View source for Lil' Kim

{{short description|American rapper and model (born 1974)}}
{{Duplicated citations|reason=DuplicateReferences script detected:

* https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/2000/09/03/the-mask-of-lil-kim/b9a06fe7-adde-49fa-9259-aa1dbf71e655/ (refs: 7, 27)

* https://web.archive.org/web/20121025200016/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-16/entertainment/28622261_1_nicki-minaj-roman-s-revenge-radio-station (refs: 212, 216)

|date=October 2025}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Lil' Kim
| image              = Lil Kim Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2012 (modified).jpg
| caption            = Lil' Kim in 2012
| birth_name         = Kimberly Denise Jones
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1974|7|11}}
| birth_place        = [[Brooklyn]], New York City, U.S.
| other_names        = Queen Bee
| occupation         = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter|actress|model|television personality}}
| years_active       = 1994–present
| net_worth          = 
| children           = 1
| partners           = Jeremy "Mr. Papers" Neil (2012–2014, 2020–2021)<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/mr-papers-warns-50-cent-to-stop-trolling-lil-kim-over-prada-bangs-leave-my-wife-out-ya-jokes/|title=Mr. Papers Warns 50 Cent To Stop Trolling Lil Kim Over Prada Bangs, 'Leave My Wife Out Ya Jokes'|date=June 30, 2021|website=Hot97.com|access-date=December 27, 2021}}</ref><br />Tayy Brown (2024–present)
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Lil' Kim|Full list]]
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed           = yes
| background      = solo_singer <!-- mandatory field -->
| genre           = [[East Coast hip hop]]
| label           = {{flatlist|
* [[Entertainment One Music|eOne]]
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* [[Queen Bee Entertainment|Queen Bee]]
* [[Big Beat Records (American record label)|Big Beat]]
* [[Lance Rivera|Undeas]]
}}
| past_member_of = [[Junior M.A.F.I.A.]]
}}
| website        = {{URL|lilkim.com}}
| signature      = Lil Kim sig.svg
}}

'''Kimberly Denise Jones''' (born July 11, 1974),<ref name="Viera2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-07-11/how-old-is-lil-kim-exactly/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023035254/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-07-11/how-old-is-lil-kim-exactly/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2012|title=How Old Is Lil' Kim, Exactly?|first=Bené|last=Viera|publisher=VH1|date=July 11, 2012|access-date=February 14, 2014}} Those giving 1974 include:
*{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G5vUbBuk-Q0C&pg=PA383|title=The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 9th Edition|first=Joel|last=Whitburn|page=383|publisher=Billboard Books|year=2010|isbn=978-0-8230-8554-5|access-date=February 14, 2014}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/artists/lil-kim|title=Lil' Kim|publisher=Fuse|access-date=February 14, 2014|archive-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514140003/https://www.fuse.tv/artists/lil-kim|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bXy2wTEsbCsC&pg=PA441|title=Icons of Hip Hop: An Encyclopedia of the Movement, Music, and Culture, Volume 2|year=2007|last=Hess|first=Mickey|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-33904-2|page=441}}
*{{cite web|author=C.H.|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-07-11/49510/beyonce-missy-elliott-janet-jackson-and-more-wish-lil-kim-a-happy-birthday/#:~:text=The%20legendary%20Lil%20Kim%20turns,celebrating%20her%20legacy%20all%20day.|title=Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson and more wish Lil Kim a happy birthday|publisher=[[Revolt (TV network)|Revolt]]|date=July 11, 2021|access-date=January 22, 2022}}</ref> better known by her stage name '''Lil' Kim''', is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and model. Referred to as the "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music#L|Queen of Rap]]", Lil' Kim is known for her [[Sex-positive feminism|sexually charged]] lyrics and presence, which influenced women in contemporary [[hip-hop]].<ref name="Orcutt2019">{{Cite web |last=Orcutt |first=K. C. |date=October 2, 2019 |title=Each One, Teach One &#124; Honoring the legacy of Lil' Kim |url=https://www.revolt.tv/2019/10/2/20895667/lil-kim-legacy-review |access-date=2019-12-13 |website=Revolt.tv}}</ref> She is the second [[List of best-selling female rappers|best-selling female rapper of all time]] with 45 million records sold, and is also a [[Fashion icons|fashion icon]] for her risk-taking and luxurious approach to fashion.<ref name="Porter2016">{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Nia |title=Revisiting the Style of Hip-Hop's Fashion Icon Lil' Kim |url=https://www.racked.com/2016/3/3/11151790/lil-kim-style |access-date=June 9, 2017 |quote=Before Rihanna draped herself in colorful furs, before Nicki Minaj put on pink wigs and skin tight bustiers, and long before Miley Cyrus hopped onstage in a bedazzled thong, Lil' Kim was the risk-taking fashion icon we looked to in music. Her style has become an encapsulation of the racy, avant-garde costuming we're seeing from both our favorite artists and designers today.}}</ref><ref name="Carlos2016">{{Cite news |last=Carlos |first=Marjon |title=20 Years Later, the Hard Core Style of Rapper Lil' Kim Is Still Everything |url=http://www.vogue.com/article/lil-kim-hardcore-rapper-marc-jacobs-versace-fendi-notorious-b-i-g-puff-daddy |access-date=June 9, 2017 |quote=Kim raised eyebrows, but her risk-taking and luxurious approach to fashion also made her a designer muse.}}</ref>

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 (Junior M.A.F.I.A. album)|Conspiracy]],'' generated two top 20 singles in the United States and was [[Gold certification|certified gold]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).

