Queen Latifah's Political Side

Queen Latifah, who has a new voice as a jazz singer, is taking blacks to task for not acting sooner against misogynist, violent and vulgar rap lyrics. "It's a little late to say: 'Stop saying nigger,"' she said. Asked about her transition from hip-hop star to singer, the Hollywood actress and entrepreneur said she also wanted to be a voice for young blacks.

"I've never been a political person, but I do care about what's going on in my world, who's making the decisions for me. I would like to see young people be involved and active and voice our opinions.

I believe what just happened in Jena, Louisiana, was one of the most exciting things in a long time and it just kind of showed how we really do have a voice and that voice should be used for positive means," she said.

African-Americans marched there last month after six black teenagers were charged with attempted murder in an assault on a white student. The case has not been resolved.