For many years, Queen Latifah was known as a pioneering force in Hip-Hop, reigning with tracks like the Grammy-winning feminist anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.” However, in 2004, the multi-talented artist shed her tough, rap persona to step onto a new stage, astonishing audiences and critics alike with her rich, soulful voice on the classic jazz/blues standard, “I Put a Spell On You.” This transformation was not just a successful genre shift; it was a profound assertion of her artistic versatility, proving her “Diva status” was rooted in raw, undeniable vocal talent.
Queen Latifah Shocks a Sold-Out Jazz Crowd with a Magical Cover
Queen Latifah’s cover of “I Put a Spell on You”—originally a wildly theatrical song by the legendary Screamin’ Jay Hawkins—was featured on her 2004 album, The Dana Owens Album. The album, titled using her birth name, Dana Elaine Owens, was a deliberate effort to present a more intimate, soulful, and less aggressive facet of her artistry, prioritizing vocal standards over her rap output.
The choice of “I Put a Spell On You” was key. The original track is notorious for its raw, manic energy, but Latifah’s version—produced by veterans like Arif Mardin and Ron Fair—offered a smooth, sultry, R&B-infused jazz rendition. The track was elevated further by featuring jazz legend Herbie Hancock on piano, lending impeccable musical credibility.
-
The Critics Transformed: Critics, traditionally tough on celebrity “vanity projects,” largely conceded her success. Reviewers noted that her interpretation successfully tapped into the song’s underlying sexual energy while blending raw intensity with smooth, controlled vocals. One critic noted that her performance on the song was disarming, especially as she urges master accompanist Herbie Hancock to “dig in,” showcasing her command of the track.
The Data: From Hip-Hop Chart to Grammy Nominee
The Dana Owens Album defied expectations for a celebrity genre-shift.
-
Chart Performance: It debuted at No. 16 on the US Billboard 200 album chart and reached No. 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
-
Establishment Validation: Crucially, the album earned a Grammy Award nomination in 2005 for Best Jazz Vocal Album, a spectacular validation from the establishment Latifah had seemingly just entered. This proved that her transition was taken seriously by the music industry’s most rigorous critics.
From Broadway to the Big Band Stage: The Precursor
Latifah’s leap into jazz was not entirely sudden. Her vocal chops had been developing through her acting career, demonstrating her ability to handle demanding musical roles.
-
Notable Event: Chicago: The true precursor to her jazz album was her Oscar-nominated performance as the commanding Matron “Mama” Morton in the 2002 film musical, Chicago. Her performance of the brassy, satirical number “When You’re Good to Mama” earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, revealing her capacity for torch-singer delivery and theatrical power. This acclaim is widely cited as the confidence and career catalyst for pursuing a full-length vocal album.
The success of The Dana Owens Album proved Latifah’s shift was a serious endeavor. She followed up in 2007 with another vocal album, Trav’lin’ Light, which debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard Jazz Albums chart and earned a subsequent Grammy nomination. Queen Latifah’s haunting performance of “I Put a Spell On You” was more than a song—it was a declaration of the depth of her talent, allowing the hip-hop Queen to effortlessly claim her crown as a sophisticated jazz and soul Diva.