Queen Latifah is getting back into the book business.
The Academy Award nominated actress and Grammy Award winning rapper/singer has signed a deal with Grand Central Publishing to release an inspirational tome next year.
"We are delighted to be publishing Queen Latifah's new book," Grand Central's Executive VP and Publisher Jamie Raab said during the announcement yesterday. "Throughout her career, she has consistently taken on new challenges, and through her vision, hard work and great talent has achieved success in so many arenas. What she has accomplished in every facet of her life is extraordinary, and makes for a book of life lessons that I know readers will find deeply inspirational."
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
The book, not yet titled, is slated for publication in spring 2010. It will mark the Cover Girl cosmetics and Jenn Craig spokesperson's second literary effort; in 1999 she teamed with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Karen Hunter to release the motivational memoir, 'Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman.' Hunter went on to achieve best-selling author status and has collaborated with Rev. Al Sharpton, Jonathan Plummer, LL Cool J, Mason Betha, and Karrine Steffans on page-turning efforts. She currently helms BlackVoices.com's BV Bookshelf blog.
Grand Central Publishing is a division of Hachette Book Group. Most recently, the imprint released tomes by Faith Evans, Rosie O'Donnell and Stephen Colbert.
Comments: (18)
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By: Knowing Jesus on 1/27/2009 10:18AM
How sad. We throw a title on someone who is obviously a servant of this world, and we want our children to be like this woman? The black people of america are slowly sinking into the pit of capitalism and calling is virtuous living.
Im sorry but this is an outrage. I will not be buying the book. Noting against Ms latifah, but if you want inspiration, read the bible.
Its good for LIFE
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By: booboo on 1/27/2009 12:00PM
the love our queen...would you like to hear from queen or flava flav....
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By: sassy kee on 1/27/2009 11:58AM
br /> wish
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By: sassy kee on 1/27/2009 11:59AM
this is cool follow this link
br /> wish
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By: sassy kee on 1/27/2009 12:01PM
this is amazing http://www.real-wishes.com
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By: Brenda Cook on 1/27/2009 12:53PM
Reader #1 obviously does not know this Woman or her journey to success. We live in America, hello? Queen Latifah epitomizes the American dream, through tragedy and poverty, she single-handedly built the life she has acquired. Many of our daughters mimic her beginnings, but don't seem to press on to higher achievements. She has earned her place on the throne and, for those who don't know her, read 'Ladies First' before you judge. The book is hard to find as it is out of publication. I have a copy for anyone who needs it. I can't wait for part II, her new book to be released. Just hope that this publisher will respect her.
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By: Daniel Asamota on 1/27/2009 2:01PM
Though Queen Latifah is a good entertainer she's a terrible role model. She's an undercover lesbian (though not quite in the closet coz' she travels around with that girl quite openly)and I do not support nor advocate that kind of lifestyle. No, I don't want any of my daughters growing up to be like Queen Latifah, for this gorgeous beautiful black woman COULD be such a wonderful role model by getting married TO A MAN! and having a family of her own to share in all this success she's achieved. So in my estimation though she's a good entertainer, she's a terrible role model!
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By: ROBERT ALLAN FOX on 1/27/2009 2:08PM
Initially, I thought of Queen Latifah as just another useless rapper. After hearing her jazz album, I admit, I am deeply impressed. She does have actual musical sensitivities, not found in rap for me. OK, I didn't actually listen to her rap, or any other rapper, but as a jazz singer she rather fine. Her abilities as an actor shine as well. Very talented lady who keeps her awareness open to many alternate forms of expression.
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By: Tiffany on 1/27/2009 2:50PM
Much Love Cousin. You have always been a role model to me and all of us in the family. If only people really knew how much you do and would stop hating. I am very proud of you and all of your accomplishments!!!!
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By: Emanuel LeBlanc on 1/27/2009 5:05PM
QUEEN LATIFAH TO ME IS, The Most Profound-Prolific-Inspirational-All Encompassing Talent On this planet, and deserves the accolades, respect and recognition for achieving her notoriety amidst all the B-S that Haters who forget The Struggles that come with any success may inflict. Choices on the other hand are Independently ours to hone up to,,, for we all deserve to be happy in our own skin! And How dare they forget** Q-L promotes Decency and family values! A true Humanitarian****
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