An American singer, songwriter, and actor is named Naturi Naughton. Her most well-known roles are as one-third of the R&B group 3LW and as an actress in the movies Fame and Notorious, where she played rapper Lil’ Kim. Her character Tasha St. Patrick from the popular television series Power and its spin-off Power Book II: Ghost are also well-known. We will look at Naturi Naughton’s life and career in this blog post, as well as the ways she displays her skills across a range of industries.
Early Life and Education
On May 20, 1984, in East Orange, New Jersey, Naturi Naughton was born. Together with her parents and two siblings, she grew up. At an early age, she discovered her love for music and performing, and she joined the choir at her church, New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. She studied theater, dance, and music at the Newark School of the Arts as well. Following her graduation from Montclair, New Jersey’s Immaculate Conception High School, she majored in mass communications at Seton Hall University.
Acting Career and Breakthrough
Naturi Naughton commenced her acting journey in 2005 with her role as Little Inez in the Broadway production of Hairspray, a stint that garnered acclaim over three years. Her theatrical ventures extended to Fame on 42nd Street and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
In 2009, she achieved prominence with her portrayal of Denise Dupree in the remake of Fame, showcasing her vocal prowess with tracks like “Out Here on My Own” that earned her a NAACP Image Award nomination. Notably, she embodied Lil’ Kim in the biopic Notorious, earning praise for her portrayal of the iconic rapper.
Subsequently, Naturi Naughton diversified her portfolio with appearances in films like Lottery Ticket and television series such as The Playboy Club, Mad Men, and The Client List. However, her portrayal of Tasha St. Patrick in the crime drama series Power, from 2014 to 2020, earned her two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She reprised her role in the spin-off, Power Book II: Ghost, debuting in 2020.
In 2021, Naturi Naughton took on the role of Jill “Da Thrill” Sumpter in the musical drama series Queens, additionally co-writing and performing the show’s theme song, “Nasty Girl”.
Music Career and 3LW
Naturi Naughton embarked on her music journey in 1999 by joining Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams to form the group 3LW. Their debut single, “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)”, released in 2000, soared to popularity, propelling their debut album, 3LW, to platinum status with 1.3 million copies sold in the U.S. The group toured alongside notable acts like Destiny’s Child, Nelly, Eve, and Jessica Simpson.
In 2002, Naughton departed from 3LW following a tumultuous altercation with Williams, Bailon, and their manager. Allegedly, the conflict escalated to the extent of Williams hurling a hot plate of KFC food at Naughton. Naughton contended that her exit from the group was influenced by colorism and disagreements regarding her vocal talents. Subsequently, she filed a lawsuit against the group, citing breach of contract, defamation, and fraud.
Following her departure from 3LW, Naughton pursued a solo career, releasing tracks like “What You Do”, “Real Chicks”, and “H8AZ”. Additionally, she collaborated with artists such as Wyclef Jean, Lil Wayne, and Maino.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Naturi Naughton is the mother of a daughter named Zuri, born in 2017. She was previously engaged to Zuri’s father, Ben, but their relationship ended in 2019. Currently single, she is dedicated to her career and caring for her daughter.
Additionally, Naturi Naughton is active in philanthropy, lending her support to various causes and charitable organizations. She serves as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, participating in numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness and funding for cancer research and prevention. Furthermore, she contributes to the Newark School of the Arts, where she serves as a mentor, inspiring young students pursuing careers in the arts.
Profile Summary
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 |
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