Queen Latifah hints at comeback after 16-year album break

Queen Latifah may be set to drop new music 16 years after album break.

In an interview with People Magazine, the Grammy-winning rapper and actress shared that she is considering releasing fresh material this year.

Since her last studio album, Persona, released in 2009, Latifah would be ending a 16-year break. "Note taken, I'm going to drop some music."

"You know, 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 said.

Queen Latifah has remained active in music through live performances and collaborations. She made surprise appearance with Megan Thee Stallion at Coachella in 2025 and also hosted the 2026 American Music Awards. Furthermore, the 56-year-old entertainer is set to join The Voice as a coach for season 30 later this year.

Now, she will receive the Early Influence Award at the Rock Hall ceremony alongside artists including MC Lyte, Celia Cruz and Fela Kuti.

She said, "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."

Adding, "I keep it in my back pocket at all times. But yeah, I guess it has been a minute, so probably will drop some new music this year."

"It's time. Get ready for the many genres that it will come out in," Latifah noted.