All Hail the Queen

A classic debut containing a bonafide anthem in Ladies First. Some say this was the pinnacle of Latifah's career. Those people have obviously not seen Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade.

I think a lot of folks get down on this album for being dated, which it is, but so is a lot of the music on this list. I don't think that dated hip-hop is any worse inherently than dated rock or dated jazz. What's more, this album comes from a singular moment in hip-hop when sampling was wide open and DJs had the equipment to take large samples from popular music. Not all of the rapping on this album has aged well, but Queen Latifah has unquestionable skill on the mike, and its on full display here. The early synthesis of rap with house music is also really cool. This is certainly not the best rap album I've gotten on this list, but it has a case as the most underrated rap album that I've gotten. 4/5

No album is more 1989. It's frozen in a block of 100% pure 1989. It's produced by George H.W. Bush on the deck of the Exxon Valdez. So yes, it's all dated to buggery, but that is not that bad in itself; listening to this has some of the joys of archaeology. However, it's also very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very repetitititititititititititive. All the house beats sound exactly the same. All the raps sound the same, with the sole theme that of Queen Latifah being a good rapper. That makes one good song, but this is meant to be a bloody album. A second listen proves more appealing than the first, but it's still one fine song done 12 times. Yes, one fine song done 12 times. Indeed, one fine song done 12 times. Truly, one fine song done 12 times. In frankness, one fine song done...

What's that? You're all out of Neneh Cherry? How am I going to relive the salad days of 1989? Oh, you have some Queen Latifah? Well that will substitute nicely.

Shit

I really wanted to like this more than I did.

So I’m guessing this is on the 1,001 list related to Queen Latifah being one of the first female rappers – so I get that, and I also think it’s impressive for a 19-year old female in the male dominated hip hop world… That said, just how many songs do you need to have on an album where you reference how “dope” your rhymes are, talk about how you can out-rap anyone, and mention your name – along with DJ Mark The 45 King? A couple of songs? Perhaps half the album? Nope – apparently EVERY SINGLE God-damn track needs to make some reference to the “Queen & King”… Absolutely wore me out… Additionally, the sound on this album seems incredibly dated to me (i.e. and it didn’t age well either…) – as I guess a lot of hip-hop back then tended to sound like this – and then of course the lyrical content of 80%+ of the songs was about what a great rhymer she was, and how she could take on anybody… Sure, 1 or 2 songs like that would have been fine – but just about every song on the album – well shit got pretty dull, pretty quickly IMO – but I guess when it came out, it sounded different… The only lyrical content that was along the lines of what I expected was “Evil That Men Do” – after of course the obligatory first few minutes of rapping about what a great rhymer she was – the rest of it was interesting, and would have preferred more of her perspectives like that… Also liked the reggae feel of “Princess Of The Posse” – just had to put up with all the lyrics about how great she was – though the chorus by the back-up singers was fine… Giving this a 2 for historical significance, and the inaugural work of a 19-year old female in a male dominated genre, but at the end of the day – the quality of the songs throughout an album HAVE to mean something, and the endless repetition on this one was just insufferable…

When she's on, she's on, but there are too many tracks that don't work. This did not age well at all. Best track: Dance for Me

09/15/2022 I’ll probably say this hundreds of times throughout this project, but I am not an 80s girl, and late 80s/early 90s dance hall/house music is one of the genres that I hate the MOST, so this album was really tough to get through. So much so that I didn’t even do it. No disrespect or anything, but this album is not for me whatsoever. — Today sucked fat ass, I cried on the phone to Luke about how I hate school and I want to quit 🤣🤣🤣 I’m trying to force myself to stick with it and not give up so easily, but holy fuck is it easy to get discouraged. I fucking hate computers, ever since I was a child I’ve longed for a time other than this one, yet I have to be stuck in this hellhole of a world that just keeps driving itself further and further toward a bottomless pit of despair. I find it really hard to find a will to live sometimes.

