Queen Latifah to Produce Groundbreaking Biopic About Her Life with Will Smith

On September 19, 2024, it was announced that Queen Latifah will be producing a highly anticipated biopic about her life and career. The feature film will be the first in a series of biopics centered around hip-hop stars, a collaboration between Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment, Will Smith's Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins Entertainment.

In a statement, Will Smith emphasized the significance of starting with Queen Latifah's story, which encompasses her rise as one of the most prominent and politically-charged female rappers, as well as her acclaimed acting and television career. "There's no better story to start with than the one of Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has both entertained and inspired us for so many years," Smith said.

Queen Latifah and her business partner Shakim Compere expressed their excitement about the project, noting the profound impact of hip-hop on culture and society. "Hip Hop's impact has expanded beyond just music and has created a lasting impression on culture and society overall. It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding, but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives."

The biopic will be produced by Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment, which has overseen much of her filmography, including the movies Bessie, Life Support, Bringing Down the House, and Beauty Shop, as well as her CBS show The Equalizer. Westbrook Entertainment, founded by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, and Jesse Collins Entertainment, behind hit projects like The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story, are also on board.

This announcement comes on the heels of Queen Latifah's prestigious Kennedy Center Honor in 2023, recognizing her trailblazing contributions to the entertainment industry. The biopic is set to be the first in a groundbreaking series that will shine a spotlight on the influential stories and legacies of hip-hop's most iconic figures.