Lil' Kim

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Kimberly Denise Jones (born July 11, 1974),<ref name="Viera2012">Template:Cite web Those giving 1974 include:

Lil' Kim was born and raised in New York City and lived much of her adolescent life on the streets after being expelled from home. In her teens, she would freestyle rap, influenced by fellow female hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and the Lady of Rage. In 1994, she was discovered by fellow rapper the Notorious B.I.G., who invited her to join his group Junior M.A.F.I.A.; their debut album, Conspiracy, generated two top 20 singles in the United States and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In 1996, Lil' Kim released her debut album, Hard Core, which spawned the singles "No Time", "Not Tonight (Ladies Night)", and "Crush on You". The album became the highest debut in the US for a female rap album at the time, received a double platinum certification, and sold more than six million copies worldwide.<ref name="dazeed">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="TheWashingtonPost">Template:Cite news</ref> During this period, she adopted the nickname "Queen Bee". Her following album, The Notorious K.I.M. (2000), achieved similar success. She topped the Billboard Hot 100 by featuring on the 2001 single "Lady Marmalade", winning the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Her third album, La Bella Mafia (2003), was also certified platinum and spawned the singles "The Jump Off" and "Magic Stick", the latter of which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2005, Lil' Kim served a one-year prison sentence for lying to a jury about her friends' involvement in a shooting four years earlier. During her incarceration, her fourth album, The Naked Truth, was released that same year to positive reviews from critics. A reality series covering her sentence, Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown, premiered on BET in 2006. She then released her first mixtape, Ms. G.O.A.T. (2008), and returned to the public eye in 2009 with an appearance on Dancing with the Stars. Throughout the 2010s, she continued to release music and perform sporadically, collaborating with artists such as Faith Evans, Remy Ma, and Fabolous. Her fifth studio album, 9, was released in 2019.

Lil' Kim's collaboration with celebrity nail artist Bernadette Thompson for the 1999 "Money Nails" design she wore is credited with bringing intricate nail art into mainstream fashion and has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art.<ref name="Givhan2021">Template:Cite news</ref> Her songs "No Time", "Big Momma Thang", and "Not Tonight (Ladies Night)" were each listed on Complex's list of the 50 Best Rap Songs By Women.<ref name="The 50 Best Rap Songs by Women">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2012, she was listed on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list at number 45, the second-highest position for a solo female hip-hop artist.<ref name="Graham2012">Template:Cite web</ref>

Early life and education

Jones was born on July 11, 1974, in the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, the second child of Linwood Jones, a former U.S. Marine.<ref name="Driven2003">Driven: Lil' Kim. Behind the Music. 2003. VH1 Networks. Viacom Publishing.</ref> She has an older brother, Christopher.<ref name="TVGuideBiography">Template:Cite web</ref> As a child, Jones attended Queen of All Saints Elementary School in Brooklyn.<ref name="bio.com">Template:Cite web</ref> When she was nine years old, her parents separated, and Jones was raised by her father, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship.<ref name="bio.com" /> At fourteen, she left home, began living on the streets, and ultimately dropped out of high school.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

As a teenager, Jones met Christopher Wallace, known professionally as the Notorious B.I.G. Wallace was a key figure in both her personal and artistic life, particularly after he gained popularity and influence through his relationship with Bad Boy Records.<ref name="allmusic">Template:Cite web</ref> Jones attended Sarah J. Hale Vocational High School for two-and-a-half years. She and her friends often skipped school. As she was not completing her schoolwork, the decision was made for her to transfer to Brooklyn College Academy to finish her remaining year and a half of high school.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Career

In 1994, B.I.G. was instrumental in introducing and promoting the Brooklyn-based group Junior M.A.F.I.A. Jones, who had adopted the stage name Lil' Kim, was a member of the group. The group's debut album, Conspiracy, was released to mediocre reviews and moderate sales on August 29, 1995, but debuted at number eight on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 69,000 copies in its first week of release. Wallace wrote and ghostwrote most of the album's material.<ref name="hardcoresales">Template:Cite book</ref> Three hit singles came from Conspiracy: "Player's Anthem", "I Need You Tonight", and "Get Money“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The RIAA certified Conspiracy a Gold album on December 6, 1995. "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money" were certified gold and platinum respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lil' Kim's increasing popularity as a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A. allowed her to start a solo career shortly after the Conspiracy album was released. By late 1995, she began working on what would become her debut album, Hard Core.

1996–2002: Hard Core and The Notorious K.I.M.

After a year with Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil' Kim began her solo career by making guest performances on R&B albums and recording her debut album, Hard Core, which was released in November 1996. The album debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, the highest debut for a female rap album at that time,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and number 3 on BillboardTemplate:'s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums,<ref name="albums charts">Template:Cite web</ref> selling 78,000 copies in its first week of release and has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.<ref name="hardcoresales" /> It was certified double platinum by the RIAA on March 14, 2001, after having been certified gold on January 6, 1997, and platinum on June 3, 1997.<ref name="RIAA">Template:Cite web</ref>

The album's lead single "No Time", a duet with Combs, reached the top spot of the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart<ref name="allmusic" /> and was certified gold by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA" /> The following single was "Crush on You", a remixed version of the track that appeared on Hard Core. A remix of the album's track "Not Tonight" saw Lil' Kim team up with Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez, Da Brat, and Left Eye of TLC with the song peaking at 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was part of the soundtrack to the Martin Lawrence movie Nothing to Lose, nominated for a Grammy Award, and certified platinum.<ref name="RIAA" /> She became the first female rapper to have three consecutive number ones on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In one stockholders' meeting of Warner Bros. Records, activist C. Delores Tucker criticized the label "for producing this filth", referring to perceived graphic sexual content in Lil' Kim's lyrics, and labeling them "gangsta porno rap“.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 1997, Lil' Kim promoted Hard Core by performing on P. Diddy's "No Way Out" tour.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The tour continued through to 1998 and became one of the highest-grossing hip-hop tours of all time, grossing an estimated $16 million.<ref name="Group2007">Template:Cite journal</ref> That same year, she launched her own label, Queen Bee Entertainment.<ref name="The Mask of Lil' Kim">Template:Cite news</ref>

From 1998 to 2000, Lil' Kim continued working under the management of B.I.G.'s best friend, Damion "D-Roc" Butler's "Roc Management", touring and modeling for various fashion and pop culture companies including Candie's, Versace, Iceberg, and Baby Phat.

