U.N.I.T.Y.

Last updated

"U.N.I.T.Y."
Unity single.jpg
Single by Queen Latifah
from the album Black Reign
ReleasedNovember 9, 1993
Recorded1993
Genre Hip hop
Length4:14 (censored version) 4:11 (lp version)
Label Motown
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) KayGee
Queen Latifah singles chronology
"Buddy"
(1989)
"U.N.I.T.Y."
(1993)
"Just Another Day..."
(1994)
Audio sample

Remix

A remix version, known as the "Big Titty Remix", can be found on her "Just Another Day..." single.

In other media

An excerpt from the music video was featured during the closing credits of a Season 1 episode of Latifah's sitcom, Living Single , titled "U.N.I.T.Y. (a.k.a. Five Card Stud)" after the song. The episode itself dealt with the issue of disrespect towards women that the song reflects upon, in which supporting main character Kyle Barker (T. C. Carson)—a friend of Latifah's character, Khadijah James—struggles with whether to stand up to a co-worker (guest star Bobby Hosea) who made disparaging comments about Kyle and Khadijah's friend, Regine Hunter (Kim Fields), following said colleague's date with the latter.

The song is played towards the end of the 1996 film Girls Town and plays during the film's credits.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MC Lyte</span> American rapper (born 1970)

Lana Michele Moorer, better known by her stage name MC Lyte, is an American rapper. Considered one of the pioneers of female rap, MC Lyte first gained fame in the late 1980s, becoming the first female rapper to release a full solo album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock. The album spawned the singles "10% Dis" and "Paper Thin".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen Latifah</span> American rapper (born 1970)

Dana Elaine Owens, better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, singer, and actress. She has received various accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards, in addition to a nomination for an Academy Award. In 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One More Chance (The Notorious B.I.G. song)</span> 1995 single by The Notorious B.I.G.

"One More Chance / Stay with Me (Remix)" is a song written and recorded by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Three versions of the song exist: An original, lyrically explicit version prefaced by an answering machine performance featured on the album, and two versions released as singles, both of which contain identical lyrics by B.I.G. despite differing instrumentals and choruses. The first is an upbeat "Hip Hop Mix" that samples Marley Marl's "Droppin Science", and the second is a sultrier R&B remix parenthetically labeled the "Stay with Me Remix", which samples the namesake 1983 song by the band DeBarge. The lattermost remains the most popular, and features backing vocals and harmonies performed by his wife Faith Evans, as well as uncredited appearances by Mary J. Blige and Bad Boy Records label boss Puff Daddy—who also produced the version with Rashad Smith. It received platinum certification by the RIAA by July 31, 1995, and has sold 1.1 million copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Love My Bitch</span> 2006 single by Busta Rhymes featuring Kelis and will.i.am

"I Love My Bitch" known as "I Love My Chick" in its edited version is a song by Busta Rhymes featuring will.i.am and Kelis, released as the second single from Busta Rhymes' seventh studio album, The Big Bang (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Boyz (song)</span> 1999 single by Missy Elliott

"Hot Boyz" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Missy Elliott featuring American rapper and singer-songwriter Lil' Mo. The remix version of the song was an urban hit featuring Nas, Eve and Q-Tip. The remix broke the record for most weeks at number-one on the US R&B chart on the issue dated January 15, 2000; as well as spending 18 weeks at number one on the Hot Rap Singles from December 4, 1999, to March 25, 2000, a record not broken until "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X in 2019. The song also reached number 5 on the US Hot 100 on January 15, 2000. In the UK, the song became the biggest hit from the Da Real World album; it peaked at #18, being Missy's sixth top 40 and fourth top 20 solo success. On February 4, 2000 the song was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wanna Be Down</span> 1994 single by Brandy

