We believe there’s a superhero in each of us. True Superheroes celebrates people who’ve overcome adversity, made amazing contributions to society, and inspired others to do the same. Each week we nominate people in different fields. This week we focus on Hip-Hop!

Queen Latifah

One of the earliest woman pioneers in hip-hop, Queen Latifah blazed a trail from the ‘80s New York underground to the Oscars and beyond, overcoming terrible tragedy along the way. Now she’s the producer and star of the hit CBS drama series The Equalizer but continues to lift young black women up in film and television through sponsorship and mentoring programs, never giving up on the message of her first hit single back in ‘89: Ladies First.

Eminem

Marshall Mathers has spent his career weaving heroic (and anti-heroic) narratives into and out of his backstory until it’s become almost impossible to separate Eminem’s truth from Slim Shady’s fiction. One thing that’s never been in doubt is his prodigious talent as a rapper, and the true story of how he used those skills to battle his way to the top is just as compelling as the fiction portrayed in 8 Mile.

BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics (S22)

Mary J. Blige

From the very beginning of her career Mary J. Blige was changing the game. She didn’t just pioneer the fusion of hip-hop and soul, she also broke new ground for women in the genre, with painfully honest lyrics about depression, addiction, and abusive relationships. She’s overcome them all to become one of the most influential women in entertainment today and is now giving back through amazing work in local communities.