In 1999, for a denim campaign fashion shoot, Lil' Kim debuted "Money Nails" designed by nail artist Bernadette Thompson.<ref name="Givhan2021" /> Thompson gave Lil' Kim a manicure with acrylic nails and pieces of an actual $100 bill.<ref name="ELLEDecor2021">Template:Cite web</ref> The look became an instant trendsetter spawning a wave of imitation looks<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and a trending search topic on Google (at a time before the internet was ubiquitous).<ref name="ELLEDecor2021" />

Her outfit at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards received widespread media attention, fueled by the "shocked" response of presenter Diana Ross, who approached and jiggled Kim's exposed breast on national television. The Washington Post considered that the incident solidified Lil' Kim's "image of sexual fearlessness" and her career as "a fashion trendsetter“.<ref name="The Mask of Lil' Kim" />

On June 27, 2000, Lil' Kim released her second album, The Notorious K.I.M. The album marked a new image and revamped look for the rapper. Despite the limited success of its singles, the album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 229,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="hardcoresales" /> It was certified platinum by the RIAA, four weeks after its release.<ref name="RIAA" /> It was on this LP that the well-known hip-hop feud between Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown escalated. In 2001, Lil' Kim teamed up with Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Mýa to remake "Lady Marmalade", which was originally written about a bordello in New Orleans and performed by the group Labelle (which included diva Patti LaBelle) 25 years earlier.<ref name="billboard.com">Template:Cite news</ref>

The song was recorded for the Moulin Rouge! film soundtrack, released in April 2001, and stayed at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. The song also went to number 1 in 14 countries around the world. This was a major accomplishment for female rap, as well as for Lil' Kim, who scored her first and only number 1 Hot 100 hit<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and became the second solo female rapper in history to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.<ref name="billboard.com"/> "Lady Marmalade" also garnered Lil' Kim her first Grammy Award. The second single, "Kimnotyze", was released as the lead single of record producer DJ Tomekk's compilation album Beat Of Life, Vol 1. It was released in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany only. The song was successful, becoming Lil' Kim's third consecutive top 10 hit in Germany after her number 5 hit "Lady Marmalade“.

In 2002, Lil' Kim recorded a new entrance theme for then World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Women's Champion Trish Stratus entitled "Time to Rock 'n Roll", which was used during broadcasts, until Stratus's retirement. The single was released on WWE Anthology, a compilation of entrance theme music to various professional wrestling superstars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lil' Kim released the song "What's The Word" in mid-2002. Despite not having an official release, it went on to peak at number 9 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.<ref>Template:Cite magazineTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> It would later be released on the Japan edition of her third studio album, La Bella Mafia, as a bonus track.

2003–2005: La Bella Mafia

On March 4, 2003, Lil' Kim released her third studio album, La Bella Mafia. It debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200, selling 166,000 copies in its first week,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> giving Lil' Kim her second consecutive top 5 album. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, receiving a score of 65 on Metacritic.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A buzz single, "Came Back For You", was released ahead of the album, the music video for the song featured reality television personality Victoria Gotti.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The first single, "The Jump Off", featuring Mr. Cheeks, peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Follow up single, "Magic Stick", featuring 50 Cent, peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for three weeks. The song did not have a commercial release or a music video but was successful due to high radio airplay, peaking at number one on the Billboard Airplay chart. A third US-only single, "Thug Luv", featuring Twista, was released in the last quarter of 2003 and peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The album was certified platinum in the US,<ref name="RIAA" /> selling over 1.1 million copies.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Lil' Kim promoted the album with a string of concerts, which also featured DMX and Nas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lil' Kim was nominated for five Source Awards and won two ("Female Hip-Hop Artist of the Year", and "Female Single of the Year"). The album also got two Grammy Award nominations for Best Female Rap Solo Performance ("Came Back For You") and Best Rap Collaboration ("Magic Stick"). She was also nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with singer Christina Aguilera for the song "Can't Hold Us Down", from Aguilera's album Stripped.

Greg Thomas, an English professor at Syracuse University, began teaching "Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen B@#$H Lyricism 101“. Lil' Kim herself was a guest speaker. Professor Thomas considered Lil' Kim's lyrics "the art with the most profound sexual politics I've ever seen anywhere“.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> David Horowitz criticized the course as "academic degeneracy and decline“.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Lil' Kim also made an appearance on the multi-platform videogame Def Jam: Fight for NY. Lil' Kim provided voice-overs for her part in the storyline, where the player may fight an opponent to have Lil' Kim as their girlfriend.<ref name="ign">Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2004, Lil' Kim recorded a cover of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" which was used as the opening theme for Victoria Gotti's reality series Growing Up Gotti. That same year, Lil' Kim was featured on the remix of "Naughty Girl" by Beyoncé. In December 2004, Lil' Kim began recording a pilot for a VH1 reality show titled 718 Makeover.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The 718 in the title is the area code for Brooklyn, where she grew up. The show did not make it to air.

2005–2008: Prison, The Naked Truth and Ms. G.O.A.T

Lil' Kim performing at Way Out West festival, 2008

Lil' Kim released her fourth album, The Naked Truth, on September 27, 2005, while serving a federal prison sentence. It earned her a 5 mic rating from The Source, making her the only female rapper to ever receive a 5 mic rating. The album debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 109,000 copies in its first week of release,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> giving Lil' Kim her third top 10 debut on the chart. The Naked Truth did not sell as well as her previous works, it only managed to reach a gold certification by RIAA. She said that her prison sentence left her with no time to promote the project.

The music video for The Naked TruthTemplate:'s first single, "Lighters Up", was number one on BET's 106 & Park for two weeks. "Lighters Up" was a Top Ten hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. The single also reached number 67 on the German Single Chart, number 12 on the UK Top 75 and number 4 on the Finland Single Chart. The second single, "Whoa" was released on February 17, 2006. It reached number 22 on Airplay.

On March 9, 2006, BET premiered the show Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown, which was filmed before Lil' Kim headed to prison. The show became the highest rated premiere in BET history, averaging 1.9 million viewers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In May 2006, Debbie Harry released a song in tribute to Lil' Kim called "Dirty and Deep" in protest of her conviction. The song was available for free from her official website. Dance Remixes, her first compilation album, was released on June 6, 2006. The album featured remixes of songs from The Naked Truth and Hard Core. A limited pressing released only in the US, it received no promotion due to Lil' Kim being in prison at the time of release and failed to chart. On August 31, 2006, Lil' Kim presented the award for Best Male Video at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards; it marked her first televised appearance since being released from prison.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She also made appearances on the show The Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll and Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious in 2007 and 2008 as a judge.

