Queen Latifah

As the first politically conscious female rapper, Queen Latifah provided the image of womanly strength, power, and self-determination that hip-hop--despite the presence of several notable female pioneers--had lacked. Though she never abandoned the rap game, Latifah went on to become a major player in the record, film, and television industries. She also became a successful and respected actress, and was nominated for a best-supporting-actress Oscar for her role in the 2002 musical CHICAGO.