Rita Owens: The Mother Who Helped Build Queen Latifah’s Empire

Queen Latifah’s trailblazing career — from pioneering female MC to Oscar-nominated actress and producer — is the stuff of entertainment legend. But behind the groundbreaking artist born Dana Owens was another force just as integral to her rise: her mother, Rita Owens. More than a parent, Rita was a protector, connector, and co-architect of the empire Latifah would go on to build, leaving a legacy woven into the history of hip-hop itself.

A Mother’s Watchful Eye in Hip-Hop’s Early Days

When Latifah began performing as a teenager in the late 1980s, her mother wasn’t content to cheer from the sidelines. At just 17, Latifah was playing in New York–area nightclubs — a risky environment for a young woman, especially in the still rough-and-tumble early days of hip-hop. Rita, a teacher at Irvington High School, accompanied her daughter to shows, staying until the early hours to make sure she was safe.

Her presence became part of Latifah’s early identity. Affectionately known in the hip-hop community as “Umi” — Arabic for “mother” — Rita earned the trust and affection of artists like A Tribe Called Quest, MC Lyte, and Monie Love. She wasn’t just the mom backstage; she was a respected figure in the scene, quietly helping her daughter navigate a male-dominated industry.

Building the Flavor Unit

Rita’s influence wasn’t limited to moral support. She played a decisive role in connecting Latifah with her first DJ and producer, Mark the 45 King, laying the groundwork for what would become the Flavor Unit collective.

That collective evolved into Flavor Unit Entertainment, co-founded by Rita, Latifah, and Shakim Compere in Jersey City, New Jersey. Under their leadership, it became a powerhouse in artist management, guiding acts like Naughty by Nature and OutKast. By creating a business infrastructure early on, Rita ensured her daughter could take control of her career, own her narrative, and work on her own terms — a rare position for a young female rapper in that era.

Instilling Confidence and Cultural Pride

Just as critical was Rita’s role in shaping her daughter’s sense of self. Latifah has often credited her mother with giving her the confidence to succeed in an industry that wasn’t built to welcome women of color. Rita encouraged her daughter to embrace her Black identity unapologetically, reject Eurocentric beauty ideals, and remain true to herself — principles that became central to Latifah’s public image and artistic voice.

On hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Latifah reflected on her mother’s impact:

“Makes me think about my mom and how much I love my mother… I’m so thankful for her.”

A Lasting Legacy

Rita Owens passed away in 2018, but her influence continues to shape Queen Latifah’s life and career. Her combination of fierce protection, strategic thinking, and unwavering belief helped turn a teenager from Irvington, New Jersey, into a global icon.

In an industry that often spotlights the stars alone, Rita’s story is a reminder of the unseen heroes behind the scenes — the parents and mentors whose guidance not only fuels individual dreams but also helps shape the culture itself. For Queen Latifah, her mother wasn’t just part of her story — she helped write the first, and perhaps most important, chapters.