In January 2008, Lil' Kim announced that she had parted ways with Atlantic Records, choosing to release future projects independently. She stated she had no hard feelings toward Atlantic, but felt comfortable enough with her knowledge of the music business to do it alone.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Lil' Kim released her first mixtape Ms. G.O.A.T., an acronym for "Greatest of All Time",<ref>Megaproml, p. 104.</ref><ref name="xp">Template:Cite web</ref> on June 3, 2008.<ref name="amg">Template:Cite web</ref> It was produced by New York City DJs Mister Cee and DJ Whoo Kid.<ref name="gr">Template:Cite web</ref> Among critics, the mixtape received generally positive reviews.<ref name="dp">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="ahh">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It has been called a representation of Lil' Kim's return to the streets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tito Salinas of All Hip Hop says "Lil' Kim shows that her time behind bars did not rust all of her swag away" on Ms. G.O.A.T.<ref name="ahh" /> On the other hand, Ehren Gresehover of New York Mag says that although one of the tracks "The Miseducation of Lil' Kim" is not bad, he wished it was Lauryn Hill making a comeback instead.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2009–2011: Dancing with the Stars and Black Friday

On March 10, 2009, the song "Girls" by Korean singer Seven featuring Lil' Kim was released through digital stores as his U.S. debut single. Lil' Kim appeared in the music video that was released on the same day. "Girls" was produced by Darkchild. On March 24, 2009, she released the song "Download" featuring R&B singers T-Pain and Charlie Wilson. It was written by Lil' Kim and T-Pain and produced by Trackmasters. The song samples "Computer Love" by Zapp. Although it missed the Hot 100, it did chart on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number 21.

Lil' Kim appeared on the eighth season of reality series Dancing with the Stars, which began airing on March 9, 2009. She was paired with professional dancer Derek Hough. They were eliminated on May 5, 2009, against Ty Murray and his partner Chelsie Hightower, putting Lil' Kim at fifth place among all thirteen contestants that season. Her elimination was met by many boos from the audience, as she was a consistent high-scorer and fan favorite.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On February 16, 2010, the Ludacris song "Hey Ho", which featured Lil' Kim and Lil Fate, was released as a promo single for his seventh studio album Battle of the Sexes.<ref>iTune's Countdown to Battle of the Sexes. iTunes.</ref> In June 2010, Lil' Kim started her 2010 Tour, her first headlining tour since 2000. It took her across the US, as well as Canada and Europe.

Lil' Kim released her second mixtape, Black Friday, on February 14, 2011. The video for the title track was released on February 16, 2011. The mixtape received mostly negative reviews from critics. It was made available for purchase via PayPal. In May 2011, Lil' Kim performed in South Africa as part of the music festival ZarFest alongside Fat Joe, Timbaland, and Ciara.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On June 19, 2011, Lil' Kim performed alongside G-Unit member Shawty Lo and hinted a possible working relationship with G-Unit Records. That same month the song Lil' Kim, along with Rick Ross, was featured on titled "Anything (To Find You)", by R&B singer Monica was leaked. The song, which samples the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya?", initially featured just Lil' Kim, but her second verse was removed to make room for Ross. Her vocals were then removed fully due to contractual issues with B.I.G.'s estate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In August 2011, Lil' Kim performed four dates in Australia as part of the WinterBeatz Festival alongside Fabolous, Mario, 50 Cent and G-Unit. During the August, 17 date in Perth, she joined 50 Cent on stage for a performance of "Magic Stick“. It marked the first time the pair had performed the song together.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 28, 2011, Lil' Kim released a buzz single called "I Am Not the One“. She also announced that she would release an EP, but it was later shelved for unknown reasons.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2012–2016: Hard Core mixtape and Lil Kim Season

In the summer of 2011, Lil' Kim began recording material for her fifth studio album. She had previously been under a restriction banning her from releasing new material as a result of her settlement with Trackmasters, but it had now been lifted.<ref name="rapup">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="wblk">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="drewreports">Template:Cite web</ref> On Valentine's Day 2012, Lil' Kim released the song "If You Love Me" produced by Prince Saheb of Knockout Entertainment as a gift to her fans. That same month, it was announced she would make her return to the stage on BET's Rip the Runway.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> It marked her first televised performance in years.

In March 2012, during an interview with MTV's Sucker Free, Lil' Kim revealed that contract issues with production duo Trackmasters were the reason behind her album delay, saying „...contractually, by the courts, I could not record any music – I wasn't supposed to put any music out“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 23, 2012, the song "Keys to the City", a collaboration with Young Jeezy, was leaked to the Internet. Lil' Kim first mentioned the song during an interview with MTV's RapFix, saying "I have a song with another celebrity person that I know the world and my fans are gonna love... It's vintage Kim mixed with the new Kim“. During the same RapFix interview, Lil' Kim also revealed another song, titled "I'm Ready", which she hopes to do with rapper 50 Cent. Lil' Kim also commented on the direction of her music, saying she was in "Kanye West mode“, adding „...You do whatever you want to do ...it's all about taking chances“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lil' Kim kicked off her Return of the Queen Tour on May 17, 2012, to positive reviews.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In a radio interview at Miami's 99 Jamz, Lil' Kim stated that her book, The Price of Loyalty, was on hold to coincide with the release of her new album.<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During an interview with XXL on April 26, 2013, she revealed that she does not have a name for the album yet, but the first official single would be out by mid year.<ref name="xxl">Template:Cite web</ref> Lil' Kim described the single, produced by Bangladesh, as "different" and "sweet dessert“.<ref name="xxl" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On July 11, 2013, Lil' Kim released the Rockwilder-produced single "Looks Like Money" as a free download for her fans on her birthday.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On July 26, 2013, Lil' Kim announced and released the cover art for a new mixtape, Hard Core 2K13, which would also serve as a sequel to her critically acclaimed debut album, Hard Core.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The mixtape was originally set to be released on October 31, 2013, but for then unknown reasons, was pushed back. To make up for not releasing the mixtape, Lil' Kim released the singles "Dead Gal Walking" and "Kimmy Blanco" to the public, along with the track list. The track list revealed collaborations with French Montana, Miley Cyrus, Jadakiss, and Yo Gotti.

