Queen Latifah has cemented herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile icons. The veteran talent may have gained insurmountable success as an actress, but her career took off as a conscious, confident rapper. She was born Dana Elaine Owens in 1970 and rose to fame in the late '80s as one of hip hop’s female pioneers. Queen Latifah’s songs quickly gained her a reputation as a skilled lyricist, and as a result, she helped pave the way for many rappers after her. 

In 1989, at 19, Queen Latifah released her debut album, All Hail the Queen. The album introduced the artist and featured the hit song “Ladies First.” By 1993, Queen Latifah had made history as the first solo female rapper to have an RIAA-certified Gold album with their third album Black Reign. The album spawned the song “U.N.I.T.Y.,” which has won Queen Latifah her first and only Grammy Award. 

Additionally, Queen Latifah became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This was due to her widespread success as a musician and actress. Her music has covered several topics many Black women can relate to and touched on important subjects, particularly women’s empowerment. Queen Latifah made her mark during the Golden Age of Hip Hop; her legacy is untouchable. With many legendary songs to her name, the following are Queen Latifah’s best rap hits. 

By Queen Latifah’s fourth album, Order in the Court, the rapper was ready to declare herself a powerhouse musician. While she had always had an air of confidence, she was taking no prisoners on Order in the Court. The album’s second track, “Court Is In Session,” let the world know that she was to be revered. Queen Latifah’s songs often detailed the strength of the Black community, and this was no different. In “Court Is In Session,” Queen Latifah rapped braggadociously about her undisputed influence and legacy. 

Black Reign featured many of Queen Latifah’s most popular songs. After the successes of “U.N.I.T.Y.” and “Just Another Day…”, the rapper delivered yet another anthem with “Black Hand Side.” The song featured a sample of “Hello It’s Me” by The Isley Brothers and perfectly blended hip hop and R&B. “Black Hand Side” was all about Black pride and camaraderie. Queen Latifah raps with a positive air, charging the Black community to be more united. The album opener gave listeners a significant idea about what Black Reign was all about — community and strength as a people despite any adversities.

“Just Another Day…” was released as the second single from Black Reign. In the affirmative track, Queen Latifah showed off a more vulnerable side. “Just Another Day…” asserted that she was immensely proud of her hometown and neighborhood. The rapper’s smooth delivery was backed by a positive message of perseverance through trials and finding the beauty in the everyday. Queen Latifah took listeners on a soulful journey and presented a more personal side to her life.

The song that began Queen Latifah’s meteoric rise to fame as a rapper was 1989’s “Ladies First.” On the track, she featured fellow rapper Monie Love. Queen Latifah kicked off her career as an outspoken voice on the subject of female solidarity. “Ladies First” celebrates the importance of women and quickly became a feminist anthem. It remained one of Queen Latifah’s most iconic songs and proved early on that she would be one of hip hop’s finest acts. 

After an underperforming sophomore album, Queen Latifah returned in full force with her third album Black Reign. The twelfth track on the album, “U.N.I.T.Y.” proved a game changer in the rapper’s repertoire. Queen Latifah ventured into sensitive territory and delivered one of her most memorable tracks ever. “U.N.I.T.Y” addressed issues of equal rights, sexism, domestic violence, and respect for women. Another iconic feminist anthem was born, and the song garnered acclaim from critics and fans.

“U.N.I.T.Y.” would later win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. It is also Queen Latifah’s most commercially successful single. With “U.N.I.T.Y.,” Queen Latifah charged men to do away with slurs aimed at women in hip hop culture. Its evergreen message continues to be important two decades after its release.

Through her work as a musician, Queen Latifah has become a pioneer for women’s empowerment and unity. She can effortlessly switch between hard-hitting rap flows and soothing vocal melodies. Queen Latifah’s songs often featured thought-provoking lyricism and calls to action. Her artistry remains untouchable, and though she’s made remarkable strides as an actress, the world will forever remember her culturally significant rap hits. 

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