By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
The hip-hop high priestess known throughout the world as Queen Latifah is just as busy as ever.
This week, the Newark native was down in Shreveport, Louisiana filming the action comedy 'Mad Money,' starring Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes and Ted Danson.
Last week, she made an appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' to promote the John Travolta musical remake of 'Hairspray' (opening July 20).
And there are plans for the Grammy Award winner to headline a concert at the Napa Valley Opera House on July 12, where she will perform her brew of jazz classics, pop standards and smoldering soul (showcased her 2004 opus 'The Dana Owens Album.')
And now comes a report that the CoverGirl spokesmodel is readying a Broadway debut.
According to 'The New York Daily News,' she's being considered for a big musical based on a box-office hit.
"A-list talent is already seeking roles in the as-of-yet-unfinished Broadway musical version of 'The First Wives Club' by Motown songwriting greats Eddie Holland, Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier. We hear that Goldie Hawn's character will be reinvented as a pop singer and played by a black actress - and that Queen Latifah is among those who have called producers Paul Lambert and Jonas Neilson about the role."Interesting isn't it.
But after stints in the brazen F. Gary Gray flick 'Set It Off,' doing the eponymous 1991 talk show, penning the memoir 'Ladies First,' and garnering rave reviews (and an Academy Award nomination) for her scene-stealing work in the movie version of 'Chicago,' there is nothing that the Queen can't do.
All hail to her.
BV Extras:
Looky here: A clip of Latifah on Oprah.
Comments: (37)
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By: Cecil Jones on 5/25/2007 11:28PM
Someone recently asked, "Who is the best rapper turned actor?" The answer is clearly Queen Latifa. The roles she plays are real and not limited to just thugs. Oh she played a stone cold lesbian in one of her first roles, but look at her now. She can do Broadway, Travolta and Hairspray, and NASCAR. That's tremendous range and she is unlimited by racial barriers. That's a credit to who she is. That's why Queen Latifa is a credit to all of us. Yeah, I said it! Don't be robbing no more damn banks!
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By: Jesse Logan on 5/30/2007 8:41AM
I had seen her in 1986 in Village near Washington Square Park in NYC.
She was sexy way back when, she's a certified Diva now!
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By: Tabitha of Savannah, Ga. on 5/30/2007 9:22AM
She has come along way from "Set It Off" . She has appeared in movies with some of Hollywood Elites and held her own. Movies like "Bone Collector" with Denzel Washington, Richard Gere and Catherine Zeta Jones in "Chicago". Not to mention the excellent job she did in the HBO special "Life Support". She is so talented that it does not matter if she is playing a stone cold lesbian or a mother struggling with AIDS the girl is awesome.
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By: Sharlee on 5/30/2007 10:27AM
Queen Latifah is the epitome of a beautiful black woman. She has proven that a woman doesn't have to be a size 2 or take off all her clothes to get roles in the white dominated Hollywood. Class, personality and the fact that the so called average people relate to her is proof that she is the best rapper turned actor yet. Keep doing your thing, girl.
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By: Cassandra on 5/30/2007 11:44AM
I really love the Queen I think she is a certified diva in the make, she is really a true positive female that I think will succeed in anything that she does from music to acting it all works for her. All I want to say is keep up the good work Queen you deserve it. May God Bless you and your family always. Long live the Queen.
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By: Louise on 5/30/2007 1:16PM
Queen Latifah has been special since she came out rapping years ago. However, she has the most beautiful voice, and I love to hear her sing. Her jazz cd was great!!! Her movies don't do as well at the box office, (bootleggers) but they really be funny to me. Now she really Set It off in Set It Off!!!! I loved that movie but I never look at the ending, I just hate to see her die, and she was really acting right there!!! The girl put it on in the ending..... she tore it Up! Taxi I laugh my head off, she was too too too funny in that, and Bringing down the house also. I can't understand why none of her movies are ever nominated and it does not seem fair, but we are talking white Hollywood.
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By: Steve Crawford on 5/30/2007 1:12PM
I am overwhelmed about her voice. The lady can sing and she should be singing more and making CD's. She has truly been blessed with acting skills and singing. And she is very articulate. Plus the fact you never hear any mess about her, she carry herself like a true lady.
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By: Ray on 5/30/2007 1:53PM
Queen Latifah proves that there are positives that can come from rap music and the hip hop culture. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!
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By: Rita on 5/30/2007 2:27PM
Dana Owens ,(aka Queen Latifah) contuine to spread your WINGS and do you thing ...Your dues are paid in full,there's no question of your abilities . Your TRUE fans are so very proud of you .
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By: Diva in the Making on 5/30/2007 3:41PM
Queen Latifah has really been someone who has been overlooked. She's had numerous groundbreaking roles and has been an inspiration to me. I can remember when I was a lil kid listening to U.N.I.T.Y and watching Living Single, and I was like "Wow, I want to be her!" lol as funny as it sounds, she has gone above and beyond most expectations Hollywood tries to put on African American females....Keep doing ya thing, Queen!
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