19 years old when she released this, but 1989 hip hop doesn't age well.

After NWA’s misogynistic lyrics two days ago, this felt good!

It was awful.

i mean i see the appeal but felt a little cringe at times, i don’t feel as though i need to revisit low 2.5

Une couverture piégeuse… Si j'avais voulu un album d'Ice Cube dissimulé sous une perruque et un turban, j'aurais directement demandé à Robert (je le connais personnellement). Non, non et non.

No no god no. Put it back in the ark of the covenant and open it again in 30 years. Let the future deal with it. Just get it out of my sight.

The only reason this doesn't get five stars is because it not timeless. The beats and delivery style absolutely peg this as a rap album from the late 80s-early 90s. But, for the time, this album is absolutely head of the class. The lyrics are so sharp they draw blood just brushing against them. It's rare for a debut album to be such a great indication of an artist's legacy but, with "All Hail the Queen" Latifa made it clear that she was here to stay and ready to rumble. And she has. Her impact on music (and film) in America is undeniable. And it's all on display here. Great album.

Very enjoyable, from a weirdly innocent period in time [EDIT: re-runs for the last 5 days, helpful over the holiday period but I'm hoping for a banger or two over the weekend]

Very good 80s rap that again loses a point for length

Fair play to her breaking into the male dominated hip-hop world. Some good production and flow - surprisingly sounds less dated than some of her contemporaries. Best Track: Dance For Me; Mama Gave Birth To The Soul Children; Wrath of My Madness

“The Pros”’s dub lurch pinched me out complacency and makes me wish this record changed up more often; the style is mostly upbeat, keeps the toes flexing, but predictable. Once you’ve heard the first twenty seconds of the song, you’ll know how the rest will go. I like Queen Latifah’s voice and wish she sang about more than her rapping prowess.

Lyrics are pretty weak for a rap album

Really disappointed, bland, lyrically kinda dull

Ik ga ook een album maken dat van A tot Z over mezelf gaat.

Love the pride she has in herself. It makes me feel good about myself.

Extremely groovy. Great dance beats; a melodic style of rap vocal; perfect funk, jazz and occasionally reggae samples (? - I think they're samples). I can't think of a reason not to go 5 stars.

Shockingly good

Consistently high quality from track to track. Strong performances, fun backing vocals. Engaging storytelling moments with songs like 'The Pros'. The oldschool flows are matched beautifully with progressive beats that ring as a flagship of the era rather than a worn out trend. The lyrics are a great blend of braggadocios claims and some social commentary. Overall an enjoyable ride without any songs that demand to be skipped. Great production with a variety of samples and interesting layering. The album does not overstay its welcome and touches on all aspects of what make Queen Latifah lauded as an icon in hip hop and as one of the most iconic and influential female rappers.

This is the 38th album I’m rating. I don’t who she is or what this is. However, I’m expecting Hip Hop. Adding to my Playlist - Dance for Me, Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children, Come into my House, Latifah’s Law, Wrath of my Madness, The Pros, Ladies First, A King and Queen Creation, Queen of Royal Badness, Evil That Men Do, Princess of the Posse, and Inside Out. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. All in all I liked 12/12 of the songs. It was kinda boring but in a good way. Sounds like A Tribe Called Quest but worse.

Refreshingly different. Not something I normally listen to but I dug it.

Such an amazing artist

Love it and reminds me of Monie Love although I think this album was out before any Monie Love albums were.

Очень понравилось, такой старый хип хоп. То что надо

"Rhymes are smokin', concentration can't be broken. Queen Latifah's Outspoken." Groovy and soulful like I expected from Queen Latifah. She blends rap with reggae, jazz, and hip hop. QL sets the expectation early in Latifah's Law. The Queen of Royal Badness has a lot to say, and this f*ggot ain't got nothin' better to do than listen. Latifah doesn't shy away from addressing racial apartheid, pleasure politics, feminism, and mass-incarceration. I wanted to take away a point for the chipmunk noises at the end of Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children, but after Evil That Men Do, I can't. 5/5.