On August 2, 2014, Lil' Kim announced via her Twitter page that she would launch a concert tour to promote her forthcoming Hard Core Mixtape.<ref name="twitter.com">Template:Cite web</ref> Throughout the remainder of August, Lil' Kim released a number of remixes to popular songs, including Beyoncé's and Nicki Minaj's collaboration on "Flawless“, seemingly as a diss to Minaj, reigniting the feud between the two rappers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

On September 11, 2014, the Hard Core mixtape was released as free download on Kim's official website.<ref>Lilah, Rose. "Lil Kim – Hard Core Template:Webarchive“, HotNewHipHop, September 11, 2014.</ref> In an interview with Revolt TV on the same day, she revealed that she, Iggy Azalea, and T.I. would collaborate on a song sometime in the future, saying "I don't know if it's going to be for my album or if we're just going to…we have other plans for it as well. But, I think we're going to do a double release“. In the same interview, she explained why the mixtape was pushed back twice, stating "When this project was supposed to come out I had got pregnant. I didn't know. [...] Once I became fully pregnant, I was working in the studio but at one point I couldn't work anymore, obviously“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2016, her fourth mixtape Lil Kim Season was released.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the mixtape, she freestyles over several popular beats, Drake's "Summer Sixteen“, Rihanna's "Work“, and Desiigner's "Panda“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Jen Yamato from The Daily Beast wrote, "if anything, Lil Kim Season indicates that Kim's got her sights set on returning in a big way—and that she's collecting collaborators who might help her achieve it“.<ref name="Yamato">Template:Cite news</ref>

2017–present: Girls Cruise and 9

In February 2017, Lil' Kim announced via her Instagram and an interview that she was working on a new album.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Singer Faith Evans featured her on the song "Lovin You for Life" on the album The King & I, released on May 19, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> That same month, Lil' Kim along with Eve and Trina was featured on the remix of "I'm Better" by Missy Elliott. In November, Lil' Kim released a promotional single "Took Us a Break“,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and was featured on the song "Wake Me Up" by rapper Remy Ma.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March 2018, Lil' Kim released another promotional single, "Spicy“, featuring rapper Fabolous.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On July 11, 2018, Lil' Kim released the single "Nasty One" from her highly anticipated album, but ultimately the track was not included on the album.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That same day during an interview with Billboard, she said the album would be released in November of that year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A remix for the single was released on October 26, 2018, and featured Kranium, HoodCelebrityy, and Stefflon Don.<ref name="tmz.com">Template:Cite web</ref>

In September 2018, she announced that the debut single for her album "Go Awff" would be released at a later date. The song was eventually released on February 15, 2019. That same month, Kim was spotted in Barbados with fellow hip hop stars Mýa and Chilli, friends Char DeFrancesco (husband to Marc Jacobs and one of Kim's best friends) and Tiffany, as well as MTV personalities Pretty Vee and B. Simone from MTV's Wild 'n Out.<ref name="tmz.com"/>

It was later revealed that this was part of a VH1 reality show, Girls Cruise, for which Kim would serve as an executive producer. The show followed the group as they set sail to embark on a 10-day cruise in the Caribbean, visiting the countries of Barbados and Trinidad just in time for Carnival festivities. It also documented the group's bonding and new friendships with one another. The show premiered on July 15 with approximately 1.2 million viewers and ran for 11 episodes. It is unclear if there will be another season of the series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref>

In March 2019, Kim revealed that her new album would be titled 9 and added "There's a lot of meaning behind that“. Later that month, she announced that the album would be released on May 17, 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After a minor setback with her record label, eOne Music, that caused the album not be released on the original planned date, the project was postponed. On September 27, 2019, Kim released a second single, "Found You“, featuring City Girls and O.T. Genasis. The album later became available for pre-order on all digital-download platforms on October 4, 2019 (along with the track "Pray For Me" featuring Rick Ross and Musiq Soulchild), with a release date of October 11, 2019.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Upon its first week of release, the album charted on the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Album Sales, Digital Albums, Top Albums Sales, Independent Albums and Rap Album Sales.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> However, the album failed to chart on the Billboard 200 due to selling less than 1,000 copies, and no song from the album landed on the Hot 100 or Bubbling Under.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During one of the reunion episodes for Girls Cruise, Kim revealed that the album would be a two-part project, stating "I recorded so many songs. I have a part one and a part two“. She also shared that her co-star, the Instagram comedian Vena "Pretty Vee" Excell, would appear on the record.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In October 2019, Kim revealed that she would collaborate with Missy Elliott and Paris Hilton on the follow-up to 9.<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In an interview with New York Radio 103.9, Kim confirmed that the City Girls would be involved with the follow-up to 9. She also stated that she would "love" to have Pretty Vee host her tour.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On her November 8, 2019 appearance on The Real, Kim again confirmed that Paris Hilton and Missy Elliott would appear on 9Template:'s follow-up; she said the song "sounds like a classic Missy Elliott record but 'now.'"(1:20<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>)

In July 2025, Kim appeared as a guest for the Wu-Tang Clan's final show at Madison Square Garden.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Influences

Lil' Kim cited as her rap influences MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa and Roxanne Shanté.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She was also influenced by Slick Rick, the Notorious B.I.G., Eric B. & Rakim, Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige. Lil' Kim also cited Madonna as an influence, saying she modeled her own career on Madonna's, and labeling herself as the "Black Madonna".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other ventures

Products and endorsements

In 1998, Lil' Kim signed with Wilhelmina Models.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That same year, she was announced as the face for the fashion brand Candie's alongside Brandy. She became the first and only rapper to endorse the brand to date. In 2000, Lil' Kim signed a deal with fashion house Iceberg,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and also with cosmetics brand MAC to help endorse their VIVA GLAM line of lipsticks and lip glosses alongside Mary J. Blige.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The MAC VIVA GLAM III campaign, which was built around a plum-brown lipstick, helped raise $4 million for the company in one year and became the most successful VIVA GLAM campaign to date.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Due to the success, the two signed on for a second year. The rapper also modeled for the urban fashion line Baby Phat in August 2000. In March 2001, Lil' Kim, along with several other artists, were in an Apple Mac computer commercial, demonstrating how to burn custom CDs on a Mac.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2004, she launched a designer watch collection with manufacturer and jeweler Jeweler Jacob Arabo, Royalty by Lil' Kim.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She also debuted her first clothing line, Hollyhood.<ref name="MTVarticle">Template:Cite web</ref> She lent her voice to the video game Def Jam: Fight for NY, in which she was featured.<ref name="ign" /> In 2005, she collaborated on a shoe line with high-end brand Petite Peton. That same year, she appeared as a character in the limited-edition comic book "The Heist“, a collaboration between Marvel and Atlantic Records.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In August 2010, Lil' Kim signed a deal with Three Olives Vodka as the face for their Purple vodka.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September of that same year, she, along with her cousin Katrise Jones, opened their first beauty salon in Charlotte, North Carolina called Salon Se Swa.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That same month, she launched her second clothing line, 24/7 Goddess Collection, at Charlotte, North Carolina's Fashion Week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In November 2012, Lil' Kim began endorsing Cîroc vodka, revealing her own cocktail, "Queen Bee“, and announcing herself as the "First Lady" of the brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Philanthropy

In 2000, Lil' Kim embarked on a promo tour for her second studio album, The Notorious K.I.M., and the MAC AIDS Fund. She visited MAC cosmetics counters, interacted with fans, and helped raise money and awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She took part in MAC's Fashion Cares show in Toronto, Canada, raising close to one million for its AIDS committee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Her endorsement of MAC, with Mary J. Blige, raised $4 million for the fund.

