Girls Trip, opening this weekend, brings another opportunity to see Queen Latifah on the big screen. It's a movie that promises humor and heart as four college friends (Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish and Queen Latifah) reunite for a girls weekend. Humor and heart are two of Queen Latifah's trademarks, so let's look at some of her greatest hits.
Looking for a major mood boost? Try Beauty Shop, where you'll root for stylist Gina to make it on her own after walking out on her terrible boss (played by Kevin Bacon) at a high-end salon. Or Last Holiday, a Cinderella story that follows department store clerk Georgia as she lives life to the fullest after receiving a terminal diagnosis.
See a cunning Queen Latifah in the 1920s-era musical Chicago, which explores crime and corruption in the Windy City. Queen Latifah earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Cook County Jail's corrupt matron, "Mama" Morton. Her number "When You're Good to Mama" on the Chicago soundtrack sums up Mama's philosophy for keeping things running smoothly.
In the HBO movie Bessie, see the Queen of Jazz-Rap play the Empress of the Blues, blues icon Bessie Smith. Both performers were female pioneers in their respective musical genres, and Queen Latifah's portrayal was critically acclaimed. The soundtrack Bessie includes tracks by Queen Latifah.
While Queen Latifah's most recent headlines are movie related, her music career started in the late 1980s. For a roundup of her music, check out Queen Latifah, which includes her hit "U.N.I.T.Y.," for which she won a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Want to learn more about Queen Latifah? Pick up Put on Your Crown. Subtitled "Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom," her motivational book combines wisdom and memoir.
Put on Your Crown is available in other formats.
What's your favorite movie or song from Queen Latifah? Let us know in the comments.
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