Hell yeah! I wasn't sure how much female fronted rap there might be on the list, but I was delighted to see the Queen! A mishmash of genres and styles, and a sonic education which teaches more with each listen

Good stuff, positive vibes, great beats, good message. Don't know what more you want.

FUN producers did a SIIICK job on this i really really love this. 4.7/5

Timeless beats, effortless flows, excellent production, excellent features, an undeniable classic of New York rap

This is a joy, art, musical, inventive.

All hail the queen is right!

It has been a very long time since I last listened to this album. The hip-hop of the late 80s feels good to me!

Wow! This was a great weekend of music. Just as with yesterday's PJ Harvey, as soon as I finished All Hail the Queen I just started it over again. Fantastic!

didn't think I was a fan of Queen latifah - until listening to this! boppin, funky, she is a great lyricist / rapper.

you wouldn't have Beyonce without Queen Latifah. and this debut is jazzy, funky, groovy, and with a flow that is sterling. Ladies First is a killer song.

I just snagged the vinyl last week to finally bring this album in to my collection, so this gave me a perfect excuse to break it in. Start to finish a banger, and an absolute classic.

A perfect album a seriously enjoyable listen les go

Beautiful and soulful throughout. Really easy to just listen and vibe to.

favourite songs: mama gave birth to the soul children, the pros, evil that men do, inside out no least favourites, absolutely loved this and knew that i would as soon as de la soul appeared. fantastic album. started listening again as soon as it was done.

i loved this shit

стильно, модно, вкусно

stupid good. 5 stars.

Ha, nice. This came up immediately after De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising on my list. Just like that one, I thought that this was an excellent product of the hip-hop golden age. This had a bit of everything - reggae, dub, house, jazz, soul. Overall it was just a fun, energetic album with excellent flow, a lot of great collabs, and several genres being channeled brilliantly. Favourite: Come into My House

like it

I knew Queen Latifah was a rapper, but not sure I'd heard anything really and knew her mainly for film roles. This was quality! Proper hip hop, there was also a bit of dub and reggae sounding stuff in there too. Much better than I expected. Becoming clear to me that I definitely prefer the east coast sound. Some of this sounded like DJ format, or rather format sounds like this. Particularly the track with de la soul and wrath of my madness. Thought the guest artist songs kept it interesting too and it flew by. Listened a second time and it has to be a 5. I'll be back!

wow this album is a masterpiece. flows and rhymes are absolutely impeccable and the beats are so catchy and creative. love the hook on wrath of my madness especially. the voice change rap was cute haha. saxophone on ladie’s first was cool af. track for track such a great album.

Slut 80’er hiphop, den gamle lyd, skarp lyrik, indflydelsesrigt

Amazing HiP-Hop debut.

Crazy that she was 18/19 recording this. Required listening for hip hop fans. Fantastic.

What a talent

Punk fucking rock

4.5/5. Essential early hip hop. Nothing else to say.

Yes.

Absolutely mint, no idea she was this good. Better than, or at least as good as, a lot of the greatsnfrom this era, Tribe, De La Soul, etc. Easy a 4 maybe a 5

This album is great from start to finish.

No topaba esto. Uno de los mejores discos de hip hop de todos los tiempos.

Day494 - it’s really good old school rap. the ones with de la soul and monie love were my favorites

Damn, she’s good! 4

I was an alt-rock girl when this came out, so it was no where near my radar. I've never really listened to Queen Latifah, and I missed out. This is fun! Sure, it's showing it's age but I won't hold that against it.

