The Super Def Latifah, Super Jam 1989 Flyer, Paterson, NJ

This flyer features a young Queen Latifah (Dana Owens, b. 1970) as the headliner at the St. Joseph Community center hosted by Super Jam in 1989.

Originally emerging as a beatboxer in the hip-hop trio Ladies Fresh, then as singer in a duo called Quiet Storm, Queen Latifah emerged on the hip-hop scene as a rapper and singer. In 1989, Queen Latifah made a demo tape which included “Wrath of Madness” as her first single. Discovered by Fab 5 Freddy, Queen Latifah was signed to Tommy Boy records in 1989 and became a member of the 90s hip-hop collective the Native Tongues which included artists who paired hip-hop with jazz and dressed in Afro-centric apparel and jewelry. With hits like “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y.” Queen Latifah is known as one of the prominent female leaders of 90s hip-hop. Queen Latifah is also known to have one of the strongest female political voices in hip-hop, often rapping about women empowerment, domestic violence, and unity within the Black community.