Happy 25th anniversary, Queen!

Twenty five years ago on this day Dana Owens released her debut album All Hail The Queen on Tommy Boy Records. The album (which features production by rappers KRS One, Daddy O & Prince Paul from rap group Stetsasonic) made Queen Latifah a household name and a key part of the Golden Era of Hip Hop. The album features the classic singles, “Wrath Of My Madness,” “Come Into My House,” “Dance For Me,” and her breakout hit, “Ladies First” which introduced fellow female emcee Monie Love.

Three words to describe this album are powerful, inspirational, and theatrical because Latifah painted a picture for us as she talked on subject matters that we could all relate to. In my opinion, if it were not for this album, we would not know who Nicki Minaj or Iggy Azalea are.

Currently Queen Latifah still continues to rep for the ladies on her daytime talk show and steadily puts out music. Salute to the Queen.

Matia (@ms_hip_hop) salutes Queen Latifah’s debut album All Hail The Queen.