In October 2001, Lil' Kim was featured on the R&B mix of the song "What's Going On“. She, along with several other popular recording artists, released the song as "Artists Against AIDS Worldwide“, with proceeds going to AIDS programs worldwide and also the September 11th Fund of the United Way.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That same month, Lil' Kim performed at Breathe, a benefit concert for breast cancer research and treatment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Proceeds from the concert went to the UCLA Breast Center and the Breast Examination Center of Harlem, an outreach program of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

On March 12, 2002, Lil' Kim walked her dogs in the 3rd annual "Paws for Style" fashion show. The event is held by Animal Fair magazine as a benefit for the Humane Society of New York.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Items worn by the animals were later auctioned off online.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2004 she launched her own foundation called Lil' Kim Cares.<ref name="MTVarticle" /> The foundation raises funds, resources and awareness for national programs that assist with issues such as homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, transitional living, child neglect, and violence against women.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Speaking of the foundation, Lil' Kim stated she planned to be primarily involved in causes that had affected her personally.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 17, 2004, she participated in the 28th annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. The event helped raise more than $100,000 for "Racing for Kids“, a non-profit program benefiting Southern California children's hospitals in Long Beach and Orange County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 24, 2004, Lil' Kim encouraged others to vote in the United States presidential election through the Rock the Vote campaign.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On March 10, 2005, Lil' Kim, along with several other artists, appeared in an episode of The Apprentice. Each artist was approached by contestants to donate a "personal experience" to be auctioned off for charity through music channel Fuse's "Daily Download" program, with proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In September 2005, she teamed with fashion designer Marc Jacobs for a limited edition T-shirt line featuring images of the rapper. Marc Jacobs Loves Lil' Kim was sold exclusively at Marc Jacobs stores, with 100% of the proceeds going to a charity called The Door.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2005 Lil' Kim donated a diamond watch from her "Royalty" line to the World AIDS Day eBay auction, "Bid 2 Beat AIDS“. Proceeds went to LIFEbeat, an organization providing HIV/AIDS information to millions of young people annually.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Through her foundation, Lil' Kim has given back to many, including teaming up with apparel company Mitchell & Ness and boxer Zab Judah to donate toys to underprivileged youth in Philadelphia in 2005,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and joining MusiCares in 2007 for a silent auction, held at the Grammys On The Hill ceremony, to help raise funds for the foundation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2007 Lil' Kim was a part of the 4th Annual Grammy Charity Holiday Auction, featuring a large variety of celebrity-signed memorabilia that people could bid on through eBay.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 1, 2007, Lil' Kim partnered with Preserve Our Legacy and the New Jersey Stem Cell Research and Education Foundation to host a celebrity basketball game to raise awareness about various health issues plaguing minority communities.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On July 11, 2010, Lil' Kim launched her signature milkshake, the "Queen Bee“, at Millions of Milkshakes in West Hollywood, with proceeds going towards Wyclef Jean's Yéle Haiti Foundation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 9, 2013, she took part in the first annual Reality On The Runway fashion show. The event helped raise $300,000 for people infected with HIV/AIDS and increase awareness. All designs from the show were auctioned off online following the event, with a portion of the proceeds going to AIDS United.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Lil' Kim has been a longtime LGBT advocate,<ref name="pride" /><ref>Jones appeared on the cover of Out Magazine in December 1999.</ref> and has participated in many gay pride festivals, including the LGBT Pride March in New York City, as well as performing at Atlanta Black Pride and D.C. Black Pride.<ref name="pride">Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

In her teens, Jones dated Shawn Powell. The pair met at the Empire Roller Skating rink in Brooklyn. After a couple of months of seeing each other, Powell was arrested for robbery and sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. Jones and Powell continued their relationship, with Jones visiting frequently. They kept in touch by writing letters. The couple became engaged while Powell was incarcerated.<ref name= "Driven ep">Template:Cite episode</ref>

During this time, Jones met Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.). She focused on starting her rap career and called off the engagement with Powell.<ref name= "Driven ep" /> In 1996, during the recording of her debut album, Jones became pregnant with Wallace's child.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She did not make it public until 1999 during an interview with The Source. Jones decided to terminate the pregnancy. "I already knew the kind of relationship that Biggie and I had, and I knew that [having a child] was something that couldn't take place..“.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Wallace called Jones three days before his death and told her he loved her.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In a 2010 interview with Ed Lover on Power 105, Jones revealed that Wallace assaulted her and she described an incident where he choked her to unconsciousness.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2017, Jones admitted her relationship with Wallace was "very violent" after Jermaine Dupri claimed that he witnessed Wallace pull a pistol out on Jones.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On July 23, 1996, Jones was arrested for possession of marijuana after police raided Wallace's Teaneck, New Jersey home. Police smelled marijuana inside the home when they went to ask for someone to move an illegally parked car. Jones denied she was smoking, claiming she was "upstairs all day sleeping“.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On March 17, 1999, Teaneck police issued an arrest warrant after Jones failed to turn up for court dates stemming from the arrest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The warrant was not a top priority for the police, and was not made public until September 2003, after a story was published online by The Smoking Gun. Jones was later removed from Teaneck's wanted list in October 2003, after $350 in bail was posted on her behalf.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Jones' attorney told reporters that she did not appear in court because she believed the case had been resolved.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2002, Jones started dating Damion "World" Hardy. The couple split in 2003, and she stated she was a victim of physical abuse leading to multiple nose jobs as a result of being punched.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On June 20, 2003, Jones had $250,000 worth of jewelry stolen while catching a flight at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport after a bag, which she intended to carry on, was mixed up with eight other pieces of her luggage.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The missing jewelry was recovered 10 days later, found wrapped up in a rag in a locker room for airline employees by a United Airlines worker.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2004, Jones dated record producer Scott Storch, whom she met when he offered her a ride to her hotel.<ref name="scott">Template:Cite web</ref> The couple split after two months.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2013, Storch revealed that he would have married Jones if the relationship had worked out.<ref name="scott" /> In 2007, Jones and Ray J briefly dated.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On March 17, 2005, Lil' Kim was convicted of three counts of conspiracy and one count of perjury for lying to a federal grand jury about her and her friends' involvement in a 2001 shooting outside the Hot 97 studios in Manhattan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During the trial of her co-manager, Damion "D-Roc" Butler, and her bodyguard, Suif "Gutta" Jackson, a former member of the hip hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A., she testified before a grand jury that she did not know they were at the scene.<ref name="Bodyguard">Template:Cite web</ref> However, video footage from a security camera placed all three at the scene, exiting the building.<ref name="Released">Template:Cite web</ref>

