When we think of our favorite hood films — the movies that we grew up watching and know nearly all the words too — the leading ladies come to mind. Many of these classic films are still relevant today because of the Hollywood’s actresses who were able to play insightful characters and tell accurate stories about urban life with humor and class.
There’s nothing like a good ‘ol classic, so let’s take a look back at 7 our favorite hood chicks from the big screen.
1. Janet Jackson as Justice in Poetic Justice
Janet Jackson’s role in this 1993 film coined the term “Poetic Justice braids.” She played a young girl growing up in South Central, Los Angeles who used her poetry to deal life’s obstacles.
2. Queen Latifah as Cleo in Set If Off
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Queen Latifah played a true gangster as Cleo in 1996′s Set If Off. She wore her hair in cornrows, organized a bank robbery and shot at the police at the end of the film.
3. Halle Berry as Nisi in B*A*P*S
Nisi from B*A*P*S followed her dream of opening the world’s first combination hair salon and soul food restaurant. She was “livin’ large and takin’ charge!”
4. Lauren London as New New in ATL
Lauren London made her film debut as New New in 2006 flick ATL, and we still affectionally think of her as a Georgia teenager with bamboo earrings and colorful roller skates.
5. Taraji P. Henson as Yvette in Baby Boy
Yvette loved her some Jody in the 2001 urban drama Baby Boy. Yvette and Jody, played by Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese, had a tortured romance that was full of on-again and off-again moments. Henson’s character never missed an opportunity to angrily yell at Jody, but she remained his ride-or-die chick until the end.
6. Regina King as Shalika in Boyz n the Hood
In 1991, Regina King starred as Shalika in the John Singleton film, Boyz n the Hood. She was loud, in your face and never missed an opportunity to drink her 40 ounce straight out the bottle. It’s fun to see King’s range as an actress. She’s just as believable as the “ghettocentric” chick as she is playing a police office or mother.
7. Lisa Raye as Diamond in The Players Club
The Players Club was classic a coming of age story for Lisa Raye’s character Diamond, who was a young mother working in the strip club to pay her bills.
Tell us, who are your best-loved characters from your favorite hood films?
