Karrueche Tran fully immersed herself in Hip-Hop culture to portray a rapper in Lifetime's new movie Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love, which premiered on November 8. To capture the raw energy of the role, she studied Brooklyn rapper Lola Brooke.
Tran plays Charlisa “Charlie” Jones, a platinum-selling rapper with a troubled past and a sharp tongue. She explained her process to Celeb Secrets:
“I’m not musically inclined in any way. 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 story follows Charlie as she adjusts to life after prison, completing community service under the supervision of Pastor Kyrus Owens (Mark J.P.). Their clashing worlds—her gritty street persona versus his spiritual mission—drive the film's core tension.
“I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to,” Tran shared. “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 film is directed by renowned author Terry McMillan, known for her acclaimed works Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Author’s Summary: Karrueche Tran embraced a transformative challenge by studying Lola Brooke to authentically portray a tough rapper in a Lifetime film that explores redemption and personal growth.