Lil Mama’s glow up is epic!
All eyes were on Naitia “Lil Mama” Kirkland as she stepped on the red carpet at the Tuesday, August 15th, the premiere of When Love Kills The Felicia Blakely Story. The event took place at the AMC movie theater, in New York City’s Time Square. Kirkland and co-stars of the TV One, made for television movie graced the carpet and participated in an open panel following the premiere.
Recently, Kirkland has been receiving praise for her recent “glow up”. The rapper turned actress was once known for her tomboyish style, but recently has been showing off her figure in glamorous statement pieces. Styled by Los Angeles designer Michael Mann, she graced the carpet in a gold sequenced dress with a high slit.
In the film, Kirkland plays Felicia, an exotic dancer who has fallen victim to her abusive boyfriend and pimp Big Dino, played by Lance Gross. The film is based on the true story of Felicia Blakely, an Atlanta woman who is currently serving life in prison for killing three men.
Kirkland told The Knockturnal she was initially hesitant about taking on the role of a stripper and murderer but decided she had to take on the role because it was a form of ministry. “I feel like I relate to young people so well,” said Kirkland. “By telling this story I feel like I can help people heal.”
After the premiere of the film, there was a Q and A session with the cast. Actor Tasha Smith who stepped behind the camera to direct the film gushes over Kirkland’s performance. “What was so amazing is that Lil Mama stepped into an extremely dangerous territory,” said Smith. “For a new actor to be so fearless, and for her to go to places she has never been, that says a lot about her as an entertainer.”
When Love Kills The Felicia Blakely Story premieres on TV One, Monday, August 28th at 9 pm.