Queen Latifah teases new music this year after 16-year hiatus

Queen Latifah recently teased new music this year since the release of last album, Persona, in 2009.

The American rapper, who hosted the American Music Awards on May 25, revealed that she’s going to drop some music after 16-year break.

“I got all this music at home, and I forget y'all haven't heard it. I need to let somebody else hear it other than my friends,” she tells PEOPLE magazine.

Interestingly, Latifah continued to perform concerts and shows even she made a surprise appearance at 2025 Coachella with Megan Thee Stallion and featured on songs by artists such as MC Lyte and Dolly Parton.

Reflecting on her music, the rapper says, “I just feel so close to it regardless.”

Despite the long break, Latifah kept herself relevant as she explains, “I do enough things that allow me to get out there and sing or rap or do shows so that people can remember.”

“Lest they forget how I got into this game. Let me show you right quick,” points out the musician,

Latifah adds, “It has been a minute, so probably will drop some new music this year.”

“Get ready for the many genres that it will come out in,” she concludes.

Meanwhile, Latifah was also announced as one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2026 inductees in April.