"All Hail the Queen" is the debut studio album by American rapper Queen Latifah. Hip hop is the genre. There are multiple guest appearances and there were five producers credited (DJ Mark the 45th King, Louis "Louie Louie" Vega, KRS-One, Daddy-O and Prince Paul.) on the album The album was well received critically and, in 2023, it was selected for the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its artistic significance and specifically for "showing that rap could cross genres including reggae, hip hop, house and jazz, while opening opportunities for other female rappers." Commercially, the album hit #124 on the US Billboard 200 and reached #6 on the R&B/Hip Hop Album Charts. The album opens with "Dance for Me." A quick, funky, hip hop beat. A vocal sample from Sly and the Family Stones' "Dance to the Music." Forceful rapping by Quern Latifah as she's ordering you to dance in a fun song. Dialogue stating "Take this mask off" from the movie "Disco Godfather" introduces "Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children." A change of beat in this weird song. Funky. De la Soul makes a guest appearance. The last part are voices of girls through what sounds like a vocoder but I don't if that existed in 1989. So, maybe just on helium. A nice house-dance beat gets a-going in "Come into My House." Nice backing vocals to the melody of Anita Baker's "Ring My Bell." Queen Latifah stresses don't get her mad in "Wrath of My Madness." More funk. Pointed horn sampling from Grover Washington. Monie Love joins Queen Latifah in the feminist anthem "Ladies First." Both come in strong. Horns and a great jazz-hip hop fusion. This album is a lot of fun. Queen Latifah brings it in her rapping style and prowess. As with most of the hip hop albums that I like: selective use of guest appearances, timely sampling and no over production. Check, check and check. There's nice fusion of hop hop with jazz and house-dance music. She mentions the homeless and lack of education, but Queen Latifah doesn't go deep into any social issues and keeps it light. Overall, a definite recommendation.

Fact is this is great. Never does this get boring, never does it only sit in rap or hip hop or even pseudo-pop, but it spins around all of them and none of them each and every song, sometimes within songs. And Queen Latifah, she has voice! I wish I could use her to be a voice for my activism right now, we need it! Highly recommend as a 1001 album and just to listen to just to listen! You will not get bored.

Качественная музыка, но не понрав

The vibes are immaculate. The sun is shining. The wind is in our hair as we drive across the peak district. This album is the perfect accompaniment: it couldn't have been timed better.

..

I didn’t really have any expectations going into this one. Turns out I liked it more than I would have guessed. 80s/90s rap is so fun. This album in particular has a good variety between tracks and Queen Latifah is a better lyricist than I remembered.

Before: Wasn't excited about this one. Thought there would be one single (Ladies First) that was OK and the rest of the album was going to be filler. Didn't bother to read up on the album, just opened Spotify After: Really pleasantly surprised. The Prince Paul track (with De La Soul) was good, the 45 King beats were uniformly excellent and Queen Latifah was a much better lyricist than I'd given her credit for. Had to look at the production credits because of the more varied beats than I'd expected. Ladies First made me realize I need to check out some more Monie Love too.

Great!

A genuine revelation. Excellent album. Bit of a de la soul vibe. Really enjoyed and will listen again.

Fun

Really groovy album I enjoyed it a lot. She is a real MC Queen that's for sure, I really got into "Ladies First" and "Queen of Royal Badness" which were reallyyyy awesome, she has such a great voice flow and a certain ego but that's funny.

Ironically got this album on women’s day. Good album with a few bops in between

Yaaaaas queen

Just classic!! Love the Queen!

this was so much fun!

This was actually pretty good. I know she was friends with Tribe so it makes sense that her style and flow are somewhat similar. Not sure how many female hip hop artists were around at the time but she had to have been one of the best.

... 1989...? Time gets away from you. Never heard this one all the way through. If Latifah had any amount of editorial control over her debut, do you think it's safe to say that she likes to dance? Yeah, it's rap. Yeah, it's definitely in the R&B stacks. But really, this is a dance album. It's good fun, and I have a quibble. Latifah is good on the mic, for sure, but some of the best verses aren't served by her, rather her guests. I had high hopes for Ladies First, but this anthem of empowerment is about a deep as a puddle, and other places the lyrical message is about a subtle as a brick. Am I expecting too much from Queen Latifah's debut? Probably.