In 1996, Lil' Kim released her debut album, ''[[Hard Core (Lil' Kim album)|Hard Core]]'', which spawned the singles "[[No Time (Lil' Kim song)|No Time]]", "[[Not Tonight (song)|Not Tonight (Ladies Night)]]", and "[[Crush on You (Lil' Kim song)|Crush on You]]". The album became the highest debut in the US for a female rap album at the time, received a  [[Platinum certification|double platinum]] certification, and sold more than six million copies worldwide.<ref name="dazeed">{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Jake |title=Lil Kim - Music/Radio - Nairaland |url=http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/33734/1/why-lil-kim-s-hard-core-is-as-relevant-as-ever |access-date=June 9, 2017 |quote=Kim was, however, the first high-profile female rapper to flip the script on female objectification in the rap industry. She set herself apart by owning, weaponising, and celebrating her unapologetic sexuality. The result was an unprecedented success which, to date, has sold more than six million copies worldwide.}}</ref><ref name="TheWashingtonPost">{{cite news |title=The Mask of Lil' Kim |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/2000/09/03/the-mask-of-lil-kim/b9a06fe7-adde-49fa-9259-aa1dbf71e655/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</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|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] by featuring on the 2001 single "[[Lady Marmalade#Moulin Rouge! version|Lady Marmalade]]", winning the [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals|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 (song)|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 [[Perjury|lying to a jury]] about her friends' involvement in a shooting four years earlier. During her incarceration, her fourth album, ''[[The Naked Truth (Lil' Kim 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 (U.S. TV series)|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 (Lil' Kim album)|9]],'' was released in 2019.

Lil' Kim's collaboration with celebrity nail artist [[Bernadette Thompson]] for the 1999 [[Bernadette Thompson#"Money Nails" nail art|"Money Nails"]] design she wore is credited with bringing [[Nail art|intricate nail art]] into mainstream fashion and has been exhibited at the [[Museum of Modern Art]].<ref name="Givhan2021">{{Cite news |last=Givhan |first=Robin |date=2021-12-03 |title=How Lil' Kim's most memorable manicure ended up in the Museum of Modern Art |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/11/14/how-lil-kims-most-memorable-manicure-ever-ended-up-in-the-museum-of-modern-art/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Her songs "No Time", "Big Momma Thang", and "Not Tonight (Ladies Night)" were each listed on [[Complex (magazine)|''Complex'']]'s list of the 50 Best Rap Songs By Women.<ref name="The 50 Best Rap Songs by Women">{{Cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/the-50-best-rap-songs-by-women/|title=The 50 Best Rap Songs by Women|website=Complex.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-19}}</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">{{cite web|last=Graham|first=Mark|date=February 13, 2012|title=The 100 Greatest Women In Music|url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-02-13/100-greatest-women-in-music/57/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227094400/https://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-02-13/100-greatest-women-in-music/57|archive-date=February 27, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2013|work=VH1}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Jones was born on July 11, 1974, in the [[Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn|Bedford–Stuyvesant]] neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]], New York City, the second child of Linwood Jones, a former [[United States Marine Corps|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">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/lil-kim/bio/198393/|title=Lil' Kim Biography|work=TV Guide|access-date=August 7, 2015}}</ref> As a child, Jones attended [[Queen of All Saints Church (Brooklyn, New York)|Queen of All Saints Elementary School]] in Brooklyn.<ref name="bio.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.biography.com/people/lil-kim-21254313#early-life|work=Biography.com|title=Lil' Kim Biography – Reality Television Star, Rapper (1975–)|access-date=August 7, 2015}}</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>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/2000/09/03/the-mask-of-lil-kim/b9a06fe7-adde-49fa-9259-aa1dbf71e655/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601020141/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/2000/09/03/the-mask-of-lil-kim/b9a06fe7-adde-49fa-9259-aa1dbf71e655/ |title=The Mask of Lil' Kim |last=Zook |first=Kristal Brent |archive-date=June 1, 2016 |date=September 3, 2000 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</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">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p198619/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Lil' Kim - Biography|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas| year= 2008 |access-date= March 30, 2009}}</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>{{cite journal |date= July 2003|title=What I was like in High School – Lil' Kim: Always a style diva and trend setter|journal=[[YM (magazine)|YM]] |page= 128}}</ref>

