Lancelot Owens Jr, the brother of renowned rapper, actress, and singer Queen Latifah, led a private life away from the spotlight. However, his connection to his accomplished sister, whose career has spanned over three decades, has brought attention to his own story.
Born in 1969, Lancelot Owens Jr was the son of Rita Owens and Lancelot Owens Sr. His mother, Rita Owens, was not only a teacher at Irvington High School but also an actress known for her appearances in films such as “The Cookout” (2004), “Living Single” (1993), and “The Cookout 2” (2011). Tragically, Rita Owens passed away on March 21, 2018, after battling a heart condition for several years.
While information regarding Lancelot Owens Jr’s education is limited, his sister’s rise to fame in the music industry is well-documented. Queen Latifah gained prominence after signing with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and releasing her debut album, “All Hail the Queen,” on November 28, 1989. The album featured the hit single “Ladies First,” further solidifying Queen Latifah’s position in the music industry.
Following her successful debut, Queen Latifah released her second and final album with Tommy Boy Records titled “Nature of a Sista'” in 1991. However, her talents extended beyond music, as she made significant contributions to the realms of film and television. With a career encompassing diverse roles and genres, Queen Latifah has become a household name and is widely regarded as one of the industry’s finest talents.
Despite Queen Latifah’s success, tragedy struck the Owens family when Lancelot Owens Jr passed away in 1992 at the age of 23. He was involved in a fatal motorcycle collision with a car in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, USA. The motorcycle involved in the accident had been a gift from Queen Latifah to her brother. In memory of Lancelot, Queen Latifah continues to wear the key to the motorcycle around her neck, a poignant symbol of their bond. She dedicated her music video for the song “U.N.I.T.Y.” and her 1993 album, “Black Reign,” to her late brother, honoring his memory and the impact he had on her life.
Lancelot Owens Jr’s passing remains a painful chapter in Queen Latifah’s life, as she has shared her thoughts and reflections on his death in her autobiography, “Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman.” Through her music, acting, and public presence, Queen Latifah carries her brother’s memory with her, a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the ones we love.