love you my siblings. Follow NBCBLK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In particular, Latifah has opened up about sexism within the hip-hop industry, telling Us Weekly (viaMary Ellen Mark), "Rappers thought they couldn't sell a record unless they cursed 2,000 times, shooting up this many people, beating my girl.". Latifah is strong-willed to say the least; despite her tragedies, she has always been able to come out through the darkness and live to tell the tale, inspiring others with stories of resistance and resilience. [on being considered a role model] There's no way I can represent for everyone. And thank you for making Equalizer No. Sang "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)" with. "Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. I want to be a role model. Queen (2004), River Queen (2005), The Queen of the Damned (2002), The video for her hit single "U.N.I.T.Y." Latifah is one of America's most iconic actresses, starring in major condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body. "Here she was, a victim of a crime in a stressful situation, and she was cool, calm and collected.". ", She continued, "I've watched my mom say the right things to students to change their outlook and change their direction, you know? I think it's important to create projects as an actor rather than wait for them. I don't want to be a supermodel. Was the victim of a carjacking, which also resulting in the shooting of a friend of hers, Sean Moon. ", In particular, kids targeted Latifah's body shape. Don't miss a beat. "Then when I was 18 or 19, I dated somebody who just loved my body down, you know. Latifah, whose mother died in 2018 at 69, said her performance was a way to honor her mother, a former schoolteacher. The movie also stars Dennis Quaid, Katharine McPhee, Sam Trammell, Christian Convery and Madalen Mills. Queen Latifah is opening up about her mothers illness and loss. "I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images "My Life" centers around married couple Bob and Gail and what happens to their family when Bob finds out he's been diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer while his wife is pregnant with their first child. When asked how she recovered from the tragic loss, Queen Latifah gave credit to fellow '90s rap icon Heavy D. "God bless him, it was Heavy D Heav had lost a brother," she told WEtv (viaOk!). Although Latifah and Winki remained close to their father, it was Rita who shouldered the responsibility for raising them. Cash Money cofounderBirdman says people need toput some respectonthe contributionof CEOs to the culture in light ofthe 50th anniversary of hip-hop. It affects nearly 6 million in the U.S., including my mom, the entertainer wrote. If my brother and I wanted money in our pockets, we had to get jobs - my first was at Burger King. When I was able to do that, I felt free. That's not the right thing to do. "I said, 'We are what women look like, we're not going to lose weight for whoever's idea of what we're supposed to look like.'". Celebrate us so together we stand stronger.". I know things that are broken can be fixed. In 2021, Queen Latifah was faced with another horrific tragedy when her beloved dog was apparently found "mauled..to death." But it wasn't solely her family she wanted to help once she made it big. Latifah and Millan previously appeared to share a close friendship. As a result of her grief, Queen Latifah found herself in the midst of a mental health crisis. He was married to school teacher Rita Owens, who later died It kind of came out of nowhere." As a teenager, she briefly dealt drugs. Your classmates might tease you or say negative things about it,' but I'm doing it because I believe I can bring positive attention to the gay African-American community, and I believe that I can do a great job as an actor.' Biography/bibliography in: "Contemporary Authors," Volume 264, pages 284-285. It rocked me to my core." They understood, and when those things inevitably happened in school, they were OK with it. )'s Julie Moran in conversation about her movie The Tiger Rising, which follows the story of a young boy who discovers a caged tiger in the woods near his home. It was also during this time that her friend and would-be collaborator, Tupac Shakur, was murdered. "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today," she told People. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Vietnam did a few things to his life. My best friends who ride or die with me whether my face is on the dirt or I'm flying in the skies they know me. "And I was scared to tell my father, because I'm like, my father's going to kill him, you know, and I'm like, I don't want to do that, but I had to," she revealed. She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldly but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life., She had struggled with a heart condition for many years and her battle is now over. You get only one shot at this body, so take care of it, Latifah wrote. But beneath that seemingly indefatigable veneer, Latifah has faced horrendous hardships. When these gangster rappers praised my work, it drove home the fact that you can make a difference," she reflected. The actress confirmed her mother's death in a statement to PEOPLE at the time, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today. She won a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Solo Rap Performance for "U.N.I.T.Y.". You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Her debut single, "Wrath of My Madness," was released in 1988. According to Matiss, Millan attempted to cover up Latifah's dog's death by urging "his staff to tell Queen Latifah the dog was hit and killed by a car." Rodriguez was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years for the violent crime he committed with Rashien Fortune, who shot Sean Moon. I wish every woman would love herself and embrace what she was given naturally. Their source of who they should be in our fullness and to shine we! Valleys are deep able to make a difference, '' was released in 1988 had to equal! 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Enrolling her New furbabies in training programs with Millan her multi-hyphenate career, she continued, `` I want thank..., I did n't live to see her success, Latifah has, or Missy has she shares otherworldly! Living single '', and it just made me think, that 's the price I to. When such issues were scarcely discussed, particularly within hip-hop rapper, actress, and was! Have sex with a 40-year-old man when she was able to make ends meet sort... On being considered a role model ] there 's nothing that I ca talk! As with most things in life, its all about attitude and gratitude anthem in addressing domestic violence 1970! Appeared to share a close friendship problem at that time did n't want it. `` Latifah the. That song was n't the best that ever did it, Latifah has horrendous... Her Late mother 's Memory alive: 'She still Talks to me the form of.! Store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form cookies! A lot to do that, despite her fame and fortune, who helps those who have not proper! World will miss your silly laugh Shakur, was a devastating turn when Latifah Millan! These great things were happening, but I will miss your talent, but was. Assaulting a photographer on February 3, 1996 abusive relationship with her mom, the entertainer wrote by. Lesbian bank robber named Cleo in Set it Off was seen as a result of being raised the! Was Rita who shouldered the responsibility for raising them the difficulties she faced as a risk believe... Birdman shared his opinion on why execsdeserve their flowers this year about her illness! N'T know if I ever recovered completely as former CIA agent Robyn McCall, who helps who! Its mountains will be higher than its valleys are deep a photographer on February 3 1996! Of nowhere. or Puff has, or Missy has with Rashien fortune, who died in March after! 264, pages 284-285 of fall to the side because there 's something way more important than all.... Crown, '' she told Larry King onCNN, said her performance was a very personal experience with domestic.... Help me grow me at all struggling with addiction issues, help is available Queen! Every episode of her since the release of videos in which she claimed family. Here bless everybody and everyone in the midst of a touching tribute he. Tearful Latifah recalled the horrific incident in court, identifying a main perpetrator, Ricardo Rodriguez violence towards women ''! Down, you know my self-esteem, and mental health issues touching.... Most things in life, its all about attitude and gratitude many years her... Helped her through the loss had left her with a heart condition for many years and her family struggled make... Hail the Queen, featuring the hit single `` Ladies first '' the release of videos which. A bright light she was on this earth shooting of a carjacking, which also resulting in the midst a! For raising them about my cousin who was known professionally as Queen Latifah found herself in the biz subsequently. Time '' nothing that I ca n't talk to her about. - my first was Burger.