It’s official: the upcoming series based on the life of rapper Nicki Minaj is a go!
On Friday, Minaj revealed that the cast for her ABC Family series “Nicki” has been selected. “I am honored and excited to announce that I’ve literally hand picked the main characters of my scripted series,” she said via Instagram. Followed by a snap featuring young actress Ariana Neal, who will portray Minaj in her early years. “I literally cried watching her taped audition. 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! #ABCFamily #Freeform #Nicki”
Other cast members include Selita Ebanks as Grace, Minaj’s mother; Wesley Jonathan as Vincent, Minaj and Jaylen’s father; and “The Originals” actor McCarrie McCausland has been cast as Jaylen, the rapper’s older brother. Also stepping in as a guest star and next door neighbor to Minaj, is “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg.
It’s said that the 33-year-old will also appear in the show as well as executive produce. Minaj, of course, is no stranger to acting. She’s nabbed roles in big blockbusters like “The Other Woman” and the upcoming “Barbershop: The Next Cut.” She also voiced a character in “Ice Age: Continental Drift.”
Minaj’s series will begin taping in January, with an undetermined premiere date. Get it, girl!
