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An elite lineup of the Garden State's greatest superstars joined forces on-stage for a once-in-a-lifetime episode of the iconic music series taped at the historic Newark Symphony Hall.On Dec 7, MTV announced the world premiere of "MTV Unplugged Presents: A Hip Hop 50th Celebration of Jersey's Finest." The lineup includes NJ's greatest superstars, including <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/queen-latifah-makes-history-in-the-library-of-congress">Queen Latifah</a> (executive producer), Wyclef Jean, Redman, Treach, Poor Righteous Teachers, Heather B, and hip hop pioneers The Sugarhill Gang. Emmy winner Adam Blackstone is set as the musical director.https://youtu.be/R5xDVMk75jMThe special is the latest in a string of MTV projects honoring Hip-Hop 50. Back in September, the network spotlighted hip-hop at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Countless hip-hop stars graced the stage to perform their latest hits, several female rappers — Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj and Latto.The new show premieres on Thursday, December 14th at 9PM ET/PT on MTV. BET will encore the special on Friday, 12/15 on BET and Tuesday, 12/19 on VH1, at 8 PM ET/PT respectively.

\"A Hip Hop 50th Celebration of Jersey's Finest\" Features Treach, Queen Latifah & More

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Queen Latifah has consistently proven that she is a living legend, now she has been honored as such. The Kennedy Center recently honored the icon for lifetime achievements in arts and entertainment during the 46th annual Kennedy Center Honors.She was joined by Barry Gibb, Renée Fleming, Billy Crystal, and Dionne Warwick as honorees of the night's celebrations. The star-studded black-tie gala was broadcasted on CBS. https://x.com/kencen/status/1731297287869976970?s=20Queen Latifah was recognized as one of the premier female voices in hip hop.“I’m humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists honored by the Kennedy Center. When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, ‘No. No, you won’t be able to leave New Jersey. No, if you rap you can’t sing."She continued, "No, singers can’t become actresses. No, actors can’t also produce,’” said the “U.N.I.T.Y." she said in a statement. “To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community. The work the Kennedy Center does is immeasurable, so I’m beyond grateful for this recognition.”Kennedy Center President, Deborah F. Rutter, shared her own statement. “This year we pay special tribute to the <a href="https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-06-26/311201/the-2023-bet-awards-raised-the-bar-for-hip-hop-50-celebrations/">50th anniversary of hip hop</a>, a uniquely American culture whose constant evolution is one of enduring relevance and impact, reflecting our society as it has grown into an international phenomenon. Hip hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years; what a privilege it is to bestow an Honors to the First Lady of Hip Hop who has inspired us along the way," the statement read.

Queen Latifah Honored By The Kennedy Center

Jersey-bred rapper, Queen Latifah, took to the Meadowlands this past Sunday to bless the crowd at the Cowboys vs. Giants season opener game. The songstress opened up the game with the Star Spangled Banner, which has had social media in a chokehold since. https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1701030249402929506?s=20The performance was also a special tribute in remembrance of 9/11. The game was played on the eve of the historic event. Aside from Latifah's beautiful vocal performance, the conversation from users on social media was surrounded by their surprise that she is a musician.Although a large majority of younger fans may have realized who Queen Latifah was through her acting gigs like Girl's Trip, she hasn't dropped an album in 14 years. She recently was on Netflix's Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop, a docuseries named after Latifah's 1989 track Ladies First.

Queen Latifah Sings Star Spangled Banner At Cowboys vs Giants Football Game

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<h5 id="h-queen-latifah-wants-to-destigmatize-obesity-by-offering-compassion-to-those-in-the-obese-community">Queen Latifah wants to destigmatize obesity by offering compassion to those in the obese community.</h5>The <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/queen-latifah-makes-history-in-the-library-of-congress">Newark native</a> has partnered with <a href="https://www.itsbiggerthan.com/">“It’s Bigger Than Me”</a> to promote weight-inclusive medical care and change how we discuss obesity. In an interview with People magazine, <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/queen-latifah-to-receive-marian-anderson-award">Latifah</a> shared "66% of people with obesity have felt weight stigma from doctors." She added, "We want to make sure people receive care that's compassionate, safe and respectful."Latifah has been vocal about her struggles with her weight even in her childhood. "I was big for my size," <a href="https://people.com/health/queen-latifah-wants-to-end-the-stigma-surrounding-obesity/">she shared</a> in 2021 with People. She added, "Looking at my class pictures, I'm the tallest girl."According to the <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1">World Health Organization</a>, obesity is an “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health,” measured by a Body Mass Index (BMI) percentage of 30 or more. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs4UUvyONfK/The initiative is sponsored by Novo Nordisk, a global company that helps to produce life-saving medicines. With the backing of Novo Nordisk, medical providers will be able to place a new symbol in their offices to indicate inclusive and compassionate treatment for those who are obese.“This new symbol is one of hope, a symbol that says we're allies, a symbol that says, you will receive good healthcare here,” the Girls Trip star told the magazine. Latifah hopes the initiative will invite and encourage honest conversations between obese patients and their doctors.“If you’re discouraged to get into your doctor’s office, then that's not a good thing,” Latifah says. “I find that when I'm able to have an honest conversation with my doctor, when a person is really able to develop that relationship, there's a lot that your doctor can help you discover about yourself.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Io_jtP74rk&t=5s

