People who knew Queen Latifah as a kid in Newark, New Jersey, would never have guessed at the fame in her future. But Latifah always dreamed big. Her dreams—and hard work—paid off. While still a teenager, Latifah became the first female solo rapper to sign with a major label and earn widespread popularity. She crafted a unique style full of positive messages, completely changing the rap landscape. That was just the beginning. Since 1989 Queen Latifah has made eight albums and thirty movies, starred in a top TV sitcom, hosted a talk show, launched business and charitable ventures, and won several prestigious awards. As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, reports, it's ordinary people who inspire Queen Latifah: "[A stranger once] told me how much I meant to her and to women of color, and women in general. When I hear that, I know that I'm doing the right thing." What's next for Latifah? The world will be watching, eager to find out.