Earlier this year, we found out that Nicki Minaj would be getting her own sitcom based on her upbringing. Now, Minaj — who also serves as an executive producer on the show — has revealed the initial cast list (via Fader): Ariana Neal, the 10-year-old actress who appeared in Fruitvale Station, will play Minaj. Selita Ebanks will play her mother, Wesley Jonathan will play her father. Whoopi Goldberg will guest star as Minaj’s neighbor, Miss Martha. Minaj herself will also have a prominent role on the show as the narrator.

I am honored and excited to announce that I've literally hand picked the main characters of my scripted series "Nicki" ~ #ABCFamily #Freeform ~ I've been going to the auditions falling in love with some incredible people. Looking forward to unveiling this groundbreaking new show for you guys in 2016! 😘😘😘😘??????????

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on Dec 18, 2015 at 11:53am PST

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! 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘 #ABCFamily #Freeform #Nicki

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:04pm PST

Read our recent essay “After Empire: What’s The Future Of Hip-Hop On Television.”