New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, has bred a ton of Black talent. The state is filled with rich cultural aspects, including a deep history of music. The list of famous Black women in entertainment from the East Coast state includes the late Whitney Houston, one of the greatest female vocalists of the 20th century. 

Here are six black women celebrities from New Jersey that you should know.

Queen Latifah

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Queen Latifah is a trailblazer in both music and cinema. She ventured into rap in the late 1980s, breaking barriers as a female rapper in a male dominated industry. Her iconic singles include “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y.,” which won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. 

On the acting front, Queen Latifah’s range of roles include the film “Set It Off,” “Chicago,” and “Hairspray.” These days, the rapper and actress continues to have a fruitful career in entertainment, including producing and starring in the television series “The Equalizer.”

Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton first rose to fame as part of the trio girl R&B group 3LW. 3LW’s hit singles, like “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right),” showcased Naughton’s vocals. Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, the star went on to pursue acting. One of her most iconic roles showcased her portraying legendary rapstress Lil’ Kim in the biopic “Notorious.” Her other notable roles include playing the character Tasha St. Patrick in the popular television series “Power.” 

Lauryn Hill

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Lauryn Hill is one of the greatest female rappers of all time. Hill originally hit the music scene as a member of The Fugees. As the only woman in the group, Hill’s distinctive voice and lyricism led the group to international success. In 1997, she was the first female rapper to win Best Rap Album for her group’s second album “The Score.”  In 1998, she went solo. Her debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” earned five Grammy Awards, including one for Album of the Year.

Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick is a seasoned legend born in East Orange, New Jersey. Warwick has more than 60 charted hit songs, from “Walk on By” to “I Say a Little Prayer.” Now, at 84 years old, the singer’s contributions to the industry have earned her multiple Grammy Awards. The music legend also uses her platform to advocate for social justice. Warrick is a former United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Christina Milian

Christina Milian is a certified actress and singer, who rose to fame in the 2000s. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Milian ventured into the entertainment industry early with her singles “AM to PM” and “Dip It Low.” The star added acting to her musical achievements, appearing in a number of films and television shows, including the 2003 film “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and the 2024 Netflix movie “Meet Me Next Christmas.” Milian is also a proud mother of three children: two sons with her husband Matt Pokora and a daughter with ex-husband The-Dream.

Tasha Smith

Tasha Smith was born in Camden, New Jersey. Smith is a decorated actress, known for her role in Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” Her most recent role is in Netflix’s series “Survival of the Thickest,” where she stars alongside Michelle Buteau. Smith also has experience behind the camera as a director on projects including “9-1-1” and “P-Valley.”