Queen Latifah will be releasing her new album Persona on August 25th. The album has been described as a blend of Hip Hop and Pop creating a new sound for the Queen. Persona is executive produced by Cool and Dre and features production from Pharrell Williams.
The lead single off of the new album, “Cue the Rain” combines Latifah’s melodic voice with a fun club beat and was first debuted on the season finale of ‘American Idol.” With all of Latifah success, she also opens up some personal issues from her past that caused her to be the go-getter she is today. On the track “The Light,” she opens up about her upbringing in New Jersey and how through various obstacles she has “made it to the light.” This song is a throw back to her rapping days when all hailed the queen.
The Queen also rocks out with the “Queen Of Hip-Hop/Soul” Mary J. Blige on the track “People” as the two examine the nature of personal interactions and relationships. Persona will also feature collaborations with Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, and Serani.
On the acting tip, The Queen is currently shooting two films. Valentine’s Day will feature her Jamie Foxx, Ashton Kutcher and Julia Roberts while Just Wright will star Latifah and Common.
Also in the works to feature La is the musically inspired feature film Stories I’ve Heard to be directed by Chris Robinson who also lensed the T.I. starring vehicle ATL. Written by Robinson and writing partner Neal Feldman, the film unfolds to reveal five separate stories that intersect under extraordinary circumstances.
According to Robinson, “Stories I’ve Heard is just that… Narratives inspired by conversations I’ve had over the years. Extraordinary tales from normal everyday people.”
Varying from the harrowing to the mysterious, each story is based on some kind of real-life event. The five separate storylines eventually intersect, revealing just how involved we all are in each other’s lives without even knowing it.
