Playing Lil' Kim, was no easy task for singer/actress Naturi Naughton

Notorious, Lil' Kim Naturi Cora Maria Naughton was born on May 20, 1984 in East Orange, New Jersey where she started singing in the choir at New Hope Baptist Church at just 5 years of age. She turned pro by 14, when she became a member of the girl band 3LW. The group soon signed with Sony/Epic Records and went on a nationwide tour while their debut album, entitled "3LW," went platinum, selling 1.3 million copies. Away from the entertainment business, Naturi always remained an honor student, attending Seton Hall University where she majored in Political Science until her career became too demanding. Just before her junior year, she joined the Broadway production of Hairspray as Little Inez. As gifted as gorgeous newcomer may be, she remains humble and grateful to God for her blessings, and praises her parents for supporting her dreams and for raising her with so much love, encouragement, and faith. Here, Naturi talks about her performance as Lil' Kim in the much-anticipated motion picture, Notorious, a bio-pic about the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace). In addition, she recently landed a lead role in the re-make of the screen version of Fame, the 1980 musical revolving around students at the New York Academy of Performing Arts. Kam Williams: Hi Naturi, thanks for the time. Naturi Naughton: No problem, thank you. KW: What interested you in Notorious? NN: Well first off, just the fact that it was a biopic about Biggie Smalls. I was a fan of Biggie growing up and I felt it was about time that someone told his life story. KW: What song of his is your favorite? NN: Juicy! That's my song. KW: What did you think of the East Coast-West Coast turf war? Whose side were you on? NN: I think it was senseless and I am so glad that we have risen above that East Coast- West coast rivalry. I'm from the East but I never felt like I had to choose a side...Both coasts have made great music. KW: Who do you think killed Biggie? NN: I have no idea and that's why his death still hurts so many people to this day. His murder is unsolved. KW: How would you assess Jamal Woolard's work in the title role? NN: Jamal killed it! He captured Biggie so well, it was scary at times. He was made for this role and I had a great time working with him. KW: How was it to make your screen debut with such a talented cast which also included Angela Bassett, Derek Luke and Anthony Mackie? NN: Wow! I still can't believe it. I feel so honored. These actors are people that I looked up to and admired, and here I am, making my debut in a movie with them. It's really a dream come true! KW: How did you prepare to play Lil Kim? NN: I studied her...HARD! I watched her in videos, stage performances, behind the scenes footage, and listened to her voice in radio interviews. I also read a lot of material that the director [George Tillman Jr.] gave me about Kim's back story. It helped to understand her struggles as a child growing up in Brooklyn. I even went to Brooklyn and spent time in her neighborhood. Talking to the guys from Junior Mafia, especially Lil Cease, helped me out a lot too. KW: Has Kim seen the film? What does she think of your portrayal of her? NN: I don't know if she has seen the film, but hopefully when she does see it she will be proud of my portrayal.

Channel: Film & Animation
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: blacktreemedia

Length: 03:27
Rating: 4.7491603
Views: 1075585

Tags: Lil'  Kim  Notorious  B.I.G.  Junior  Mafia  Naturi  Naughton  3lw  Puff  Daddy  interview  trailer  filmmaker  reel  

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