Queen Latifah says fans may not have to wait much longer for new music.
The Grammy-winning rapper, actor and producer recently revealed she is considering releasing fresh material this year. The announcement arrives as she prepares for another major career milestone: induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“You know, I got all this music at home,” Latifah said in a recent interview. “I forget y’all haven’t heard it.”
The hip-hop pioneer added that she has been sitting on unreleased songs for years. She suggested the time finally feels right to share them publicly.
“I need to let somebody else hear it other than my friends,” she said.
Latifah, 56, has not released a studio album since “Persona” in 2009. Still, she has remained active across entertainment. In recent years, she starred in the television drama “The Equalizer,” hosted major awards shows and continued producing film and television projects.
Her comments sparked excitement among longtime fans who have followed her music career since the late 1980s.
A Career That Broke Barriers
Latifah emerged during hip-hop’s golden era with her debut album, “All Hail the Queen.” She became known for empowering lyrics and commanding performances. Songs like “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y.” helped redefine the role of women in rap music.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recently recognized that influence. Latifah will receive the Early Influence Award as part of the Hall’s 2026 class. Other honorees include MC Lyte, Fela Kuti and Celia Cruz.
The Hall described Latifah as “the original female superstar from hip-hop’s golden age.”
Her induction reflects a broader shift in recognizing hip-hop’s lasting impact on popular culture. The 2026 class also includes artists such as Phil Collins, Oasis, Iron Maiden and Luther Vandross.
Music historians have often credited Latifah with opening doors for future generations of women in rap. Her success also expanded beyond music. She became one of the first hip-hop artists to build a major Hollywood career while maintaining credibility in the music industry.
Busy Year Ahead
The new music tease comes during a packed year for the entertainer.
Latifah recently hosted the 2026 American Music Awards in Las Vegas, marking her return to the ceremony more than three decades after first hosting in 1995.
She also made headlines for bringing her partner, choreographer Eboni Nichols, and their son, Rebel, to the event. The appearance offered fans a rare glimpse into her private family life.
Despite her many accomplishments, Latifah indicated music still remains close to her heart.
Her comments suggest she may be preparing a return not driven by nostalgia, but by creative momentum. For fans who grew up with her groundbreaking records, that possibility carries significant weight.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for November in Los Angeles.