Queen Latifah Produces The Cookout

With the opening of Queen Latifah's The Cook Out approaching this

Friday, La sat down with HHDX to answer some questions.

On where the idea came from: Shakim from The Flavor Unit came up with

the concept for the movie. The elements of this story happened at one of his

family cookouts.

On her role as a rent-a-cop: I knew I was going to be shooting Taxi at the

same time as we were shooting The Cookout. But The Cookout role was fun. This

character is off her rocker. I can play that nut.

On her sense of humor: There was a lot of humor in my house growing up. I'm

not a comedian. I think I have a pretty good sense of humor and I realized I

had pretty good comedic timing when I was doing Living Single.

On her next album: My singing album is coming out Sept. 28 called The Dana

Owens Project -- jazz, blues, soul, pop. It's an album of covers from the

30s through 80s from Dinah Washington, Al Greene, Jose Feliciano

On being a role model and trendsetter: I'm a role model for staying positive

and being imperfect. And keeping God in your life, and being comfortable with

who I am. I don't mind being a first. I'm cracking the door. You kick it

down. I'm cool being a leader because I've followed as well. I know nobody does

this all on their own. Sometimes you need examples and inspiration and you take

it where you can get it. But if you get that opportunity, represent.