With Alexandra Shipp already cast as Aaliyah in Lifetime's biopic "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, other important roles have also finally been set.

Two relative unknowns have been cast as Aaliyah's friends and musical collaborators, Missy Elliott and Timbaland. The two rapper-producers worked with the deceased singer on her 1996 album, "One in a Million", which sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.

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Newcomer Chattrisse Dolabaille, a Canadian actress and dancer, will be playing the role of Missy Elliott.

On the other hand, Izaak Smith will star as Timbaland in the biopic. Smith recently starred in "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" and "Mirror Mirror".

The much-talked about biopic, based on Christopher Farley's book "Aaliyah: More Than a Woman", has faced some early criticisms from those who were close to Aaliyah. Many believed that the made-for-TV movie would fail and portray half-truths about the late singer's life.

However, executive producer Debra Martin assured Aaliyah's friends, family and fans that they will do their utmost to produce a film that will honor the late singer's memory.

Aaliyah, known as the Princess of R&B, also delved into films when she was alive. She starred in "Romeo Must Die" and in the film adaptation of the Anne Rice novel, "Queen of the Damned".

In 2001, the singer died at the young age of 22 when the plane she boarded from the Bahamas crashed. She had just finished shooting her music video "Rock the Boat" at that time.

In a 2012 interview, Missy Elliott shared memories about her late friend, saying that she just wants to remember the positive things about Aaliyah's life.

The rapper talked about the time she first met Aaliyah, sharing that she was nervous that the late singer was going to be a diva. She was glad she was wrong, reminiscing, "She came in and was so warming; she made us immediately feel like family."

TagsMissy Elliott, Timbaland, aaliyah biopic, cast, unknown actors