Three movies and Television studios focused on black stories are teaming up to produce a slew of hip-hop biopics — and they’ve announced that Queen Latifah will be the first. No writer or director has been announced yet, but Queen Latifah herself will be one of the producers through her company, Flavor Unit Entertainment. Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins’ Jesse Collins Entertainment are also producing the Latifah biopic.
In a statement, Smith stressed the importance of starting with the story of the artist behind the slogan “Ladies First,” which includes her rise as one of rap’s most prominent women and politicians, as well as building a Grammy, Golden Globe and NAACP award-winning career in film and television. “There is no better story to start with than that of Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has entertained and inspired us for so many years,” Smith said.
“We all entered this industry together, and hip-hop has shaped each and every one of us,” Latifah and her business partner Shakim Compere said in a statement. “Hip-hop’s influence has extended far beyond music, creating a lasting impression on culture and society at large. It’s a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues who not only have a shared understanding, but are able to tell these stories that have been the backdrop to our lives.”
Latifah's company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, which she runs with Compere, has produced many of Latifah's successful films, including PC, life support, house demolitionand Beauty Shopin addition to her CBS show. EqualizerSmith Westbrook Entertainment, which he co-founded with Jada Pinkett Smith and others, produced Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die, King Richardand releaseJesse Collins Entertainment was behind it. New Release Story and Bobbi Brown Story Short series.
Last summer, Queen Latifah received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, along with comedian Billy Crystal, Bee Gees frontman Barry Gibb, soprano Renée Fleming and singer Dionne Warwick. She also appeared in the Netflix documentary. Ladies First: The Story of Women in Hip-Hop With Latto, Tierra Whack, MC Lyte, Rah Digga, Sha-Rock, and many more.
