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!”