Rapper Nicki Minaj is set to make an appearance on the Home Shopping Network in July to promote her fragrance “Minajesty Exotic Edition.” The bottle, which comes complete with a blonde wig and black corset will be presented on HSN July 11. [Vibe]
Queen Latifah’s Bessie Smith biopic cast is rounding out nicely. Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, Charles S. Dutton have joined the project about the iconic blues singer. Dutton will play William “Pa” Rainey, husband and partner to Ma Rainey (played by Mo’Nique). Epps will play Richard Morgan bootlegger and romantic interest to Bessie Smith and Tika Sumpter will step into the role of Lucille, a chorus girl in Smith’s troupe. [BlackFilm]
Samira Wiley has been promoted to a regular on hit Netflix series, Orange is the New Black. Wiley, who plays the lovable Poussey Washington is a stand out character on the show that was recently ordered for a third season. [Deadline]
Ice Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr. is confirmed to play him in the upcoming N.W.A biopic. The biopic that chronicles the rise of the gangsta rap group will be directed by Friday director F. Gary Gray and produced by NWA members Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Easy E’s widow, Tomica Woods-Wright. Filming for Straight Outta Compton is set to begin soon. [TheYBF]