(AllHipHop News) Drake told rapper and “Top Boy” star “Little Simz” to stay true to herself when acting in the new series of the British TV show he resurrected.
“Top Boy,” which depicted gang life in London and starred Ashley Walters and rapper Kano, was canceled after two series by bosses at U.K. network Channel 4 in 2014.
However Drake bought the rights to the cult hit series, which will return on Netflix with U.K. hip-hop star Little Simz in a new role.
And when asked what input the “Hotline Bling” star had over the revival, Simz, real name Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, says he just told the actors to stay true to themselves.
“I only saw him once, at the (script) read-through,” she told The Guardian. “It was cool that he actually made the effort to come down and spend time with the cast and immerse himself in it, but at the same time he wasn’t coming in to change everything up.
“He was like: ‘There’s a reason why I fell in love with this show, so you guys just continue doing that, and I’ll do whatever I can to help spread this.’ It’s wicked that he’s involved.”
The TV series is known for its gritty depiction of London life, and Simz says the show has “given lots of young people an opportunity,” like herself and fellow U.K. rapper Dave, who also stars in the revival, to take on roles without huge acting experience.
“Top Boy” returns on Netflix on September 13.
