OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Queen Latifah, a trailblazer in hip-hop and a voice of empowerment for women across genres, is once again offering invaluable advice to younger generations of female artists. At the 2023 Grammy Awards, she spoke directly to the struggles that many young women in the music industry face — being pitted against one another. In a heartfelt moment, Queen Latifah urged them to focus on collaboration, not competition.
“If you have the power or if you want to work with somebody, go work with them,” she said, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one’s career. The message was clear: external egos and industry-created rivalries should not stand in the way of artistic growth. Instead, artists should seek opportunities to work together and elevate the genre as a whole, instead of letting divisive forces tear them apart.
This perspective echoes the very essence of Queen Latifah’s groundbreaking 1989 anthem “Ladies First,” a song that challenged the misogyny pervasive in the hip-hop industry. Back then, she boldly declared that women in the genre deserved a place at the top, and her music became a rallying cry for women to reclaim their power. It was a powerful reminder that women could thrive together, not at the expense of one another.
For Queen Latifah, this isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about shaping a future where women are not just surviving in the industry, but thriving in unity. Her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for women in music is unwavering. Instead of fueling division, she’s all about lifting one another up, helping to change the narrative that has often marginalized women in the music business.
Queen Latifah’s words at the 2023 Grammy Awards are a timely reminder to today’s artists that there’s strength in numbers. By supporting each other and working together, female artists can create a legacy of unity, creativity, and shared success. And with powerful advocates like Queen Latifah leading the charge, it’s clear that the future of women in music is collaborative, not competitive.