I Can't Understand - Queen Latifah, Burke, Johnny [Lyri
Rough... - Queen Latifah, Heavy D & the Boyz
The D.J.'s
Bring Tha Flava
Coochie Bang...
Superstar - Queen Latifah, Holbdy, Lucresia
No Work
Just a Flow (Interlude)
Just Another Day... - Queen Latifah, Apache [1]
U.N.I.T.Y.
Weekend Love
Mood Is Right
Winki's Theme - Queen Latifah, Jordan, Clifford
When New Jersey's Dana Owens adopted the stage moniker of Queen Latifah when she launched her rap career in 1989, she also assumed the regal bearing and flowing clothes of African royalty. Her raps not only demanded respec... more »t but also radiated an unassailable air of authority. Since then Latifah has branched out as an actress (starring in the TV sitcom Living Single), businesswoman (she co-owns Flavor Unit Management, which handles rappers like Naughty by Nature), and singer (she sings with a live jazz band on the concluding cut of a later album), but that imposing dignity remains her trump card on Black Reign, her first album for Motown after an unfriendly split with Tommy Boy. Her refusal to be pigeonholed or limited in any way is part and parcel of her demand for respect and makes her one of the most rapidly evolving artists in hip-hop. --Geoffrey Himes« less
When New Jersey's Dana Owens adopted the stage moniker of Queen Latifah when she launched her rap career in 1989, she also assumed the regal bearing and flowing clothes of African royalty. Her raps not only demanded respect but also radiated an unassailable air of authority. Since then Latifah has branched out as an actress (starring in the TV sitcom Living Single), businesswoman (she co-owns Flavor Unit Management, which handles rappers like Naughty by Nature), and singer (she sings with a live jazz band on the concluding cut of a later album), but that imposing dignity remains her trump card on Black Reign, her first album for Motown after an unfriendly split with Tommy Boy. Her refusal to be pigeonholed or limited in any way is part and parcel of her demand for respect and makes her one of the most rapidly evolving artists in hip-hop. --Geoffrey Himes
THE MOST IMPORTANT ALBUM FROM A MODERN DAY RENAISSANCE WOMEN
07/03/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Queen Latifah(or Dana Elaine Owens) is without a doubt the modern day Renaissance woman.Poised,tough,and opinated,Latifah has left her stamp on everything from rap to daytime television to film to primetime television to the business side of things.
One wonder,what can't this sista do?Latifah's best album is without a doubt 1993's "Black Reign".
"Black Reign" is a very intresting album.Recorded after the death of Latifah's beloved brother,Lance,Latifah was in a blue funk.Depressed and unfocused,Latifah set out to pour her anguish to her music which comprises "Black Reign".Altough Latifah is one of the most fascinating women in the world,many have always blasted her musical output.Claiming that her music is unfocused or redundant.But "Black Reign" proves them wrong.
Among the strongest cuts on here include "Black Hand Side" with it's mellow,head-nodding beat and Latifah's fierce rhymes.
"I Can't Understand",a song your reviewer can relate to A LOT!,the reflective "Just Another Day",the defiant and powerful feminist anthem "U.N.I.T.Y.",and the sweeping jazzy tribute to Latifah's brother Lance,"Winki's Theme"(co-written by famed journalist Gordon Chambers).Those aforementioned songs are memorable and uplifting.Latifah is a rap artist who knows that's she a voice in this world so instead of fake credibility moves,she'd rather say something that's meaningful."Black Reign" is a strong precedent in female hip hop.And as for Latifah,she's conquered the world enough!(And plus she's from Jersey too-BRICK CITY![lol])"
Great Album.
Well, BLEEP You Too | A Southern Californian Forced into Washinton state | 02/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Queen latifah was one of the first females in the rap music businees. she opened a lot of doors for future female rappers. Without Latifah, there probably be no Eve, Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC (RIP), Foxy Brown, Lady of Rage, etc. This is simply Ql's best album. This is a must own."
Classic Album From The Queen!!!!!
Well, BLEEP You Too | A Southern Californian Forced into Washinton state | 09/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of my favorite 90's albums. I was suprised to see that there was no parental advisory. There is a Hell of a lot of cussing in "Rough" and "UNITY". This album is great. My fave song is "Just Another Day". That song is a classic. This is the best album from Latifah and a must own!"
A must for any hip hop lover...
ladylips | Canada | 08/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The entire album is amazing...no need to skip tracks. "Superstar" stands out lyrically, as do the more popular "Just Another Day" and "U.N.I.T.Y". My fave, however, has to be the suprizingly melodic and jazzy "Winki's Theme"; the last track on the album. While it is a drastic departure from the rest of the album, it shows her ability to be more musically diverse than many other rappers...it also is the most emotional, as it is dedicated to her brother Lance who died in a motorcycle accident before the album's release. Buy it."
Well, I Liked It
T. Foster | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 07/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think this CD is great. I remember when UNITY came out, and I got the tape (yeah, tape. :) ) of Black Reign and liked the whole first side of the tape, and most of the second. :) This brings back memories. :)"