American rapper, singer, and actress born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey. Pioneering female hip-hop artist of the late 1980s and 1990s before pivoting to a successful film, television, and singing career.
Released seven studio albums between All Hail the Queen (1989) and Persona (2009). Best-known recording: "U.N.I.T.Y." (1993), which won the 1995 Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance. Co-founded the Flavor Unit Entertainment record label/management company. Starred in the film Chicago (2002, Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress) and the long-running USA Network drama The Equalizer (2021-present).