I’d never heard this album and forgot what a force of nature she was!

Pretty good fist is my favorite so far

Respect for Queen Latifah 3.5 stars

Pretty good. This was a pleasant surprise.

This was great! And honestly if we’d flipped these 2 albums I’d have been happier. But both were great, so ultimately it doesn’t matter. Of course nothing matters, but Queen Latifah is great so that’s good.

This album is full of ~flavour~

I thought this was really good. I'm always happy to see women in underrepresented genres and Queen Latifah is a legend.

Damn she was young here! hehe kinda like this older type of rap / hip hop. What ever you call it. Princess of the Posse is good. I like that Jamaican sound. I really liked this album. 4 stars.

classic latifah , album has aged fairly well considering

Yeah, it's dated, but a mainstream female rapper in 1989? Points for changing the game and paving the way.

## In-Depth Review of *All Hail the Queen* by Queen Latifah Queen Latifah's debut album, *All Hail the Queen*, released in 1989, stands as a seminal work in hip-hop history. It not only marked her entry into the male-dominated rap scene but also established her as a powerful voice for women and a champion of social issues. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its lasting influence, while also assessing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrical content of *All Hail the Queen* is diverse, blending personal empowerment with social commentary. Queen Latifah's verses often reflect her experiences as a Black woman navigating a challenging landscape. - **Empowerment and Feminism**: The track "Ladies First," featuring Monie Love, is a notable anthem of female empowerment. It celebrates women's strength and contributions to hip-hop, challenging the notion that women are secondary in the genre. Latifah's confident delivery and Love's dynamic flow create a powerful message: “Ladies first, ladies first,” which became a rallying cry for female artists. - **Social Commentary**: Songs like "Evil That Men Do" tackle serious issues such as violence and inequality. The collaboration with KRS-One adds weight to the discussion, making it clear that Latifah is not just rapping for entertainment but also to provoke thought and inspire change. - **Personal Narratives**: Tracks like "Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children" reflect on heritage and identity, showcasing her lyrical versatility. The storytelling aspect of her lyrics invites listeners into her world, making her experiences relatable. ### Music and Production Musically, *All Hail the Queen* is a rich tapestry of sounds that blends hip-hop with elements of jazz, reggae, and house music. - **Production Team**: The album features production primarily by DJ Mark the 45 King, whose beats are characterized by their rhythmic complexity and catchy hooks. His work on tracks like "Wrath of My Madness" showcases his ability to create engaging soundscapes that complement Latifah's vocal prowess. - **Genre Fusion**: The incorporation of various genres is evident in songs like "Come Into My House," which embraces house music influences. This genre-blending approach was innovative for its time and paved the way for future artists to experiment beyond traditional hip-hop boundaries. - **Instrumentation**: The use of live instrumentation alongside samples gives the album a vibrant feel. For example, the saxophone in "Ladies First" adds an unexpected layer that enhances its appeal. ### Themes *All Hail the Queen* addresses several themes that resonate deeply with listeners: - **Empowerment**: Central to the album is the theme of empowerment—both personal and collective. Latifah positions herself as a leader among women in hip-hop, encouraging them to assert their place in a genre often dominated by male voices. - **Identity and Heritage**: The exploration of identity is prevalent throughout the album. Latifah reflects on her roots and the cultural significance of her experiences as a Black woman in America. - **Social Justice**: Many tracks confront societal issues such as violence against women and racial inequality. Latifah’s willingness to address these topics head-on distinguishes her from many of her contemporaries. ### Influence The impact of *All Hail the Queen* extends far beyond its initial release: - **Trailblazer for Women in Hip-Hop**: Latifah’s success opened doors for future generations of female rappers. Artists like Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaj have cited her as an influence, acknowledging how she reshaped perceptions of women in rap. - **Cultural Significance**: The album’s themes continue to resonate today as discussions around gender equality and representation in music remain relevant. Its messages have inspired countless artists to embrace their identities and advocate for social change through their art. - **Legacy**: Over three decades later, *All Hail the Queen* is celebrated not just as a classic hip-hop album but as an important cultural artifact that reflects the struggles and triumphs of women in music. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The blending of genres creates a unique listening experience that stands out in hip-hop history. - **Strong Lyrical Content**: Empowering messages coupled with social commentary make for thought-provoking lyrics that engage listeners on multiple levels. - **Cultural Impact**: The album has had a lasting influence on both hip-hop and broader discussions about gender equality in music. #### Cons - **Production Variability**: While many tracks are well-produced, some may feel dated compared to contemporary standards or lack the polish found in later works. - **Filler Tracks**: A few songs may be perceived as filler or less impactful compared to standout tracks like "Ladies First" or "Evil That Men Do." - **Limited Vocal Range Displayed**: Although Latifah showcases her singing ability on certain tracks, some critics argue that she could have explored this aspect more extensively throughout the album. ### Conclusion *All Hail the Queen* by Queen Latifah remains a landmark album that transcends its era. With its powerful lyrics, innovative production, and significant themes, it not only solidified Latifah's place in hip-hop history but also paved the way for future artists. Despite some criticisms regarding production quality and occasional filler tracks, its strengths far outweigh any shortcomings. As both a musical achievement and a cultural statement, *All Hail the Queen* continues to inspire new generations of artists and listeners alike.

