On the Come Up

• Brianna Jackson – Brianna is the daughter of Jay and Lawless and younger sister to Trey. She is also called Bri or 'Lil Law,' after her late father. She is an aspiring rap legend. In her efforts to 'make it' as a rapper, her songs sparked controversy in her community. At school, she has a reputation amongst the teachers as a hoodlum for her "aggressive" behavior.
• Jayda "Jay" Jackson – Brianna and Trey's caring mother. After the murder of her husband, she turned to drugs and suffered from depression but later stopped for fear of losing her kids. She later loses her job and struggles to find other options but always puts her kids first.
• Lawrence "Lawless" Jackson – Brianna and Trey's father, Jay's husband. He was an underground rap legend but was murdered before he was able to 'make it' mainstream as a rapper.
• Trey Jackson – Brianna's older brother, Jay and Lawless's son. He is accomplished, as he received a scholarship and later achieved a degree in college. He worked at a pizza place to make ends meet for Jay and Brianna.
• Aunt Pooh – The aunt to Brianna and Trey, as well as the younger sister to Jay. Aunt Pooh is notoriously known as a drug dealer but maintains a close relationship with Brianna.
• Sonny – Loyal, and old friend to Brianna. He supports her regardless, even through the controversy Brianna has suffered.
• Malik – Brianna's crush, and also a close friend. He is loyal true to Brianna, but later dates another girl.

• Kayla – Trey's girlfriend. She works at the pizza place with him, as well is known as a rapping queen.
• Curtis – Brianna's boyfriend. He's sweet and respects Bri.
• Milez – The son of Supreme. Sonny's crush. Has his own following as a second-rate rapper. Lives in the suburbs instead of the projects.
• Supreme – Supreme was Lawless's old advisor. He later convinces Brianna to take him on.
• Grandma and Granddaddy – The paternal grandparents of Brianna, who took care of her and Trey when Jay was recovering from addiction.
• Jojo – Young follower of Brianna, hopes to be a rapper.
• Scrap – Aunt Pooh's friend.
• Shana – Malik's girlfriend.
• Lena – Aunt Pooh's girlfriend.

The book was well reviewed by The New York Times,[4] Vox,[5] and The Washington Post.[6]

On February 4, 2019, Fox 2000 Pictures acquired the rights to adapt the novel with George Tillman Jr. directing and producing with Robert Teitel, and Jay Marcus from State Street Pictures, alongside Thomas Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner and John Fischer of Temple Hill Entertainment.[7] On December 11, 2019, after Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox and closing of Fox 2000, Paramount Players acquired the film adaptation with Kay Oyegun hired to write the script and Tillman Jr. still attached to direct.[8] On October 19, 2020, Wanuri Kahiu replaced Tillman Jr. as director of the film.[9]