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. Her resilience was tested with the painful divorce of her parents and the accidental death of her beloved brother. 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, receiving an Academy Award nomination for her role as Matron Mama Morton in the smash musical Chicago, hosting a talk show, and acting as a spokesmodel for American makeup legend CoverGirl. Featuring photographs, an index, sidebars, a discography, and a glossary, this intriguing full-color 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. Excerpted from Queen Latifah by Rachel A. Koestler-Grack All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.