With the opening of Queen Latifah‘s The Cook Out approaching this

Friday, La sat down with HHDX to answer some questions.

On where the idea came from: Shakim from The Flavor Unit came up with

the concept for the movie. The elements of this story happened at one of his

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

family cookouts.

On her role as a rent-a-cop: I knew I was going to be shooting Taxi at the

same time as we were shooting The Cookout. But The Cookout role was fun. This

character is off her rocker. I can play that nut.

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

On her sense of humor: There was a lot of humor in my house growing up. I’m

not a comedian. I think I have a pretty good sense of humor and I realized I

had pretty good comedic timing when I was doing Living Single.

On her next album: My singing album is coming out Sept. 28 called The Dana

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

Owens Project — jazz, blues, soul, pop. It’s an album of covers from the

30s through 80s from Dinah Washington, Al Greene, Jose Feliciano…

On being a role model and trendsetter: I’m a role model for staying positive

and being imperfect. And keeping God in your life, and being comfortable with

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

who I am. I don’t mind being a first. I’m cracking the door. You kick it

down. I’m cool being a leader because I’ve followed as well. I know nobody does

this all on their own. Sometimes you need examples and inspiration and you take

it where you can get it. But if you get that opportunity, represent.