Naturi Naughton

NATURI NAUGHTON played the lead role of Denise in "Fame," the remake of the popular 1980 dance film, which centered on the students of the New York Academy of Performing Arts. She was seen in the supporting role of Chara, alongside Rockmond Dunbar and Nia Long, in the independent feature "Highland Park," about the once glorious community which is on the brink of collapse.

Naughton burst onto the motion picture scene in the strong supporting role of iconic female rapper Lil' Kim in the much anticipated motion picture "Notorious," which chronicled the life and death story of famed rapper Notorious B.I.G. (aka Christopher Wallace), who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Naughton started singing in the choir at New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange when she was five years old. She began singing at many different events, including concerts at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and as the national anthem singer for the New Jersey Nets home games.

By the time Naughton was 14 years old, her career shifted from a local talent to a professional recording artist. She became a member of the girl band 3LW and, within six months, the group scored a record deal with Sony/Epic Records. Naughton achieved a platinum-selling album (1.3 million sold) with her former group 3LW. While still a teen, she toured nationwide with Destiny's Child and N'SYNC and had the opportunity to work with notable producers such as P. Diddy and Full Force.

Naughton attended Seton Hall University, studying political science. Just before her junior year, she landed the role of Little Inez for the National Touring Company of "Hairspray," which led to her Broadway debut in the same role for two years.

She continues to work on her own music for her solo projects and also in television and film.

TM & © 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.