Butler and Jackson pleaded guilty to gun charges. Jackson was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison as part of plea bargain in which he admitted to firing at least twenty rounds during the incident. The length of the sentence was said to have been influenced by his previous gun-related convictions.<ref name="Bodyguard" />

In July 2005, Lil' Kim was sentenced to one year in prison, thirty days' home detention upon release from custody, and three years of probation. She served the entirety of her sentence at the Federal Detention Center, Philadelphia in Center City, Philadelphia. She was released on July 3, 2006, after serving approximately 12 months.<ref name="Released" /> Her Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) supervision ended on August 2, 2006.<ref>"Lil' Kim leaves prison, steps into Rolls." The Philadelphia Inquirer. July 3, 2006. Retrieved on January 6, 2010.</ref>

On June 9, 2014, Jones gave birth to a daughter named Royal Reign.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Royal has started modeling, walking the catwalk in the New York Fashion Week Show in 2023 as part of the 13th Annual Rookie USA Fashion Show.<ref name="auto1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Lil' Kim was in a relationship with Royal's father, Jeremy Neil, who goes by the rap name Mr. Papers from 2012 to 2014, and then again from 2020 through at least part of 2021. He has called her his "wife" before although they have never been legally married.<ref name="auto"/> Their initial breakup was somewhat contentious, with Lil' Kim claiming that he was a domestic abuser and Mr. Papers alternatively dissing her and performing somber freestyle raps lamenting the circumstances and lack of access to Royal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They have not mentioned being a couple on social media since 2021 and Mr. Papers was referred to as Lil' Kim's ex again in news reports that were released in 2022,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but they never formally broke up with each other publicly.<ref name="auto1"/>

According to an interview released in April 2024, Lil' Kim is currently dating Tayy Brown, a rapper who is signed to her record label.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Jones identifies as a Christian.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Feuds

Foxy Brown

Once high school friends, Lil' Kim and fellow Brooklyn rapper Foxy Brown originally remained close despite becoming associates of clashing hip hop groups Junior M.A.F.I.A. and the Firm, respectively.<ref name="vibe">Template:Citation</ref> In 1995, they collaborated with Da Brat for the remix of "No One Else" by Total. The following year, they were featured in the Hot 97 NY Fashion Show<ref name="hot97">Template:Citation</ref> and appeared on the covers of The Source and Vibe.<ref name="bet">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, their first dispute developed after both of their debut studio albums were scheduled for release a week apart in November 1996.<ref name="bet" />

In 1996, Media outlets noted similarities between the sleeve covers of Lil' Kim's debut album Hard Core and Brown's debut album Ill Na Na, where the two were shown wearing the same outfit.<ref name="vibe2">Template:Citation</ref> In 1997, the feud led to the deterioration of their friendship, and resulted in the cancellation of a collaborative album Thelma & Louise. Brown noted that the breakdown of their relationship was influenced by their conflicting entourages.<ref name="vibe" /> They first attempted a reconciliation in 1998 after Lil' Kim called Brown and her mother after the two were held at gunpoint during a house burglary.<ref name="vibe" /><ref name="mtv">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In January 1999, critics noted the track "My Life" from Brown's second studio effort Chyna Doll as being an "open appeal" to their friendship. In the song, Brown describes their relationship being "lost for pride". Later in the album, however, Brown attacks "mistresses“. As music journalist Evelyn McDonnell noted, this seemed pointed at Lil' Kim.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="villagevoice" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Critics thought the records were a subtle diss to Lil' Kim, especially since during this time Brown had supported Lil' Kim's rival, singer Faith Evans, in multiple interviews.<ref name="villagevoice">Template:Cite web</ref> In February 1999, some music critics noted that Brown "suddenly sounded 'exactly' like Lil' Kim“.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

In late May 1999, Lil' Cease's single "Play Around", featuring Lil' Kim and Diddy, was released and featured on his debut The Wonderful World of Cease A Leo.<ref name="bet" /> In the song, after Lil' Kim's verse, Diddy raps: "Stop trying to sound like her too bitches"; a diss aimed at Foxy Brown.<ref name="bet" /> The line spurred enough controversy that a writer remarked, "It's finally coming out. Foxy Brown bites worse than a pit bull“.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Additionally, Lil' Kim's guest appearance on the remix version of Mobb Deep's song "Quiet Storm" and her second album's title track, "The Notorious K.I.M“., were both released as diss records aimed at Foxy Brown.<ref name="bet" />

Angered by Lil' Kim's response, Brown collaborated with longtime associates Capone-N-Noreaga on the track, "Bang, Bang“.<ref name="bet" /> In the track, Brown mimicked Lil' Kim's interpretation of MC Lyte's famous disstrack "10% Dis", and went on to recite: "You and Diddy y'all kill me with that subliminal shit“.<ref name="bet" /> Towards the end of her verse, Brown mocked Lil' Kim's grieving for the loss of rapper the Notorious B.I.G. by remarking: "Let the nigga [Biggie] rest in peace, and hop off his dick, bitch do you“.<ref name="bet" /><ref name="bangbang">Template:Cite web</ref>

On February 26, 2001, at 3 p.m., as Lil' Kim left New York radio station Hot 97, over twenty shots were fired between two groups of three men.<ref name="shootingrattles">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref> One of the men, Capone of Capone-N-Noreaga, was entering the Hot 97 building promote DJ Clue's new album, The Professional 2 (which happened to have also featured Lil' Kim).<ref name="capone-n-noreaga">Template:Cite web</ref> An affiliate, Efrain Ocasio from Capone's entourage, was shot in the back; both Lil' Kim's and Capone's groups denied any involvement in the shooting.<ref name="capone-n-noreaga" /> However, detectives later informed The New York Daily News that it was a result of the verses Foxy Brown recited in "Bang, Bang“.<ref name="capone-n-noreaga" />