Queen Latifah Launches New Initiative To Eliminate Weight Stigma

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<h4 id="h-the-50-years-of-hip-hop-celebrations-continue">The '50 Years of Hip Hop' celebrations continue</h4>Netflix's latest documentary, Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop, pays homage to the female emcees of the genre, from the 1970s to the present.Premiering August 9th, the timely limited series sheds light on women of hip hop and their role in the genre’s 50 years. The film will explore how the genre changed the world within the wider social, racial, and political landscape from a female lens.Each of the four installments features legendary emcees such as MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Rah Digga. Newer artists such as Latto, Tierra Whack and Saweetie make appearances alongside stylists, and journalists. <img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/hsw71v2um1i3/yXVxounNtOR71ePC7nJZ3/1edee60eea2f5d76fa058f1f5ac76165/Ladies_First_A_Story_of_Women_in_Hip-Hop_S1_E1_00_21_24_14-1024x576.jpg" alt="Rapsody Women in Music" class="wp-image-106915"/>Female pioneers of hip-hop such as <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/run-dmc-lil-wayne-snoop-dogg-to-headline-hip-hop-50-concert-at-yankee-stadium">Roxanne Shante</a> and Sha-Rock are expected to receive flowers in the series. Shante, referred to as the Queen of Rap, first gained attention through the Roxanne Wars and was part of the hip hop collective, Juice Crew. Similar to Shante, MC Sha-Rock, referred to as "Mother of the Mic," rose to prominence in the 70s. Her "echo chamber" style of rap influenced notable rappers such as MC Lyte and Run DMC. <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/mc-lyte-set-to-join-lauren-velez-and-malik-yoba-in-new-york-undercover-reboot">MC Lyte</a> and dream hampton (Surviving R. Kelly) are among the executive producers.https://www.youtube.com/embed/QMcnPdp54aE

Netflix Releases Trailer For \"Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop\"

The Kennedy Center has released their 2023 honorees and this year, history is being made. Queen Latifah will officially be the first female emcee to receive the award.https://twitter.com/music__data/status/1671931191686053899?s=20The ceremony, held and televised from the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington DC has been held every year since 1978. It spotlights artists whose craft and contributions have made a significant impact on American culture.Queen Latifah shared her excitement for the award in a statement. “When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, ‘No’,” Latifah said in a statement. “To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community. The work the Kennedy Center does is immeasurable so I’m beyond grateful for this recognition.”The awards will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on December 3rd, hosted by Gloria Estefan.

Queen Latifah To Be First Female Rapper Kennedy Center Honoree

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What can't Queen Latifah do? It seems as though the mega-star has continuously broken barriers throughout her career and is not stopping. She is now becoming the first female rapper to be inducted in the National Recording Registry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8cHxydDb7oThe National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress chooses a list of recordings every year to preserve. The list of 25 recordings showcases the range and diversity of American recorded sound. Currently, there are 600 works/titles on the National Recording Registry. The annual list includes a variety popular songs, radio broadcasts, speeches and more. Their preservation is intended to define the sound of the country's history and culture.The NRR has been preserving recordings since 2000. Some of the oldest recordings in the registry include pieces from 1908 and 1909. They are the earliest recordings of mariachi music, recorded in Mexico City in a performance for the country's president shortly before the Mexican Revolution. Now they've included their first female rap piece from Queen Latifah.<h2 id="h-queen-latifah-s-induction-in-the-nrr">Queen Latifah's Induction In the NRR</h2>Queen Latifah's 1989 "All Hail The Queen" is the chosen recording that is added to the National Recording Registry. The album was her debut project and included her feminist anthem "Ladies First" featuring Monie Love. The debut project peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Top Hip Hop/R&B Albums chart and at no. 124 on the Billboard 200 chart.In a statement from The Library of Congress, the organization praised Queen Latifah's work as an artist. "Her album showed rap could cross genres including reggae, hip-hop, house and jazz — while also opening opportunities for other female rappers," the statement said.In addition to Queen Latifah's induction, a few other notable names were added to the registry as well. Mariah Carey's Christmas hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You" was added. Other notable additions include Wynton Marsalis for “Black Codes (From the Underground),” Irene Cara’s “Flashdance...What a Feeling,” Madonna’s “Like A Virgin,” the Super Mario Bros. theme by Koji Kondo, and Daddy Yankee for “Gasolina.”

Queen Latifah Makes History In The Library of Congress

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Goodbye Christopher Columbus and hello Harriet Tubman. A new monument of Tubman was revealed in Newark, New Jersey and it stands where the statue of Christopher Columbus used to be. The monument is named, “Shadow of a Face,” which stands 25 feet tall and displays the timeline of her life. <a href="https://apple.news/A9RHvm39NSTCU3jEbN31wIw">The Root reports </a>that audio narration is provided by Newark native, Queen Latifah. https://twitter.com/ap/status/1634001865565421570?s=46&t=f45LpfSMP2bWXL9mF3rs_QThe name of Tubman’s monument came from the poem “Runagate, Runagate,” written by Robert Hayden. The poem speaks about how slaves searched for freedom by going through the Underground Railroad. Nina Cooke John, the architect of the design spoke about the artwork of Harriet Tubman. “I really want them to feel like they feel seen,” she said. “That they see themselves in this monument. That they feel like they belong in the space.” The Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs picked Cooke John’s design in June 2021 after she applied to an open call for artists who wanted to work in December 2020. Congratulations to Nina Cooke John for having her work displayed showcasing the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman.