Black Reign by Queen Latifah

Personnel: Queen Latifah (rap vocals); Kevin Batchelor (trumpet); Clark Gayton (trombone); Gordon Chambers (piano); Kim Clark (bass); Kendu Dickens (drums); Heavy D., Tony Rebel, Treach, KRS-One. Producers: S.I.D., Tony Dofat, Kay Gee, Mufi, Queen Latifah. Engineers: Tony Maserati, Patrick Dillet, Michael Maserati, Angela Piva. Recorded at Skyline Recording Studio, Giant Recording Studio and Unique Recording Studio, New York, New York."U.N.I.T.Y."won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. On BLACK REIGN, Queen Latifah presents a viable alternative to the trash-talking, violent braggadocio that is the stock in trade of many lesser rappers. While she presents herself as a capable, strong-willed woman unafraid of singing her own praises, she never comes off as egotistical. Her soulful, R&B-inflected voice conveys a genuine warmth. Her lyrics offer intelligent insights into both sociological and personal issues, and most importantly, her beats are strong and her rapping skills are incontestable.