Shaken up by the incident, Brown tried to reach out to Lil' Kim for a truce.<ref name="truce">Template:Cite web</ref> Brown stated, "I really don't know how it started. But Russell [Simmons] and I, we got together, and I said, 'Russell, I want to call a truce.' I want to have a sit-down with Kim. I don't care what it is. Let's just end it. We can even do a collaboration. We're bigger than this. If it has to start with me, let it start with me“.<ref name="truce" /> Brown extended an olive branch to Lil' Kim's camp, however Lil' Kim had cut all ties with Diddy and Bad Boy associates and wanted no communication with Brown whatsoever.<ref name="truce" /> In March 2005, Lil' Kim was convicted of lying about the shooting to a federal grand jury.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On July 6, 2005, she was sentenced to prison for three counts of perjury and one count of conspiracy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During the four years before Lil' Kim's sentencing, she and Brown exchanged subtle diss records, among them Lil' Kim's La Bella Mafia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> "Quiet“,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and "Guess Who's Back";<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and in turn, Brown's Ill Na Na 2: The Fever and various mixtape freestyles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the midst of these diss recordings, radio host Doug Banks interviewed Brown in 2003, hoping she would disclose further details pertaining to their dispute.<ref name="dougbanks" /> Brown claimed that Lil' Kim was allegedly jealous that Biggie was to include Brown in his Junior M.A.F.I.A. collective.<ref name="dougbanks" /> Brown also added that a tell-all book disclosing the feud would be released for Christmas 2003.<ref name="dougbanks" /> In her final comments on the dispute, Brown stated: "Kim is the only female artist that keeps me on my toes. She's the only one that I can look at; and any other artist that says they don't have that one person that keeps them driven... is lying“.<ref name="dougbanks">Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Following her release from prison, Lil' Kim no longer acknowledged Brown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Brown, on the other hand, has consistently targeted Lil' Kim in her music and concert venues since the latter's prison release.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On May 17, 2012, Lil' Kim gave an interview to a radio show, The Breakfast Club.<ref name="breakfast">Template:Cite web</ref> When asked about whether or not she had spoken to Brown at all in recent years, she replied, "I don't even know her. And when I say that; I don't know who she is to these days. I wouldn't even know what her voice sounds like“.<ref name="breakfast" />

Nicki Minaj

Lil' Kim has been embroiled in a feud with rapper Nicki Minaj since Minaj's success with Pink Friday.<ref name="bfdiss">Template:Cite news</ref> With Lil' Kim and media critics noticing resemblances with her on the Sucka Free mixtape,<ref name="NYDailyNews">Template:Cite news</ref> Lil' Kim accused Minaj of copying her image saying, "If you are going to steal my swag, you gonna have to pay. Something gotta give. You help me, I help you. That's how it goes to me“.<ref name="NYDailyNews" /> Minaj's single "Roman's Revenge" with Eminem was believed by critics to be a response to Lil' Kim's comments,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> although at the time she denied this.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Minaj responded to the situation in an interview on The Angie Martinez show, saying "She picked a fight with Foxy, then she picked a fight with Eve, then she picked a fight with Remy, then it was Mrs. Wallace, then it was Nicki Minaj. Every time you in the news, it's 'cause you gettin' at somebody! Where's your music? Put your music out, and when I see your name on Billboard, that's when I'll respond to you. Other than that, goodbye. It's Barbie, bitch“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Lil' Kim reignited the feud following the release of her mixtape Black Friday, an album that directly referenced Nicki Minaj, via her debut album title and freestyling on Minaj's songs such as "Did It On'em" (that became "Pissin' On'em"). The mixtape cover featured artwork that showed Lil' Kim decapitating Minaj with a sword.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A fragment of Minaj's diss track "Tragedy" was released online in April 2011, featuring lyrics "Pink Friday, Eminem, 8 Mile/ It must hurt to sell your album on PayPal“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Following the release of Minaj's second album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, critics suggested that the tracks "Stupid Hoe"<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> may have contained attacks at Lil' Kim. Lil' Kim later suggested in an interview with Power105's Breakfast Club that the song "Automatic" from Minaj's second album was similar to her unreleased material, also calling Minaj "obnoxious" and "catty“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In a 2018 interview with Genius, Minaj alluded to the situation with Lil' Kim, seemingly confirming that the track "Roman's Revenge" was about the feud, saying, "Someone got at me. A veteran got at me, and I hit them with 'Roman's Revenge' and then I kept on going“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2021, Lil' Kim stated on the red carpet of the BET Awards that she would like to do a Verzuz with Minaj.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Legacy

Template:Quote box Several media outlets have referred to Lil' Kim as the "Queen of Rap“,<ref>* Template:Cite web

Lil' Kim's music catalog features undertones of sex-positive feminism and the importance of female pleasure, instead of the man as the "dominant priority“, through explicit lyrics about sex.<ref name="id"/> Dazed considered her "the first high-profile female rapper to flip the script on female objectification in the rap industry“.<ref name="dazeed"/> For NMETemplate:'s editor Jordan Bassett, she "out-filthed the male rappers at every turn“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

According to BBC News, Hard Core (1996) was the most successful debut album by a female hip hop artist at the time; the album saw her "inhabit the territory of sexual edginess and hardcore rap, traditionally the preserve inhabited by male artists“.<ref name= "bbc">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2000, Los Angeles Times writer Isaac Guzman wrote that her debut solo album created a path for a new wave of female rappers, with her at the forefront of her generation, and established her as "the raunchiest, hardest, sexiest, most glamorous woman in all of hip-hop“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During that time, several new female hip hop artists modeled themselves after her stylistically.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Placing Hard Core at number 80 on their list of "Best Rap Albums of the 90s“, Complex magazine stated, "when Lil Kim released her debut album—women in hip-hop finally had options, paths to follow and models [...] she was the raunchiest woman you ever heard on the mic“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Village Voice writer Joan Morgan contended that the album "transformed her into a cultural icon“, opining that it put an emphasis on sex appeal, looks, and packaging as a priority for female rappers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Camera Obscura listed her as one of the late twentieth-century "self-marketers of female trouble" in music, along with Janet Jackson and Tina Turner.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In 2020, XXL wrote that "twenty-five years later, no rapper is more influential to the new female rhymers“.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Aside from music, Lil' Kim is also known for a risk-taking and luxurious approach to fashion that has inspired many artists. She has been named as a fashion icon by various media outlets.<ref name="Porter2016"/><ref name="Carlos2016"/><ref name="Iandoli">Template:Cite news</ref> Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley called her "the black Madonna“.<ref name="newsweek" /> Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Giorgio Armani have credited Lil' Kim as an inspiration.<ref name="Porter2016" /><ref name="Carlos2016" /> Her collaboration with [[[Nail art|nail artist]] Bernadette Thompson in wearing her "money nails" is described by Harper's BAZAAR to have been "a defining moment in the history of hip-hop and beauty"<ref name="HarpersBAZAAR2023">Template:Cite magazine</ref> and lead to mainstream fashion's acceptance of intricate nail art.<ref name="Givhan2021" /> A replica of the money nails she wore has been exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art alongside other notable fashion items such as the Wonderbra and red lipstick.<ref name="Givhan2021" />