"I Wanna Be Down" is the debut single of American recording artist Brandy from her self-titled debut album (1994). It was written by musicians Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones, with production helmed by the former, it was released on September 5, 1994, by the Atlantic Recording Corporation. The song is a mid-tempo track that features a thunderous beat and light synth riffs. Lyrically, "I Wanna Be Down" describes a flirt with a boy, who Norwood tries to convince of her loveliness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(Always Be My) Sunshine</span> 1997 single by Jay-Z featuring Foxy Brown and Babyface

"(Always Be My) Sunshine" is a hip hop song by American rapper Jay-Z with guest vocals from fellow femcee Foxy Brown and R&B singer-songwriter Babyface who performs the song's chorus. It serves as the first single from his second album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997). The track features production by Daven "Prestige" Vanderpool. Vanderpool samples MC Lyte's "Cha Cha Cha", Alexander O'Neal's "Sunshine", Kraftwerk's "The Man-Machine" and The Fearless Four's "Rockin' It" for the track's beat. In addition, George Fonenette plays keyboards on this song. The song's lyrics helped indicate Jay-Z's change from his Mafioso rap style to a more commercial "shiny suit" style. Steve Juon of RapReviews.com supports the song claiming that it is a less gangsta version of The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Me & My Bitch", a well-received track. Jay-Z cites this song as "what killed the album."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen Latifah discography</span> List of songs and albums from the American recording artist

Queen Latifah is an American rapper, jazz/blues singer, and actress. Born Dana Owens, she has released seven studio albums, six of which were hip hop-influenced albums and two that were all-singing jazz-influenced albums. She has released a total of twenty-three singles as well. She has been given the title the "Queen of Jazz Rap".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shoop</span> 1993 single by Salt-n-Pepa

"Shoop" is the lead single released from American hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa's fourth studio album, Very Necessary (1993). The song was produced by group members Sandra "Pepa" Denton and Cheryl "Salt" James with Mark Sparks. Released in September 1993 by Next Plateau, the song became one of the group's more successful singles, reaching numbers four and five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100, and topping the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart at number one. Two months after its release, "Shoop" was certified gold by the RIAA; it went on to sell 1.2 million copies. Its accompanying music video was directed by Scott Kalvert. The success of both this single and the follow-up single "Whatta Man" propelled Very Necessary to sell over 5 million copies in the US, becoming the group's best-selling album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Khaled discography</span> Hip hop disc jockey discography

The discography of American disc jockey DJ Khaled consists of thirteen studio albums which contain 54 singles ; his videography consists of at least 58 music videos. Khaled's value proposition is his extensive network of artists of whom he enlists to perform on studio recordings. While first accumulating such connections from his work as a live DJ and radio personality, he's since become known himself for numerous quips and phrases uttered on these records—many of which became Internet memes. Furthermore, his interviews, quotes, or other presentative qualities have often been described as "motivational" or "inspirational". Despite commercial success, the albums in Khaled's discography have often garnered largely mixed receptions from music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyga discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Tyga consists of seven studio albums, three compilation albums, twenty mixtapes, sixty-seven singles and forty-six music videos. In 2008, Tyga released his first studio album, No Introduction, on the record label Decaydance Records. The album was led by the single "Coconut Juice", which peaked at number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and marked Tyga's first song to enter on the chart. In 2010, Tyga and Virginia singer Chris Brown released the collaborative mixtape Fan of a Fan (2010), which included their hit single "Deuces", which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Tyga's first song to chart on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it peaked atop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe</span> 2013 single by Kendrick Lamar

"Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" edited for radio as "Trick, Don't Kill My Vibe" or simply "Don't Kill My Vibe", is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, produced by frequent collaborator Sounwave of Top Dawg Entertainment in-house production team Digi+Phonics, heavily samples "Tiden Flyver", by Danish electronic group Boom Clap Bachelors. It was originally intended to be a collaboration with American singer Lady Gaga, but her contributions were ultimately excluded from the final recording due to timing issues. A remix of "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" featuring American rapper Jay-Z was sent to radio as the album's fifth single on March 21, 2013, with the original version and another remix featuring British singer Emeli Sandé later being released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flava in Ya Ear</span> 1994 single by Craig Mack

