More Urban Music Biopics on Lifetime

First it was Whitney and now it is Aaliyah. Lifetime Network announced that it is planning a film about the life of actress and R&B singer Aaliyah, with the working title “Aaliyah: Princess of R&B.” The film is based on the bestselling book “Aaliyah: More Than a Woman” by Christopher Farley.

Disney kid and recording artist Zendaya will portray Aaliyah in the film set to air this fall. The film will trace Aaliyah’s career from her debut on “Star Search” at age 10 through August 2001when her life was tragically cut short at age 22 by a plane crash.

Zendaya will record four of Aaliyah’s songs for the film. Her recently released debut album had solid sales and the first single, “Replay,” has sold 1.1 million copies.

The full supporting cast roster hasn’t been revealed, but inquiring minds want to know…..who will play R. Kelly, Missy Elliott, Barry Weiss or Timbaland? Wait for it!

Lifetime not new to films about African-American female artists. Let’s flash back to 2006’s “Life Is Not A Fairy Tale” the Fantasia Barrino Story. With that said, perhaps the aforementioned players may portray themselves ala Fantasia. Let’s hope not.

Can she do it??