Karrueche Tran Transforms for Gritty Rap Role
Karrueche Tran immersed herself in the hip-hop world to portray a rap artist in Lifetime’s new film Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love, which premiered on November 8. For her role as Charlisa “Charlie” Jones, a platinum-selling rapper with a complicated past and sharp wit, Tran studied Brooklyn rapper Lola Brooke to capture a gritty and authentic energy.
“I’m not musically inclined in any way,” she told Celeb Secrets. “But it was a great challenge. I studied a rapper named Lola Brooke, I prepared myself, and I did it. I think I did a pretty decent job!”
Plot and Character
The film follows Charlie post-prison as she performs community service under the supervision of Pastor Kyrus Owens, portrayed by Mark J.P. The friction between Charlie’s street-smart personality and Kyrus’s spiritual path drives the story.
“I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to,” Tran said. “I was anxious because I wanted to do the character justice — but once I focused, I realized you can do anything when you really go for it.”
Supporting Cast and Direction
- Tobias Truvillion
- B. Simone
- Reginae Carter
- Da Brat
The movie is directed by acclaimed author Terry McMillan, known for Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Author's summary: Karrueche Tran embraced a transformative challenge to authentically portray a hardened rapper by studying Lola Brooke and diving deep into her complex character’s journey.