Nicki Minaj has a hand in just about everything and she’s adding television to the list. The cast of the “Anaconda” rapper’s ABC Family series has been revealed. Actress and The View host Whoopi Goldberg is set to guest star.
According to Rap-Up, Fruitvale Station actress Ariana Neal will play a young Minaj in the scripted comedy. Following the cast announcement, Minaj took to Instagram and spoke highly of Neal, who she discovered during a nationwide search.
“I literally cried watching her taped audition,” Minaj wrote. “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 Grace, Minaj’s mother, and Goldberg will make an appearance 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.
Minaj first revealed plans for the television show back in September.
"This is one of the more unique adventures I've ever embarked on," Minaj said in a previously released statement. "I couldn't be more proud and excited to team up with an amazing group of people to give the world something really special."
Nicki, which will document the rapper’s childhood growing up in Queens, New York, is set to air next year on ABC Family. The network will change its name to Freeform starting Jan. 12.
Minaj is the executive producer and will also appear on the show.
A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:04pm PST