"Flava in Ya Ear" is a song by American rapper Craig Mack. It was released as the lead single from his debut studio album Project: Funk da World on July 26, 1994, by Bad Boy Records and Arista Records. It was remixed with the addition of rappers The Notorious B.I.G., Rampage, LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bia (rapper)</span> American rapper and singer (born 1991)

Bianca Miquela Landrau, known professionally as Bia, is an American rapper and singer who debuted on the Oxygen reality television series Sisterhood of Hip Hop. She signed to Pharrell's I Am Other record label, in partnership with RCA Records in 2014. Her first EP, Nice Girls Finish Last: Cuidado, was released in 2018. She is best recognized for featuring on the 2016 single "Safari" by J Balvin and "Best on Earth" by Russ in 2019. In early 2020, Bia signed a new record deal with Epic Records, releasing her second EP, For Certain, on December 11, 2020. The EP spawned the single "Whole Lotta Money", which later was released as a remix featuring Nicki Minaj and reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardi B discography</span>

American rapper Cardi B has released one studio album, three mixtapes, 38 singles, and 17 music videos. According to the RIAA, she has sold 100 million equivalent units in the United States across albums, singles, and mixtapes, making her the 6th best-selling female digital artist in the country. Her debut album Invasion of Privacy was the best selling female rap album of the 2010s according to The Recording Academy. It also became the most streamed female rap album on Spotify history. According to IFPI, "Girls Like You" was the 5th best-selling single of 2018 worldwide, selling 11.9 million units that year alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Latto</span> American rapper (born 1998)

Alyssa Michelle Stephens, known professionally as Latto or Big Latto, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. She first appeared on Jermaine Dupri's reality television series The Rap Game in 2016, where she was known as Miss Mulatto and won the show's first season, but rejected signing to Dupri's So So Def Recordings label of which was offered as a result.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best Friend (Saweetie song)</span> 2021 single by Saweetie featuring Doja Cat

"Best Friend" is a song by American rapper Saweetie featuring fellow American rapper and singer Doja Cat, released on January 7, 2021 as the third single from Saweetie's upcoming debut studio album Pretty Bitch Music. The song was written by the two performers along with Asia Smith, Kaine, Theron Thomas, and producers Dr. Luke and Rocco Did It Again!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nardo Wick</span> American rapper (born 2001)

Horace Bernard Walls III, known professionally as Nardo Wick, is an American rapper. He signed with RCA Records in 2021 and gained mainstream recognition following the commercial release of his single "Who Want Smoke?" in January of that year. The song spawned a remix featuring rappers G Herbo, Lil Durk, and 21 Savage, which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His debut studio album, Who Is Nardo Wick? (2021) was released in December of that same year and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200.

"Doja" is a song by American rappers Snot and ASAP Rocky. It was released on February 4, 2022 as the second single from Snot's third studio album Ethereal (2022) and was produced by Dee B. The song caused some controversy over misheard lyrics regarding singer and rapper Doja Cat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Mabu</span> American rapper (born 2005)

Matthew Peter DeLuca, known professionally as Lil Mabu, is an American rapper, songwriter, and internet personality from Manhattan, New York. He first gained recognition in 2020 for his viral hit "Miss Me" from his early releases. He then released his debut mixtape Double M's in June 2022.

References

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhjMAk_2PvE
  2. "Queen Latifah". Grammy Awards. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  3. "The 250 Best Songs of the 1990s". Pitchfork . September 27, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  4. "QUEEN LATIFAH - U.N.I.T.Y." (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  5. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  6. "Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . March 26, 1994. p. 24. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  7. "Queen Latifah Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  8. "Queen Latifah Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  9. "Queen Latifah Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  10. "Queen Latifah Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  11. "Queen Latifah Chart History (Radio Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  12. "Queen Latifah Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  13. "USA Cashbox Charts Summaries". popmusichistory. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  14. "Billboard Top 100 – 1994" . Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  15. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1994". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.