Lancelot Owens Jr., often overshadowed by the immense fame of his sister, Queen Latifah, was a dedicated police officer who chose a life of service and discretion over the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
Queen Latifah, the trailblazing rapper, actress, and singer, achieved widespread recognition in the music industry when she inked a deal with Tommy Boy Records in 1989. Her debut album, “All Hail the Queen,” released on November 28, 1989, was a milestone in her career and featured the hit single “Ladies First,” which further solidified her rising stardom.
Following her successful debut, Queen Latifah continued to make her mark in the music world, releasing her second and final album with Tommy Boy Records titled “Nature of a Sista'” in 1991. However, her talents stretched far beyond the realm of music. With an impressive career spanning over three decades, Queen Latifah established herself as a versatile and accomplished artist, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of film and television.
Lancelot Owens Jr., born in 1969, shared his family roots with Queen Latifah as the son of Rita Owens and Lancelot Owens Sr. His mother, Rita Owens, was not just an ordinary teacher at Irvington High School; she was an actress with notable appearances in films like “The Cookout” (2004), the TV series “Living Single” (1993), and its sequel “The Cookout 2” (2011). Tragically, Rita Owens passed away on March 21, 2018, after a long battle with a heart condition, leaving a void in the family.
As for Lancelot Owens Jr.’s educational journey, there remains a veil of mystery. Details about his high school or college years remain undisclosed, adding an air of intrigue to his private life.
Lancelot Owens Jr., often referred to as Queen Latifah’s brother, lived a life far removed from the public eye. His dedication to maintaining a low profile extended to his personal life as well. There is no record of him being married or having any known relationships with women. His personal affairs remained shrouded in secrecy, a deliberate choice to preserve his privacy amidst the fame of his sister.
In contrast, Queen Latifah’s career trajectory skyrocketed as she earned accolades in the realms of rap, acting, singing, songwriting, film production, and talk show hosting. Her journey included supporting roles in movies like “House Party 2” (1991), “Juice” (1992), and “Jungle Fever” (1992). However, it was her portrayal of Khadijah James on the Fox sitcom “Living Single,” which aired from 1993 to 1999, that propelled her to widespread recognition.
Lancelot Owens Jr., the unassuming brother of Queen Latifah, lived a life of service as a police officer and chose to keep his personal life out of the public eye. While Queen Latifah’s star shone brightly in the world of entertainment, Lancelot Owens Jr. quietly went about his own path, content in his role as a dedicated law enforcement officer.
Queen Latifah’s musical journey continued with albums like “The Dana Owens Album” (2004), “Trav’lin’ Light” (2007), and “Persona” (2009). Her versatility extended to the world of television, where she created and hosted the daytime talk show “The Queen Latifah Show” from 1999 to 2001 and returned to host it again from 2013 to 2015.
How did Lancelot Owens Jr. die?
Tragedy struck the family when Queen Latifah’s brother, Lancelot Owens Jr., tragically lost his life in a motorcycle collision with a car in 1992 at the young age of 23 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, USA. The motorcycle involved in the accident had been a gift from Queen Latifah to her beloved brother. In memory of Lancelot, Queen Latifah continues to wear the key to the motorcycle around her neck, a poignant reminder of their bond. She dedicated her music video for the song “U.N.I.T.Y.” and her 1993 album, “Black Reign,” to her late brother, keeping his memory alive through her artistry. She also opened up about her thoughts and reflections on Lancelot’s untimely death in her autobiography, “Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman,” allowing her fans to connect with her on a more personal level and share in her journey of resilience and strength.
Queen Latifah – Beyond her Musical Career
Beyond her music career, Queen Latifah ventured into the realm of acting, where she gained acclaim for her role as Matron “Mama” Morton in the musical film “Chicago” (2002). This marked a new phase in her career as she seamlessly transitioned between music and acting.
Her acting career boasts an impressive array of films, including “Bringing Down the House” (2003), “Taxi” (2004), “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” (2005), “Beauty Shop” (2005), “Last Holiday” (2006), “Hairspray” (2007), “Joyful Noise” (2012), “22 Jump Street” (2014), and “Girls Trip” (2017). She also lent her voice to characters in the Ice Age film series. Notably, she portrayed blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO film “Bessie” (2015), a role she co-produced.
Queen Latifah’s journey in the music industry is a testament to her talent and impact. Her debut album, “All Hail the Queen,” released on November 28, 1989, marked the beginning of her rise to fame. The album featured the hit single “Ladies First,” a track that not only showcased her lyrical prowess but also emphasized the empowerment of women.
She followed up her debut with the release of her second album, “Nature of a Sista'” in 1991, further solidifying her presence in the music scene. However, it was her third album, “Black Reign,” released in 1993, that etched her name in history. This album became a milestone as it was the first by a solo female rapper to achieve a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It wasn’t just the sales; it was the message that resonated. The influential single “U.N.I.T.Y.” from the album addressed pressing issues like violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality. The song not only reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also earned Queen Latifah a Grammy Award, further highlighting her impact on both the music industry and societal conversations.
