Rapper, singer, writer, actor, power forward (the position she played on her high-school basketball team), Queen Latifah — born Dana Elaine Owens in Newark, N.J., in 1970 — has proven to be one of the most versatile American showbiz talents of the last decade. She has scored the rare award-nomination trifecta of Grammy, Oscar and Emmy (she's won a Grammy). Although QL started out hard and street-wise — her All Hail the Queen album (1989) is something of a hip-hop landmark — she quickly began to diversify, landing roles in TV and movies, where she put her natural comedic skills to good use. She broke through as a singer in '04 with an album of soul and jazz standards titled The Dana Owens Album. The Queen followed that up in September with Trav'lin' Light (Verve), a similarly styled collection that includes several new tunes mixed in with such rock-era classics as "Poetry Man" and "I'm Not in Love." The music is fulsome and passionate, marked by QL's robust contralto and mature phrasing. Her show at Ruth Eckerd will feature her singing side — large band, ball gowns, the whole bit. Queen Latifah is a big, buxom woman and proud of it. Her charisma is infectious. There is every reason to expect this show to be a real treat.
Queen Latifah, Thurs., Nov. 8, 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. $85, $49.75. rutheckerdhall.com. —Eric Snider
Love it madly
WMNF DJ Flee has concocted another massive homage at Skipper's, this one honoring the music of The Doors, which were fronted by former St. Petersburg Junior College student Jim Morrison. Billed as "Set the Night on Fire: A Tribute to The Doors 40th Anniversary" (the band's self-titled debut album dropped in 1967), the seven-hour event features approximately 20 local artists each performing three songs. Bands scheduled to play range from bluegrass (Crabgrass Cowboys) and groove-rock (Mojo Gurus) to punk (Doll Parts) and art-rock (Auditorium). Songs confirmed for the sprawling set list include hits like "Light My Fire" and "Roadhouse Blues," as well as more obscure numbers such as "The Spy" and "You're Lost Little Girl."
Set the Night on Fire: A Tribute to The Doors 40th Anniversary, Sat., Nov. 10, 4 p.m. (music starts at 5 p.m.), Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa, $12. For more information and to buy tickets in advance, go to wmnf.org. —Wade Tatangelo
Regal Rapper
Touting yourself as "King of the 813" is a ballsy move, but Tampa hardcore rapper Jersey backs up his boast with barbed rhymes that match wit with machismo and just enough vulnerability to keep it real. Jersey delivers his flow in a gravelly drawl and has cemented his rep by defeating foes at Da Cypher. This week, Jersey will be there celebrating the release of his new CD, Last of a Dying Breed Vol. 2, which includes the single "Hood Celebrity." Expect Jersey to be joined on stage throughout the evening by various members of the Umbrella Corporation, including Aych, who hosts Da Cypher.
Jersey Mixtape Release Party, Wed., Nov. 14, 11 p.m., Empire, Ybor City, $5. For more information go to myspace.com/jerseymuzik —WT
This article appears in Nov 7-13, 2007.