Acting
Oct 3, 1989
Harlem, New York, USA
Lil Mama
Acting
Biography
Niatia Kirkland, better known as Lil Mama, is a multifaceted and dynamic entertainer, singer, rapper, songwriter, actress, and exceptional dancer. Lil Mama is known for her keen spirit, and in addition to her artistic abilities, she is an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur. Born in Harlem, NY, Lil Mama took to music and dance at an early age. Using poetry as a tool of self-expression, she soon found her voice in music. As she continued to grow, she learned how to combine these skills and her dedication over time led her to global success. In 2006, at 17 years old, she signed to Jive Records and soon after joined Avril Lavigne in Grammy-nominated producer Dr. Luke's remix of Lavigne's song "Girlfriend." Her first full-length album "VYP (Voice of the Young People)" was released just over a year later, debuting at number 25 on the Billboard 200, and featuring the hit single "Lip Gloss," making Lil Mama a household name. While continuing to work on her music, Lil Mama brought her dance expertise and charismatic persona to the judge's table on MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" for seven seasons alongside fellow judge JC Chasez and host Mario Lopez. Lil Mama broke into acting in a major way, landing the role of the iconic Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes in the VH1 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, starring alongside Keke Palmer and Drew Sidora. Lil Mama even joined TLC members Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas and Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins' in live performances surrounding the release of the film, including the 2013 American Music Awards. She also co-stars in director Benny Boom's "48 Hours to Live," a 3D hybrid merging the genres of film noir and dance. Most recently, Lil Mama's groundbreaking music video for her song "Sausage" went viral with 3 million views in its first week (and 9.2 million views as of today). The song appears on her mixtape "Take Me Back," released in December 2015, a nostalgic and upbeat ode to the golden years of hip-hop with a fresh millennial appeal. Mama is a passionate and well-rounded artist who understands the importance of constantly honing her craft and staying sharp; with her role as the lead in the raw and powerful true story "Hit a Lick", she further solidifies herself as a formidable contender in the arts and entertainment arena.
Feature Films (15)
Hip-hop's most famous family agrees to participate in a live Christmas television special to address negative press and soften their image.
Hip Hop Family Christmas
After losing their mothers at a young age, Diamond and her closest cousins, Tia and Tara, known as "Sisters", are willing to do anything to keep their grandmother from dying of cancer and save their family.
Sisters
An intimate look at the evolution and impact of women emcees and rappers, told by the trailblazing artists who helped create a musical and cultural empire.
The Real Queens of Hip Hop: The Women Who Changed the Game
A yoga posing music mogul teams up with rap's biggest stars to go on a mission to save hip hop.
A Hip Hop Story
Ava DuVernay focuses on the history of female MCs in the hip hop industry in this short documentary that features Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa, Eve, Jean Grae, Roxanne Shante, Trina, The Lady of Rage, and many more.
My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women and Hip Hop
"Hit A Lick," tells the tragic story of Falicia Blakely, a teen mom who grows up in the fast-lane. When she becomes an exotic dancer, she attracts the attention of local pimp and predator, Dino. His empty promises of a life together turns Falicia into a pawn in his dangerous games; and she's forced to prove her love for him at the expense of innocent lives.
When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story
Television & Series (6)
An annual American music awards show. Unlike the Grammys, which are awarded on the basis of votes by members of the Recording Academy, the AMAs are determined by a poll of the public and music buyers.
American Music Awards
Aspiring models compete for a chance to break into the business with a panel of judges critiquing their progress throughout the competition.
America's Next Top Model
When a rising high school football player from South Central L.A. is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High, the wins, losses and struggles of two families from vastly different worlds - Compton and Beverly Hills - begin to collide. Inspired by the life of pro football player Spencer Paysinger.
All American
After the Tulsa race massacre's impact, a Georgia teen seeks to build a legal financial empire for his community despite risks from neighboring drug dealers.
On Ten
Competitors who have made it to the finals of The Challenge kick it up a notch as they face off with celebrities for new prizes.
The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC.
