Queen Latifah almost gave ‘Living Single’ a theme song unlike any we know. Her journey from soulful original demo to iconic TV anthem not only highlights her creative vision—but reveals how close we came to hearing a very different ‘90s soundtrack for a generation-defining sitcom.
When fans of Living Single hear that unforgettable “We are living (ooh) single (hey)” chorus, they’re instantly transported back to the golden era of ‘90s television. But few knew that Queen Latifah created an entirely different theme song for the series before fate—and a timely name change—reshaped TV music history.
Living Single first hit Fox in 1993, changing the sitcom landscape by centering a group of Black friends as they navigated careers, relationships, and self-discovery in Brooklyn. The show’s impact was seismic, launching stars like Queen Latifah, Erika Alexander, Kim Coles, and Kim Fields, and setting a template for ensemble comedies to follow[People].
The Untold Story: A “Soulful” Theme That Nearly Was
On a recent episode of the ReLiving Single podcast, Queen Latifah revealed that she wrote a completely different, “very soulful” and “vibe-y” theme song for the series’ working title, My Girls. As both the show’s star and a celebrated hip-hop and R&B artist, Latifah was determined to put her musical stamp on this project from the beginning.
“Obviously I come from music, and this is my show, in my mind. I’m like, ‘I gotta do this theme song,’” Latifah shared. She wrote a track that blended singing and rapping—a reflection of her versatile talent and the era’s genre-blurring sound. But what fans don’t realize is that this original demo, written for the show’s initial title, never made it to air after a late-stage rebrand to Living Single[People].
From ‘My Girls’ to ‘Living Single’: Reinventing the Soundtrack
With the show’s name change, Latifah faced an urgent creative pivot. She returned to the studio—“back to the lab”—rethinking everything. “I did a whole theme song for the original name of the show, My Girls…but very soulful, just vibe-y, and I like to sing and rap and mix it all together,” she explained. The new challenge: crafting a theme that captured the essence of four ambitious, independent women navigating single life in the city.
Turning to rapper and producer Def Jef for collaboration, Latifah found the musical chemistry that would define the ‘Living Single’ sound. Def Jef created the signature beat, while Latifah composed the rhyme, infusing the lyrics with optimism, grit, and the melodic hook that would soon become a TV staple.
The Iconic Hook Fans Can’t Forget
Latifah described how the infectious chorus—“We are living (ooh)/Single (hey)”—emerged from these late-night sessions, inspired by her sensitive approach to the show’s vibrant friendships. She added, “It was a mixture of his hip-hop beat with these beautiful notes and a little bit of jazz at the end that was perfect.”
The now-iconic theme not only set the energetic tone for each episode but forged an immediate emotional connection with the audience. As catchy, singable sitcom anthems go, it joined the likes of other classics from shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Friends, but with a uniquely affirming, soulful perspective that remains unmatched[People].
Why This Reveal Matters to Fandom and TV Legacy
For years, Living Single has been a touchstone for fans who champion authentic Black stories, genuine sisterhood, and a comedic style that balances pop culture with real-world challenges. Latifah’s creative control over the music was groundbreaking—few leading actors have ever composed their own sitcom theme; even fewer have done so twice for the same show.
- The original theme reflects how close pop culture comes to alternate timelines—one decision, a different name, and TV’s musical history might have sounded very different.
- This story is a reminder of the risks and creative resilience that drive great television.
- Latifah’s willingness to blend hip-hop, jazz, and pop for network TV forecasted a wave of genre fusion that’s now celebrated across television soundtracks.
Connecting to Past, Present, and the Fan Community
Living Single’s cultural footprint continues to grow through nostalgia, syndication, and new projects. Fan-driven calls for a reboot or sequel have only grown louder—a testament to the cast’s chemistry and the unique place the show holds in television history.
The launch of the ReLiving Single podcast, hosted by cast members Erika Alexander and Kim Coles, deepens the legacy by giving fans—and the creators themselves—a new platform to revisit stories, behind-the-scenes revelations, and the show’s ongoing influence on contemporary black media and representation.
What’s Next: Legacy and Ongoing Impact
The story behind the theme song’s evolution isn’t just music trivia—it’s a window into how creative collaboration, last-minute decisions, and star-driven vision can shape cultural moments that last decades. For fans, it’s an invitation to imagine what might have been, and to celebrate the unique, empowering anthem that’s become a generational soundtrack.
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