Some artists who have named Kim as influence include Rihanna,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cardi B,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Megan Thee Stallion,<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Kash Doll,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bree Runway,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Teyana Taylor,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Doja Cat,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Rosalía,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hitmaka,<ref name="influence">Template:Cite web</ref> Casanova,<ref name="influence"/> Spice,<ref name="influence"/> Zaytoven,<ref name="influence"/> Stefflon Don,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Flo Milli,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Nicki Minaj,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ivorian Doll,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cupcakke,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Saweetie,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ice Spice,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Miley Cyrus,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Iggy Azalea,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ms Banks,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lola Brooke,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Jhené Aiko,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> City Girls,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> DreamDoll,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Latto,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Erica Banks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Actress Taraji P. Henson said that Lil' Kim inspired her portrayal of Empire character Cookie Lyon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Awards and nominations

Template:See also Throughout her career, Lil' Kim has earned numerous honors and awards. Her debut Hard Core was certified double platinum by the RIAA, and is considered a classic hip-hop album.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2007, Lil' Kim has sold over 15 million albums worldwide. Her songs "No Time“, "Big Momma Thang" and "Ladies Night" were listed on Complex Magazine's "The 50 Best Rap Songs By Women“, at number 24, 13, and 7, respectively.<ref name="The 50 Best Rap Songs by Women"/> Her song "Lady Marmalade" with Christina Aguilera, Mýa, and Pink, is one of the best-selling singles of all time worldwide, with sales of over 5.1 million worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lady Marmalade went number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, making her one of only a few female rappers to have a number one on that chart. The song won a 2002 Grammy Award in the category of "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals“.

Lil' Kim was ranked as one of the top 50 greatest MCs of all time in Kool Moe Dee's 2003 book, There's a God on the Mic.<ref>Kool Moe Dee, 2003, There's A God On The Mic: The True 50 Greatest MCs, Thunder's Mouth Press.</ref> In 2012, Lil' Kim was honorably listed on VH1's "100 Greatest Women In Music" at number 45, placing her in the fourth highest position for a female rapper.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2014, she was included in BillboardTemplate:'s list of the "31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop“.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2016, VH1 honored Lil' Kim with VH1 Hip-Hop Honors and WEEN Award honored Kim with Icon Award because of her contribution to hip hop.

In June 2018, Lil' Kim was honored with a proclamation by the New York City Council's Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus (BLAC) as part of the annual African-American Music Appreciation Month for her contributions to hip-hop. Along with the proclamation, she also accepted the New York City 12th Council District Arts and Music Award and the city's Power Of Influence Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2019, Lil' Kim was honored by BET Hip Hop Awards with the I Am Hip Hop Award.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Discography

Template:MainTemplate:See also

Studio albums

Collaboration albums

Tours

Headlining

Joint tours

Filmography

Template:Main

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1999 She's All That Alex
2000 Longshot Herself
2001 Zoolander Herself
2002 Juwanna Mann Tina Parker
2003 Those Who Walk in Darkness Soledad O'Roark
Gang of Roses Chastity
2004 You Got Served Herself
Nora's Hair Salon Herself
2005 Lil' Pimp Sweet Chiffon Video
2008 Superhero Movie Xavier's daughter
2021 Miracle Across 125th Street Zsa Zsa Hottest <ref name="rap-up.com">Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1997 Soul Train Herself Episode: "Lil' Kim/Levert/Ray J"
It's Showtime at the Apollo Herself Episode: "Episode 10.16"
1999 V.I.P. Freedom Fighter Episode: "Mao Better Blues"
2000 Total Request Live Herself Episode: "Lil' Kim"
It's Showtime at the Apollo Herself Episode: "Episode 14.5"
The Cindy Margolis Show Herself Episode: "Big Pimpin'"
2001 Making the Video Herself Episode: "Lady Marmalade"
DAG Gina Marie Episode: "Guns and Roses"
Moesha Diamond Episode: "Paying the Piper"
The Parkers Herself Episode: "Take the Cookies and Run"
2003 American Dreams Shirley Ellis Episode: "Another Saturday Night"
Ride with Funkmaster Flex Herself Episode: "Lil' Kim"
MOBO Awards Herself/Co-Host Main Co-Host
2004–05 The Apprentice Herself Episode: "Crimes of Fashion" & "Bling It On"
2005 Access Granted Herself Episode: "Lil Kim: Lighters Up"
2006 Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown Herself Main Cast
2007 The Game Herself Episode: "Media Blitz"
Boulevard of Broken Dreams Herself Episode: "Glenn Quinn/Lil' Kim"
The Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll Herself/Guest Judge Episode: "Welcome to the Dollhouse"
2008 Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious Herself/Judge Main Judge
2009 Dancing with the Stars Herself Contestant: Season 8
Paris Hilton's My New BFF Herself/Judge Episode: "Have My Back"
2011 Love & Hip Hop: New York Herself Episode: "A Toast To Kimbella"
2012 Pregnant in Heels Herself Episode: "Rosie's Relationship Retreat"
2014 Celebrities Undercover Jamilla (Herself) Episode: "Fantasia Barrino and Lil Kim"
David Tutera's CELEBrations <ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> Herself Episode: "Queen B's Baby Bash"
2017 Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry Herself Episode: "Lil' Kim/Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Lance Bass/Dr. Drew"
2018–19 Hip-Hop Evolution Herself Recurring Guest
2019 Girls Cruise Herself Main Cast
Song Association Herself Episode: "Lil' Kim"
2021 American Gangster: Trap Queens Herself/Narrator Main Narrator: Season 2

Music videos

Year Title Artist
1988 "Teenage Love" Slick Rick
1993 "Party and Bullshit" The Notorious B.I.G.
1996 "Floatin' On Your Love" The Isley Brothers featuring Angela Winbush
"If Your Girl Only Knew" Aaliyah
1997 "Hot Like Fire"
"The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" Missy Elliott
"Sock It 2 Me" Missy Elliott featuring Da Brat
"We'll Always Love Big Poppa" The LOX
2000 "It's So Hard" Big Pun featuring Donell Jones
"I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)" Jay-Z
2001 "Feelin' on Yo Booty" R. Kelly
2002 "Miss You" Aaliyah
"Go Head" Queen Latifah
2003 "These Days" Alien Ant Farm
2005 "Rumors" Maino
2012 "Everywhere We Go" French Montana & Wale
2019 "The Golden Child" Papoose & Remy Ma & Angelica Vila

Video games

Year Title Role
2004 Def Jam: Fight for NY Herself (voice)

Documentary

Year Title
2005 There's a God on the Mic
2007 Life After Death: The Movie – Ten Years Later
2017 Can't Stop Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story

See also

References

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Further reading

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