Karrueche Tran Transforms Herself By Studying Lola Brooke For Gritty Rap Role

Karrueche Tran dove headfirst into the world of Hip-Hop for her latest role in Lifetime’s upcoming movie Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love, premiering Saturday (November 8), by channeling the gritty energy of Brooklyn rapper Lola Brooke.

Portraying Charlisa “Charlie” Jones, a platinum-selling artist with a troubled past and a sharp tongue, Karrueche Tran said she had to completely reinvent herself for the part.

“I’ve never played a rapper. I’ve never rapped. 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!”

The film follows Charlie as she navigates life after prison, forced into community service under the watch of Pastor Kyrus Owens, played by Mark J.P. Hood. As their lives intertwine, the tension between her street persona and his spiritual mission creates the heart of the story.

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“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.”

The ensemble cast includes Tobias Truvillion, B. Simone, Reginae Carter and Da Brat, with direction from celebrated author Terry McMillan, whose previous works include Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back.

Brooke, known for her breakout single “Don’t Play With It,” served as a blueprint for Charlie’s character.

Her unapologetic style and commanding presence helped Tran craft a believable performance that straddles the line between street credibility and spiritual growth.

Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love airs Saturday (November 8) at 8/7c on Lifetime as part of the network’s Love Stories programming slate.