ABC Family announced back in September that they would be creating a new comedy sitcom based on rapper Nicki Minaj's childhood, as HNGN previously reported. The project is set to portray a young Minaj and her experiences as a child from the time she emigrated from Trinidad in the 1990s with her family, to growing up in Queens, to becoming an international superstar so the world could see her inspiring and hilarious true life story. Minaj herself wanted to make sure that the cast was just right, so she went ahead and chose the actors to star in the sitcom based on her life herself.
"I am honored and excited to announce that I've literally hand picked the main characters of my scripted series 'Nicki' ~ #ABCFamily #Freeform," the 33-year-old rapper captioned a photo of the press release. "I've been going to auditions falling in love with some incredible people. Looking forward to unveiling this groundbreaking new show for you guys in 2016!!"
Ariana Neal, from "Fruitvale Station" and "Get Hard," will be playing the lead role as a young Nicki in the upcoming sitcom, according to Entertainment Weekly. Selita Ebanks from "Real Husbands of Hollywood" will be playing Minaj's mother Grace, Wesley Jonathan from "What I Like About You" will be playing her father Vincent, and McCarrie McCausland from "The Originals" and "Army Wives" will be playing her older brother Jaylen. Whoopi Goldberg will also be guest-starring as the family's neighbor Miss Martha. Minaj will also be appearing on the show.
"I literally cried watching her taped audition," Minaj captioned a photo of Neal. "I demanded to meet her! Sat in a room with her teaching her how to rap by doing a beat on the table and 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!"
"This is one of the more unique adventures I've ever embarked on," Minaj said in a statement when they first announced the sitcom, according to E! News. "I couldn't be more proud and excited to team up with an amazing group of people to give the world something really special."
