Back in junior high, I was anything but cool. I've never really looked like other people, I was sky-high taller than all of them, and I was a social outcast because I wasn't small, I didn't have blond hair, fair skin, and I didn't own one article of clothing made by Genera.

While so many of my fellow female classmates were looking up to pop stars like Debbie Gibson and Tiffany, I had trouble relating. Music was indeed what got me through those awkward times, but it wasn't of the Wonder Bread sort. I felt more akin to great female artists like MC Lyte, Monie Love and one of the strongest figures who would help shape my confidence and character: Queen Latifah.

And guess what, yo?! She's coming to Tacoma Nov. 28 to play a show at the Pantages Theater, her only stop in the Northwest! Tickets go sale Monday, Oct. 8 at the Broadway Center box office.

She's on tour promoting her new release, Trav'lin' Light.

Since my junior high days, Latifah has gone on to accomplish whatever she's wanted in this world, from rapping, acting, authoring a book and becoming a Maybelline cover model.

Her stop here in Tacoma will be one that you won't want to miss, and I know the second her plane lands, I'll feel her strong presence.

I've got nothing but props for the Broadway Center for Performing Arts for bringing this worthy role model to our diverse city.

Shout it with me now:

HAIL THE QUEEN! â€" Natasha

[Pantages Theater, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 8 p.m., tickets on sale Oct. 8, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894]