TheReal_Finer
Naturi Naughton is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is best known as one-third of the R&B group 3LW and for her acting roles in the films Fame and Notorious, playing rapper Lil’ Kim in the latter film. She is also known for her role as Tasha St. Patrick in the hit series Power and its spin-off Power Book II: Ghost. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Naturi Naughton, and how she showcases her talents in various fields.
Early Life and Education
Naturi Naughton was born on May 20, 1984, in East Orange, New Jersey. She grew up with her parents and two siblings. She developed a passion for music and performing at a young age, and joined her church choir at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. She also attended the Newark School of the Arts, where she studied music, dance, and theater. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, New Jersey, and attended Seton Hall University, where she majored in mass communications.
Music Career and 3LW
Naturi Naughton started her music career in 1999, when she joined Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams to form the group 3LW. Their first single, “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)”, was released in 2000, and became a hit. Their debut album, 3LW, sold 1.3 million copies in the U.S. and went platinum. They also toured with Destiny’s Child, Nelly, Eve, and Jessica Simpson.
In 2002, Naturi Naughton left the group after a heated argument with Williams, Bailon, and their manager, which allegedly ended with Williams throwing a hot plate full of KFC food at Naughton. Naughton claimed that she was forced out of the group because of her dark skin and vocal abilities. She also sued the group for breach of contract, defamation, and fraud.
After leaving 3LW, Naturi Naughton pursued a solo career and released several songs, such as “What You Do”, “Real Chicks”, and “H8AZ”. She also collaborated with other artists, such as Wyclef Jean, Lil Wayne, and Maino.
Acting Career and Breakthrough
Naturi Naughton made her acting debut in 2005, when she appeared in the Broadway musical Hairspray, playing the role of Little Inez. She stayed with the show for three years, and received positive reviews for her performance. She also appeared in other theater productions, such as Fame on 42nd Street and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
In 2009, Naturi Naughton had her breakthrough role as Denise Dupree in the remake of the classic film Fame. She sang several songs for the film’s soundtrack, including “Out Here on My Own”, which earned her a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. She also played the role of Lil’ Kim in the biopic Notorious, which chronicled the life and death of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the controversial and influential female rapper.
Since then, Naturi Naughton has appeared in various films and television shows, such as Lottery Ticket, The Playboy Club, Mad Men, The Client List, and Let the Church Say Amen. She is most famous for her role as Tasha St. Patrick, the wife of drug lord James “Ghost” St. Patrick, in the crime drama series Power, which ran from 2014 to 2020. She won two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance. She reprised her role in the spin-off series Power Book II: Ghost, which premiered in 2020.
In 2021, Naturi Naughton starred as Jill “Da Thrill” Sumpter, a former member of a 90s hip-hop group, in the musical drama series Queens. She also co-wrote and performed the theme song for the show, “Nasty Girl”.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Naturi Naughton is a mother of one daughter, Zuri, who was born in 2017. She was previously engaged to Zuri’s father, Ben, but they broke up in 2019. She is currently single and focusing on her career and daughter.
Naturi Naughton is also a philanthropist, who supports various causes and charities. She is an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, and has participated in several events and campaigns to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and prevention. She is also involved in the Newark School of the Arts, where she mentors and inspires young students who aspire to pursue careers in the arts.
Trivia
Here are some fun facts about Naturi Naughton:
| Name | Naturi Naughton |
|---|---|
| Age | 37 |
| Partner | Single |
| Child | Zuri |
| Education | Seton Hall University (dropped out) |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Favorite Color | Red |
| Favorite Food | Macaroni and cheese |
| Favorite Movie | The Color Purple |
| Favorite Book | The Coldest Winter Ever |
| Favorite Hobby | Cooking |
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about Naturi Naughton. She is an inspiring and talented woman, who has a lot to offer to the world. If you want to learn more about her, you can follow her on Instagram @naturi4real. Thank you for reading! 😊
