Queen Latifah (Hip-Hop Stars)

Queen Latifah may not have been the first female rapper, but she was the first to become a bona fide star. Her strength, charisma, and intelligence have made her stand out in a highly competitive field. Growing up in the New Jersey projects, Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, displayed a determination that helped her muscle her way to the top. In 1993, her album ""Black Reign"" became the first rap record by a female artist to go gold. Queen Latifah's breakthrough paved the way for the talented crew of women rappers who hit the scene in the 1990s. Soon, she expanded her considerable talents to acting, starring in a sitcom and receiving an Academy Award nomination for her role in the smash musical Chicago. This intriguing new biography explores the life of a trailblazer who is not only one of the most recognized women in hip-hop, but also one of the most respected names in the entertainment industry.