Gute Vibes, aber ein paar Lieder weiter geklickt

so fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! made me very nostalgic for some reason

Naming yourself "Queen" is bold but, if you then drop a banger of a debut album like this, I can let it slide. Great Listen!

in a better world, one in which the work of female artists in hip hop was allowed the longevity and staying power it truly deserves, we'd be talking about Queen Latifah's debut album in the same breath as records like 3 Feet High and Rising. I don't just bring De La Soul up due to their inclusion on track 2 here (although that's a fantastic song!); 3 Feet High and All Hail the Queen are both emblematic of the ways in which rap music, and particularly rap albums, were evolving as the nineties were about to begin. I'm thinking especially of sample selection, conceptual focus, and most importantly, the expansion of subject matter! this is often cited as one of hip hop's first major feminist statements, and for good reason. I can think of times where I've heard female rappers attempt to prove that they can rap "as good as" their male counterparts, but Queen Latifah's perspective is much different. she isn't concerned with reaching parity with men, especially considering the evil they do (an evil she speaks about over a KRS-One beat on side B)! Latifah opens the album with a verse about how she might not be the best female MC you've ever heard, but MC stands for "Microphone Commando", and she'll command your attention anyway. she'll make you dance for her, a task made easier by some excellent beats from DJ Mark The 45 King! I love how rap songs from this era will sometimes have an instrumental break with a sample in one key, a section for the verses with a sample in a second key, and sometimes a hook that's in a third key! the subtle ways hip hop production breaks away from traditional tonality are not lost on me. the album's most iconic track, "Ladies First", is an ode to female solidarity, a message which I think has been somewhat lost in the modern rap landscape. since i started following hip hop in the 2010s, its culture's inherent misogyny has seemed to only allow for one, maybe two big female rappers to exist at one time. although, maybe with artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Doechii, CupcakKe and many others finding their way into a bigger pond this decade, that might be starting to change! decent 7/10.

The beat is super funky and the bars are tight, but the kids talking on "Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children" are a little creepy. "Come Into My House" is dope. "Wrath of my Madness" has a sweet beat and cool vocal sections. "Princess of the Posse" also has awesome sections. Her flow on this song sounds a lot like Phife Dawg. The album is great. It is little single-tone and at times the songs blend together. I wasn't super dialed into the lyrics but it's clear she has a lot of thoughtful bars about her negative experiences. 8/10