The '90s were defined by iconic hip-hop hits that packed in catchy lyrics and bop-worthy beats. Miss it? If you do, tune into ABC's new hip-hop drama Queens, which features a four-piece 90's rap group called the Nasty B*tches who reconnect and chase a second shot at fame. Starring real-life superstars Brandy, Eve, Naturi Naughton, and Nadine Velazquez, Queens brings the nostalgic feel along with entertaining storylines.
The cast of Queens is star-studded, and you probably recognise them from their accolades — everything from Grammy wins and daytime talk show hosting gigs to legendary sitcom roles. But if you're looking for a refresher on how these '90s and '00s icons rose to fame, we have a comprehensive breakdown of their careers and where you may recognise them from.
Brandy plays the role of Naomi ("Xplicit Lyrics"), the founding member of Nasty B*tches, in Queens, but this certainly isn't Brandy's first leading role. She's an award-winning singer and actress whose career has spanned over 20 years. As a singer and songwriter, Brandy sold an impressive 40 million records and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for her and Monica's hit "The Boy is Mine." She's also won seven Billboard Music Awards.
In addition, the R&B singer also appeared in several films, scripted television, and reality shows. She was the title character in the '90s sitcom Moesha, which ran for six seasons. But her most recognisable film role would have to be her turn as Cinderella in the 1997 TV movie of the same name. In more recent years, Brandy starred in shows like 90210, The Game, and Star. She also continues to release music to this day. Talk about an enduring entertainment icon!
Eve plays fast-paced rapper, mother of five, and Nasty B*tches member Brianna (aka Professor Sex) on Queens. Like her Queens character, the Philadelphia native rose to fame as a rapper in the 2000s. She won a Grammy, MTV Video Music Award, and earned numerous American Music Award nominations throughout her music career. In 2003, Eve co-produced and starred in her own TV shows called Eve, and the show ran for three seasons. She later scored one-off roles on popular shows like Glee and Jane the Virgin. She even held a three-year position as co-host on the CBS daytime talk show The Talk.
Naturi Naughton stars as Jill ("Da Thrill") on Queens, a member of Nasty B*tches who has a complicated past, a complex home life, and lots of self-discovery ahead. The actress behind Jill is no stranger to the limelight. Naturi broke into entertainment as one-third of the R&B group 3LW before becoming a solo artist in 2002 and focusing on acting. The New Jersey native did a stint as Little Inez in the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray from 2005 to 2008 and later appeared in sitcoms, including Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In 2014, Naughton snagged a major role as Tasha St. Patrick in Starz's hit drama, Power, which ran for six seasons. She also starred in season one of Power's spinoff, Power Book II: Ghost.
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Nadine E. Velazquez as Valeria, aka “Butter Pecan”
Image Source: Getty / Alberto E. Rodriguez
Nadine E. Velázquez joins the cast of Queens as Valeria ("Butter Pecan"), portraying the only member of the Nasty B*tches who maintained steady stardom since the group's collective success. Unlike her character, Nadine doesn't have a background as a singer, but did rise to fame for her success on-screen. The Chicago-born actress most prominently starred in the NBC sitcom My Name is Earl during its four-season run, and earned guest spots on numerous popular sitcoms and dramas, including Arrested Development, Raising Hope, Hawaii Five-0, and CSI: NY. Her career also spanned into film, where she's played roles in movies like Snitch and the action-comedy Ride Along 2 alongside Kevin Hart and Ice Cube.
Pepi Sonuga plays a lively young rapper named Lauren ("Lil Muffin"), who bonds with the Nasty B*tches on Queens. The Nigerian-American actress most prominently starred in the Freeform drama Famous in Love as Tangey Turner, alongside Bella Thorne, Carter Jenkins, and Niki Koss. Pepi also had minor roles on the soap opera General Hospital, Disney XD's Lab Rats: Elite Force, and a six-episode recurring role as Sally on The Fosters.
Taylor Selé plays Eric Jones on Queens, the Nasty B*tches manager. The Boston College grad and former varsity athlete broke into acting in 2011, and has since scored minor roles on the Golden Globe-winning show Homeland, the comedy-drama Orange is the New Black, and the long-standing cop drama Blue Bloods. Most recently, Taylor appeared as Coach in season one of the Starz drama P-Valley.
Precious Way plays Naomi's daughter and aspiring actress Jojo on Queens, who spends most of her time with her Grandmother while Naomi is off chasing fame. The real-life actress was a recurring cast member on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, portraying Chanel Dupree throughout 2021. In addition to her current role on Queens, precious was cast in the rap sitcom Partners in Rhyme, which is currently in pre-production.
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Felisha Terrell as Tina
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Felisha Terrell appears as Tina, Jill's best friend (and new love interest), on Queens. The Chicago native scored minor roles in Days of Our Lives and Entourage early in her career, and quickly went on to appear in the teen drama Teen Wolf in the recurring role of Kali. Most recently, Felisha can be seen in the Starz crime drama BMF and in the film The Tomorrow War with Chris Pratt.
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Cam'ron as Himself
Image Source: Getty / Robin Platzer
Cam'ron joins the cast of Queens playing a version of himself. His on-screen character once collabed with the Nasty B*tches and has a romantic past with Naomi that he'll try to rekindle throughout the season. You may recognise Cam'ron as a two-time Grammy nominee and hip-hop artist responsible for hits like "Hey Ma" and "Oh Boy."
