Rita Owens: The Unsung Hero Behind Queen Latifah’s Empire—Her Vital Role in Early Hip-Hop!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Rita Owens, the mother of entertainment icon Queen Latifah, played a pivotal role in shaping her daughter’s career and life, offering not only unwavering emotional support but also instrumental guidance in the early stages of her journey. From the moment Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, began her music career in the late 1980s, Rita was there, serving as both a protector and a connector within the hip-hop world, ensuring her daughter had the opportunities and encouragement she needed to succeed.
A Mother’s Presence in the Early Days
Rita Owens’ role in her daughter’s life went beyond traditional maternal support—she was a constant presence at Queen Latifah’s early performances. As a teenager, Latifah began performing in nightclubs at just 17 years old, at an age when she was too young to be out alone at night. Rita, who was a teacher at Irvington High School—Queen Latifah’s alma mater—accompanied her daughter to late-night gigs, ensuring her safety while providing a vital source of comfort and encouragement.
In an interview with Popsugar, Queen Latifah fondly recalled how her mother’s presence helped her build essential connections in the hip-hop community, including with iconic acts like A Tribe Called Quest, MC Lyte, and Monie Love. The hip-hop community affectionately called Rita “Umi,” a term meaning “mother” in Arabic, reflecting the respect and love she earned from those around her. Her involvement not only safeguarded Queen Latifah but also helped her build the foundational relationships that would propel her career forward.
Connecting with Early Collaborators and Flavor Unit
Beyond offering her physical presence, Rita Owens was also instrumental in helping Queen Latifah establish herself in the music industry. One of the most significant contributions Rita made was connecting her daughter with key industry figures. According to an interview with Popsugar, Rita hired Mark the 45 King as Queen Latifah’s first DJ and producer, a decision that helped lay the groundwork for the formation of the Flavor Unit crew, a collective of hip-hop artists and DJs that would go on to play a significant role in Latifah’s career.
The Flavor Unit would later evolve into Flavor Unit Entertainment, a company co-founded by Rita, Queen Latifah, and Shakim Compere. Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, the company became a major force in the hip-hop industry, managing artists like Naughty by Nature and OutKast. Rita’s direct involvement in the creation of this entity not only provided Queen Latifah with the network and resources to further her career but also allowed her to take control of her artistic vision and business endeavors at a young age.
The influence of the Flavor Unit is evident in Queen Latifah’s early music, such as her album Queen Latifah and the Original Flavor Unit. These initial collaborations, backed by the connections Rita helped establish, set the stage for Latifah’s future successes, including record deals and her rise as a pioneer in both hip-hop and entertainment.
Instilling Confidence and Purpose
Perhaps the most enduring aspect of Rita Owens’ support was the confidence and sense of purpose she instilled in her daughter. Queen Latifah has consistently credited her mother with giving her the emotional strength to navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry. In the Popsugar interview, Latifah stated, “I would not be where I am today” without her mother’s belief in her. Rita’s faith in Latifah’s abilities, especially when hip-hop was still considered a passing fad, inspired Queen Latifah to pursue her dreams without hesitation.
This sentiment was echoed in other public tributes, such as when Queen Latifah spoke on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, she said, “Makes me think about my mom and how much I love my mother, and I miss [her] and I’m so thankful for her.” This emotional acknowledgment shows the depth of Rita’s influence—not just in practical matters like introducing Latifah to industry professionals, but in shaping the strong, proud identity that Queen Latifah is known for today.
Rita Owens encouraged her daughter to embrace her black identity fully, fostering a sense of pride that resisted Eurocentric standards of beauty and success. Queen Latifah has often spoken about the importance of this foundation, which allowed her to become a trailblazer in both music and film, all while staying true to herself and her roots.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Rita Owens’ contributions to her daughter’s success went far beyond the typical role of a parent. She was a constant support in the earliest, most formative years of Queen Latifah’s career, offering both practical help and emotional encouragement. From accompanying Latifah to her first performances to introducing her to future collaborators, Rita’s unwavering belief in her daughter’s potential laid the groundwork for the success Queen Latifah would later enjoy.
Today, as a multi-talented icon in music, film, and television, Queen Latifah carries her mother’s legacy with pride, continuing to break barriers and inspire others just as Rita did for her. Rita’s influence remains an integral part of Queen Latifah’s journey, one that began with a mother’s love and support and continues to flourish with each new achievement.
