Karrueche Tran Transforms Herself by Studying Lola Brooke for Gritty Rap Role
Karrueche Tran fully immersed herself in the Hip-Hop culture to authentically play a rapper in Lifetime's new film Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love, which premiered on November 8. To prepare, she studied Brooklyn rapper Lola Brooke to capture the raw energy needed for her character.
About the Role
Tran portrays Charlisa “Charlie” Jones, a platinum-selling artist with a complicated past and a sharp tongue. She described the challenge of the role:
“I’m not musically inclined in any way. 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 Summary
The story follows Charlie after her release from prison, navigating life while performing community service under Pastor Kyrus Owens, played by Mark J.P. The tension between Charlie's street persona and the pastor's spiritual mission forms the core conflict.
Cast and Direction
- Tobias Truvillion
- B. Simone
- Reginae Carter
- Da Brat
The film is directed by celebrated author Terry McMillan, known for Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Karrueche Tran’s Reflection
“I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to. 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.”
Author’s summary: Karrueche Tran embraced a challenging transformation by studying a real rapper to bring authenticity and grit to her role in a compelling Lifetime film.