Dana Elaine Owens (born March 18, 1970), known professionally as Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, actress, and singer. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and released her debut album All Hail the Queen on November 28, 1989, reaching several hits over the years. 
Latifah made her screen debut with the Fox series Living Single from 1993 to 1998. Her third album, Black Reign (1993), became the first female rap album to receive an RIAA certification and spawned the single “U.N.I.T.Y.,” which influenced awareness of violence against women and the objectification of black female sexuality, 
Latifah received acclaim with Matron “Mama” Morton in the musical film Chicago (2002), receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Several media outlets have referred to Queen Latifah as the “queen of rap,” as well as the “first feminist of rap.” In addition, she became the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. 
Latifah’s work in music, film and television has earned her a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and an Oscar nomination.
She is also the spokesperson for CoverGirl cosmetics, Curvation women’s underwear, Pizza Hut, and Jenny Craig. In addition, she represented her line of cosmetics for women of color called CoverGirl Queen Collection and her perfume line called “Queen” and “Queen of Hearts.” On top of all that, she has written a book on confidence and self-esteem called Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman.