Queen Latifah says racism is ‘alive and kicking’

The hip-hop icon said racism remains prominent today following the recent wave of violence that led to the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and five Dallas police officers – and she’s ready for that to change. “I came here tonight to honor my sister, Lil Kim”. “/ Without the lovely ladies standing behind me / I’m telling you they taught me how to be a Queen / That’s why I know we need some L-Y-T-E in some Unity”, she rapped, and the sentiment encapsulated the love shared throughout the night.

All Hail the Queens returned after a six-year break and Queen Latifah sure made the event unforgettable for fans.

The evening began with an inspiring statement from Black Lives Matter founders Darnell Moore and Alicia Garza, and also included a special taped appearance by First Lady Michelle Obama honoring the women of hip hop.

“I don’t care how much money or things I have, or Puff has, or Missy has”.

Aside from her fantastic opening tribute performance, she also opened up about the alive and existing racism in the United States, Billboard reported. Artists performed her greatest hits including Remy Ma who performed “Work It”, Nelly Furtado singing “Get UR Freak On”, Eve letting loose on “Hot Boyz”, and Trina finishing it off with “One Minute Man”.

Hit: Teyana Taylor completely BODYING her Lil Kim rendition.

“Every win for Latifah was a win for hip-hop”, said LL Cool J, introducing the Newark native, who grew up in East Orange and rose to fame as a rapper before spending decades in the spotlight as an actress, singer and producer.

During her acceptance speech, rapper Lil’ Kim said, “I just want to say that brutality has gotten to an all-time high”.

The eighth edition of the event was dubbed “All Hail the Queens” and it was a tribute to Missy Elliot, Lil Kim, Queen Latifah and Salt-N-Pepa. It would’ve been nice to see the show speak more directly to this continuing disparity, as numerous night’s speakers did in calling for racial unity after the string of fatal shootings of police and civilians that rocked the nation last week, but for today, the show’s noble imperative to honor rap’s queens will have to suffice.