The Latest with Loren LoRosa

Episode: ReLive Living Single with Queen Latifah, Erica Alexander and Kim Coles

Release Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Loren LoRosa
Podcast Network: The Black Effect & iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode, Loren LoRosa dives deep into the impact and behind-the-scenes legacy of “Living Single,” highlighted by the recent appearance of Queen Latifah on the “Reliving Single” podcast, hosted by Erica Alexander and Kim Coles. The discussion explores the cultural resonance of Black television, the emotional realities for the stars behind the sitcom, and the power of today’s creator-driven platforms for honoring Black icons and storytelling. Loren reflects on key revelations from Queen Latifah’s interview, the supportive environment among the cast, and how these stories continue to shape and inspire creative dreamers.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

The Era of Giving Flowers: Honoring Black Television & Icons

[04:00]

• Loren opens by celebrating the current era in media, where digital platforms allow icons to receive their flowers directly from fans and fellow creators, circumventing traditional gatekeepers like award shows and magazines.

  • Quote: “You don’t have to wait for anybody to do it anymore… the beauty of podcasting and content creation right now in the space that it’s in.” – Loren [05:08]

• Podcasts like “Reliving Single” allow fans to revisit classic shows and moments directly from the voices and perspectives of their stars, creating authentic and meaningful tributes.

Queen Latifah’s Journey: From Music to TV Trailblazer

[08:00]

• Queen Latifah reveals she never considered acting—or a music artist taking a lead TV role—a possibility until Will Smith landed “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

  • Quote: “I wasn’t really thinking about a TV show until Will got one. And then when Will did it, we were like, Will got a TV show. If Will can do it, we can do it.” – Queen Latifah [09:54]

• Discussion on how '90s Black-led shows like “Martin,” “Fresh Prince,” and “Living Single” changed perceptions and opened new trajectories for Black creators and audiences.

  • Loren reflects: “…I can’t imagine a world without Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, or without Martin, or without Living Single …but they were doing it, they were in it.” [12:40]

Behind the Scenes: Sisterhood and Safe Spaces

[13:15]

• The bonds created on “Living Single” transcended the set and became foundational in the real lives of the cast.
• Kim Coles and Queen Latifah share stories about their “quick change” room—how it became a second home and safe, nurturing space.
  • Quote:
    • Erica Alexander: “What’s interesting, Kim always talks about the home that y’all made together in the quick change room.” [13:54]
    • Kim Coles: “I wanted you to feel at home because you felt like they might be a little homesick.”
    • Queen Latifah: “Oh, I was definitely homesick.” [14:36]
• The realness on and off-screen: Kim’s caring character in the show mirrored her supportive nature for the cast in real life.

Grind & Grief: Persevering Through Personal Hardship

[15:30]

• Queen Latifah describes the challenging period of filming the show while mourning her brother’s death and grinding continuously without rest.

  • Quote: “I had worked, like, 30 days straight at one point because I couldn’t get the time off from the show and do the movie. So at some point, I had to, like, just go back and forth.” – Queen Latifah [16:12]

• Loren and the cast discuss how authentic care and support among the crew made these hardships bearable and further cemented their sisterhood.

On Loss, Legacy, and Motherhood

[17:00]

• One of the most raw moments: Queen Latifah opens up about her mother’s passing due to scleroderma, raising awareness about the disease.

  • Quote:
    • Queen Latifah: “She had something called Scleroderma, which kind of went undiagnosed …you can’t really get the oxygen you need…she finally got a diagnosis…very weird to talk about because I don’t really talk about this.” [18:30]
    • Erica Alexander: “Thank you for sharing because you shared her with us so beautifully on the show and in our lives. My whole life, she belonged to everyone.” [19:00]
    • Queen Latifah: “If you’re here, that means she’s here.” [19:25]

• Emphasis on the importance of regular health checks, and recognition for Queen Latifah’s mother as a supporter and inspiration for her career.

Enduring Impact and Inspiration for the Next Generation

[21:00]

• Loren relates her own aspirations and the power of seeing Black women in leadership through characters like Queen Khadijah in “Living Single.”

  • Quote: “Seeing a Queen Latifah run a magazine in Living Single was like, ‘Oh, I could do this…Yeah, we can bring Brown Girl Grinding, can be a production company because Queen Khadijah had a magazine.’” [21:45]

• Reflection on how these trailblazing women created space and possibility for new generations of creatives, particularly young Black women dreaming of entering the industry.

Other Pop Culture Updates

[23:10]

• Loren teases ongoing coverage of:
  • Reports regarding Wendy Williams’ neurological health and conflicting medical evaluations.
  • Updates and investigation into Diddy’s change in release date from federal prison, addressing rumors and searching for official answers.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:08 | Loren | “You don’t have to wait for anybody to do it anymore… the beauty of podcasting.” | | 09:54 | Queen Latifah | “If Will can do it, we can do it.” | | 14:36 | Kim Coles/Q.L. | “I wanted you to feel at home … Oh, I was definitely homesick.” | | 16:12 | Queen Latifah | “I had worked, like, 30 days straight at one point … I had to, like, just go back and forth.” | | 18:30 | Queen Latifah | “She had something called Scleroderma, which kind of went undiagnosed…” | | 21:45 | Loren | “Seeing a Queen Latifah run a magazine in Living Single was like, ‘Oh, I could do this.’” |

Tone & Style

Loren LoRosa’s narration is warm, reflective, and deeply appreciative of her guests’ accomplishments. She blends personal anecdote with cultural commentary, speaking in a conversational tone that’s passionate, honest, and community-oriented.

Must-Listen Segments

• 09:00–11:00 – Queen Latifah shares her origin story, inspired by Will Smith
• 13:15–15:00 – The quick-change room: cast camaraderie and authentic support
• 17:00–19:30 – Queen Latifah opens up about the loss of her mother and health advocacy
• 21:00–22:00 – Reflections on aspirational impact of representation in Black TV

Summary

This episode is a powerful celebration of “Living Single,” and by extension, the vibrance and resilience of Black creators who built something foundational for the culture. Loren LoRosa gives listeners an up-close view of Queen Latifah’s journey from rap to TV stardom, the sisterhood behind the camera, and the emotional stakes that accompanied their creative work. The episode reinforces the importance of honoring legacy, telling authentic stories, and drawing strength from the community—past, present, and future. It’s an essential listen for anyone who cares about Black television, creative perseverance, and the power of representation.