A feature about the life of Queen Latifah is in the works as the first in a slate of independently financed hip-hop biopics hailing from Flavor Unit Entertainment, Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins Entertainment.
The film will follow the ascension of Latifah as the performer became a rapper, singer and actress who has won Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe awards. HarbourView Equity Partners is financing this film, in addition to future biopics that also will spotlight iconic hip-hop performers.
It has not yet been announced who will be writing or directing the Latifah project.
Producers for the film include Latifah and Shakim Compere for Flavor Unit Entertainment, Will Smith and Miguel Melendez for Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon for Jesse Collins Entertainment. The latter company is behind the miniseries The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story that both aired on BET.
“We all came into this industry together, and Hip Hop has shaped each and every one of us. Hip Hop’s impact has expanded beyond just music and has created a lasting impression on culture and society overall,” said Latifah and Compere in a joint statement. “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.”
Smith added, “When you bring talented people and teams together, you can create something truly special. I’m thrilled to work alongside Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment and HarbourView, to highlight the incredible stories of some of our favorite artists and icons. 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.”
Latifah released her debut studio album in 1989 at age 19 and is known for such singles as 1993’s Grammy-winning “U.N.I.T.Y.” Her high-profile Hollywood work includes starring on the series Living Single and The Equalizer and in such features as Chicago, Beauty Shop and Girls Trip.
Music biopics continue to be a hot trend following the recent success of such films as Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love. Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan movie hits theaters this Christmas from Searchlight Pictures, while Lionsgate is set to release its Michael Jackson-focused feature next year.
Deadline was first to report about the Latifah film.
