Persona (Queen Latifah album)
Persona is the seventh studio album by the American hip-hop artist and actress, Queen Latifah. "Persona" was released on August 25, 2009, by Flavor Unit Entertainment. The album marks Queen Latifah's return to hip-hop music since 2002. "Persona" includes a mix of Latifah rapping and singing and features guest verses by Missy Elliot, Marsha Ambrosius, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, Busta Rhymes, and Mary J. Blige. Background. In 2008, Latifah was asked if she would make another hip-hop album. She was quoted saying the album was "already done" and it would  be called "All Hail the Queen II." It was previously stated that her return-to-hip-hop album would be titled, "Negativity" and "Star". It was rumoured that the album would be titled ""The 'L' Word"." When Latifah asked about the rumor, she stated it was her attempt to "mess with people's heads" referring to the rumors that she is lesbian. On September 12, 2008, "Rolling Stone" reported that Queen Latifah was working on a new album titled, "Persona". The song "Cue the Rain" was released as the album's lead single. The other singles from the album include , "Fast Car", "My Couch" and "With You". The album debuted at number 25 on the "Billboard" 200, selling 18,000 copies in its first week. Collaborations. Dre from production duo Cool & Dre teamed up with her for the song titled, "My Couch". Dre lent his vocals for another track titled, "Hard to Love Ya" alongside Busta Rhymes and Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman. On July 26, 2009, on her Twitter page, Latifah revealed that the second single from the album would be "Fast Car", which included a remix with Missy Elliot and Lil' Kim.