A Queen Latifah biopic is in production via a landmark collaboration that promises to redefine biographical storytelling in the entertainment industry. Flavor Unit Entertainment, Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins Entertainment have teamed up to produce a series of iconic hip-hop biopics.
The first film in this new venture will focus on the life of Queen Latifah, tracing her journey from groundbreaking rapper to award-winning actress and cultural icon. The production will be independently financed by HarbourView Equity Partners, led by its Founder & CEO, Sherrese Clarke Soares.
With a history of producing critically acclaimed projects, the trio aims to bring untold stories of legendary figures to life, starting with Queen Latifah. The film will showcase her profound impact on the entertainment world as a Golden Globe, Grammy, and Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress and musician.
Queen Latifah, along with her long-time business partner Shakim Compere, will produce the film under their Flavor Unit Entertainment banner. Westbrook Studios, helmed by Will Smith and Miguel Melendez, will join as producers alongside Jesse Collins Entertainment, which is renowned for its successful biopics like The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story. Together, the team is set to explore and celebrate the cultural legacies of hip-hop pioneers, beginning with Latifah’s formidable career.
Soares, shared her enthusiasm for the project. “As a girl from Queens, Hip-Hop fundamentally shaped who I am. Music and storytelling were my passport to destinations both familiar and untraveled,” Soares said. “It is an honor to partner with these talented production companies to bring Queen Latifah’s journey to the screen and share her undeniable impact on the world.”
Actor and producer Will Smith commented on the potential of this collaboration, stating, “When you bring talented people and teams together, you can create something truly special. I’m thrilled to work alongside Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment, and HarbourView to highlight the incredible stories of our favorite artists and icons.”
Jesse Collins, founder and CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, also underscored the importance of documenting hip-hop’s influence on global culture. “Queen Latifah’s story is one of triumph that needs to be shared with the world,” he said. “This partnership is just the beginning of the impact these films will have.”
HarbourView Equity Partners, founded in 2021, has already amassed a robust music portfolio featuring over 70 music catalogs, spanning a wide array of genres, eras, and artists. In addition to financing these biopics, HarbourView will offer its extensive catalog for potential development opportunities, further cementing its role as a key player in premium content production.
The Queen Latifah biopic marks a significant step forward for both the hip-hop genre and independent film production. The choice to independently finance such a project highlights the growing demand for creative freedom in telling culturally significant stories. The film will aim to capture Latifah’s evolution as a multi-talented artist who has made lasting contributions to both music and film.
Further details on the Queen Latifah biopic, including casting and release dates, are expected to be announced in the coming months. As this collaboration takes shape, it holds the promise of a new era in biographical storytelling, one where the voices and stories of hip-hop legends will be showcased on a global stage.