Nicki Minaj has certainly made a point of capitalizing off her brand. From her moscato to her fragrance, Minaj has managed to succeed through marketing her image, style, and attitude. Now, it appears, Nicki's multi-medium fame will continue as she is set to Executive Produce and occasionally star in Nicki, an ABC Family sit-com about the Queen born star's early life. The show will include appearances from Minaj herself, as well as Whoopi Goldberg who will play Minaj's neighbor on the series. As it appears, Minaj has an incredibly involved position in the casting and creation of the show, even telling reporters she may have been "too involved."
According to Billboard, the rapper said, "I am maybe too involved. Two days ago I was in casting. I'm going back tomorrow."
She also mentioned that the show would be narrated by none other than the reigning Queen of Rap, and that it would not be "a cliched black show."
"I am honored and excited to announce that I've literally hand picked the main characters of my scripted series Nicki," Minaj wrote on Instagram. "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!"
Nicki Minaj will appear in the show, and act as Executive Producer according to HipHopDX. In addition to her role on the upcoming sitcom, Minaj fans will be able to see the "Anaconda" rapper in the upcoming film Barbershop 3, coming out April 15, 2016.
Nicki will feature Selita Ebanks (Real Husbands of Hollywood) as Nicki's mother, Grace. The show also chose Wesley Jonathan (The Soul Man) to play Nicki Minaj's father Vincent. McCarrie Mcausland (Army Wives) will play Nicki's older brother Jaylen. And starring in the sitcom will be Ariana Neal (Fruitvale Station) who will be playing the Trinidadian born, Queens rapper in her youth.
According to Variety, Karey Burke, EVP of programming and development at ABC Family, said, "Nicki Minaj is a force to be reckoned with at everything she touches. We're beyond thrilled to bring her one-of-a-kind story to our channel. Nicki is an international superstar, yet not everyone knows how inspiring and hilarious her true story is, and we can't wait to share it with the world."
