The film was originally titled "Blackbird," but there were multiple movies with the same title coming out the same year, so this was eventually changed.
Sony Pictures Entertainment was originally going to produce and distribute the movie, but dropped out after writer and director Gina Prince-Bythewood insisted on casting Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the lead role.
Noni Jean's relationship with her mother was inspired by Gina Prince-Bythewood's relationship with her biological mother, whom she met in her 20s, and how she imagined their relationship would have been if her mother had not given her up for adoption.
Noni Jean was originally written as an American, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw auditioned for the role with an American accent. However, after hearing her speak in her natural accent, Gina Prince-Bythewood rewrote the character to make her English.
Chaka Khan: As herself at the Billboard Awards. She compliments Gugu Mbatha-Raw's character Noni's purple hair.
Big Sean: As himself. Gina Prince-Bythewood stated on her Twitter that Big Sean auditioned for the role of Kid Culprit.