Nicki Minaj Presents Cast for ‘Nicki’ Series Guest Starring Whoopi Goldberg

It looks like Nicki Minaj has found her television doppelgänger. The rap superstar has announced the cast for her upcoming ABC Family series titled Nicki, which is set air in 2016.

Minaj will star and executive produced the comedy series, which is based on her childhood in Queens, N.Y. The show will explore the 33-year-old rapper’s experience growing up as an immigrant from Trinidad in the ‘90s. Think of it as a female version of Everybody Hates Chris with a ‘90s hip-hop-themed to it.

In a Instagram post, Minaj raved about her female lead, child actress Ariana Neal, who will play her on the show. The 10-year-old budding star was last seen in the Oscar-nominated flick Fruitvale Station (2013) alongside Michael B. Jordan and Melonie Diaz. Minaj wrote:

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!"

Rounding out the cast includes Selita Ebanks as her mom Grace; Wesley Jonathan as her dad Vincent and McCarrie McCausland as her brother Jaylen. Finally, Whoopi Goldberg will guest star on the show as Miss Martha, little Nicki's next door neighbor.

Overall, this looks like an exciting project for Nicki Minaj and it will further extend her brand from rap queen to television producer.

Nicki will premiere on Jan. 12 under ABC Family's name change to Freeform in 2016.