Nicki Minaj Reveals Cast of ABC Family Series 'Nicki'
Nicki Minaj has found her TV family. The rap queen has announced the cast of her ABC Family scripted comedy “Nicki.”
“Fruitvale Station” actress Ariana Neal will play a young Nicki, a role “inspired by Nicki Minaj in her early years before she became a Grammy Award-nominated, multi-platinum superstar,” according to a press release.
“I literally cried watching her taped audition,” said Minaj, who discovered Neal after a nationwide search. “I demanded to meet her! Sat in a room with her teaching her how to rap by doing a beat on the table & forcing her to stay on beat! Lol. Then pulled out all the attitude she had in her lil body. Haha! She’s tough! And so sweet & cute. #ArianaNeal #LilNicki Welcome to the family lil lady bug!”
Supermodel-actress Selita Ebanks will play Carol, Minaj’s mother, while Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg will guest star as Minaj’s neighbor, Miss Martha. Wesley Jonathan (“The Soul Man”) will take on the role of Minaj’s father, Vincent, while McCarrie McCausland (“Army Wives”) will play Minaj’s older brother, Jaylen.
“I’ve been going to the auditions falling in love with some incredible people. Looking forward to unveiling this groundbreaking new show for you guys in 2016!” said Minaj, who will serve as executive producer and will also appear on the show.
Written by Kate Angelo (Sex Tape), “Nicki” will document the rapper’s childhood growing up in Queens, New York, chronicling her life in an immigrant family from Trinidad and her evolution into a superstar.
The show is set to air next year on the ABC Family network, which will change its name to Freeform starting Jan. 12.