This Hot Girl Fall, ABC’s Queens is A Sweet Treat

“Pum pum, nani nani, god bless your soul, I think Queens bout to be my new favorite show.”

I have been anticipating the premiere of this show since it was first announced in the media earlier this year and it was just as cute as I imagined, though with strong messages. Even better.

Queens centers around a former female rap group from the 90’s called the Nasty Bitches; the gang includes Mom of five Bree or “Professor Sex” (Eve), now holier than thou Jill “Da Thrill” (Naturi Naughton), opportunistic reporter Valeria or “Butter Pecan,” and rough but tough indie singer Naomi or “Xplicit” (Brandy), who are all facing their personal grown woman struggles until they hear their number one hit “Nasty Girl” on the radio again. Thus striking up the hype of a reunion performance for the BET Awards.

Actor RonReaco Lee is also featured as Eve’s character Bree’s husband; he is famously known for various black media like Tia’s boyfriend in 90’s hit Sister, Sister and Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail.

Episode I, named “1999,” shows the quick history of the Nasty Bitches viral-like origin to the drama that led to their breakup to twenty years after; not to mention the rap flows that continue to keep them together no matter the distance or time. The pilot gives each woman a moment to shine both in story + song, and seeing each star playing a role much different than their past parts was both an interesting and enjoyable watch.

Rapper + actress Eve hasn’t been on TV since her UPN sitcom of the same name- except her character’s name was famously and strangely named Shelley- and she has been outspoken about the cancellation and how she wished she would’ve taken it more seriously at that time of her life. I think Queens might be a perfect chance. She’s great as Bree and you easily root for her when you see her situation; you want to watch her succeed and that’s a bomb start for a first episode.

Our girl Brandy is playing the tough girl this time and I like it. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the reason Brandy connected with Naomi was to show a 180 side of herself. It’s been 20 years post- Nasty Bitches for Naomi and for us, it’s been 20 years since Moesha, where we saw Brandy last.

Naomi isn’t Moesha, Bree is not Shelly and it shows.

Former 3LW singer and actress Naturi Naughton’s Jill also has an interesting storyline, but it’s a secret so you’ll have to watch find out.

Actress Nadine Velasquez, who plays Valeria is good at playing the mean girl and as a character, it’s easy to dislike her. But it’s isn’t until the end, through her rough relationship with Naomi, that she’s able to pull at your heartstrings.

Themes of female unity + empowerment in the first episode; I appreciated that message being spread in the show and others that have premiered in the last year or so. The episode’s soundtrack also reflects the empowerment, with hip hop + R&B hits from all generations, including Diana Ross + Remy Ma.

Overall, Queens is a fun, Girls Trip- like musical that has caught my heart with cast and music alone. By the end of the episode, we can already see the roots of where the drama will continue from their 20 year past and I’m dying to see how it all plays out through the end of the season. PRAYING that ABC keeps Queens alive; better not have me fall in love with this cast just to cancel it before it’s had a chance.

Be sure to catch Queens on Tuesdays @ 10pm. Also available on Hulu.