== Career ==
In 1994, B.I.G. was instrumental in introducing and promoting the Brooklyn-based group [[Junior M.A.F.I.A.|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 (Junior M.A.F.I.A. 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|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, selling 69,000 copies in its first week of release. Wallace wrote and [[Ghostwriter|ghostwrote]] most of the album's material.<ref name="hardcoresales">{{cite book| last= Mayfield| first= Geoff |title= Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-g8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA112|date=July 15, 2000|page=112|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> Three hit singles came from ''Conspiracy'': "[[Player's Anthem]]", "[[I Need You Tonight (Junior M.A.F.I.A. song)|I Need You Tonight]]", and "[[Get Money (Junior M.A.F.I.A. song)|Get Money]]“.<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p165563/charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}}|title=Junior M.A.F.I.A. > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles|work=AllMusic|access-date=March 30, 2009}}</ref> The [[RIAA certification|RIAA certified]] ''Conspiracy'' a Gold album on December 6, 1995. "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money" were certified gold and platinum respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Junior%20M.A.F.I.A&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25|title=Gold and Platinum – Junior M.A.F.I.A.|publisher=RIAA|access-date=March 30, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207103220/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Junior%20M.A.F.I.A&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25|archive-date=December 7, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.lilkim.com/bio6.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20000829155226/http://www.lilkim.com/bio6.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2000|title=Hard Core album|work=LilKim.com|access-date=November 23, 2012}}</ref> and number 3 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]],<ref name="albums charts">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p198619/charts-awards|pure_url=yes}}|title=Lil' Kim > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums|work=AllMusic|access-date=March 30, 2009}}</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">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Lil%20Kim&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25|title=Gold & Platinum (Lil' Kim)|publisher=RIAA|access-date=March 30, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207104134/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Lil%20Kim&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25|archive-date=December 7, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The album's lead single "[[No Time (Lil' Kim song)|No Time]]", a duet with Combs, reached the top spot of the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Rap Songs|Hot Rap Tracks]] chart<ref name="allmusic" /> and was certified gold by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA" /> The following single was "[[Crush on You (Lil' Kim song)|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 [[Lisa Lopes|Left Eye]] of [[TLC (group)|TLC]] with the song peaking at 6 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The song was part of [[Nothing to Lose (soundtrack)|the soundtrack]] to the [[Martin Lawrence]] movie ''[[Nothing to Lose (1997 film)|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>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-hip-hop-honors-review-20160712-snap-story.html|title=Review: VH1's 'Hip Hop Honors' returned with a tribute befitting the rap queens who pioneered the genre|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 12, 2016}}</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>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1431197/19970519/lil_kim.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219144653/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1431197/19970519/lil_kim.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 19, 2007|title=Li'l Kim Comes Under Fire From Political Activist|date=May 19, 1997|work=MTV News|access-date=March 30, 2009}}</ref> In 1997, Lil' Kim promoted ''Hard Core'' by performing on P. Diddy's "No Way Out" tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426803/19980206/rhymes_busta.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904183025/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426803/19980206/rhymes_busta.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 4, 2004|title=Puffy, Dru Hill, Mase, Busta, Lil' Kim To Hit The Road|date=February 6, 1998|work=MTV News|access-date=March 30, 2009}}</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">{{cite journal|title=Vibe|journal = Vibe Vixen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=giYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA184|access-date=August 4, 2013|date=March 2007|publisher=Vibe Media Group|page=184|issn=1070-4701}}</ref> That same year, she launched her own label, [[Queen Bee Entertainment]].<ref name="The Mask of Lil' Kim">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/2000/09/03/the-mask-of-lil-kim/b9a06fe7-adde-49fa-9259-aa1dbf71e655/|title=The Mask of Lil' Kim|newspaper=The Washington Post|year=2000}}</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]], [[Gianni Versace S.p.A.|Versace]], [[Iceberg (fashion house)|Iceberg]], and [[Baby Phat]].

In 1999, for a denim campaign fashion shoot, Lil' Kim debuted [[Bernadette Thompson#"Money Nails" nail art|"Money Nails"]] designed by nail artist [[Bernadette Thompson]].<ref name="Givhan2021" /> Thompson gave Lil' Kim a manicure with [[Artificial nails|acrylic nails]] and pieces of an actual $100 bill.<ref name="ELLEDecor2021">{{Cite web |date=2021-08-30 |title=The Story of Nail Art: When Nails Became a Full-Fledged Design Accessory |url=https://www.elledecor.com/it/best-of/a37433904/story-of-nail-art-design/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=ELLE Decor |language=it-IT}}</ref> The look became an instant trendsetter spawning a wave of imitation looks<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=Kate |date=2018-05-23 |title=From Gigi Hadid to Cardi B, Nail Bling is Officially Badder Than Ever |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/nail-art-acrylic-tips-swarovski-crystals-nineties-cardi-b-gigi-hadid-missy-elliott |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</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 [[brothel|bordello]] in [[New Orleans]] and performed by the group [[Labelle]] (which included diva [[Patti LaBelle]]) 25 years earlier.<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite news|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=Iggy Azalea Tops Hot 100 With 'Fancy,' Matches Beatles' Historic Mark|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6099390/iggy-azalea-tops-hot-100-fancy-matches-beatles|access-date=July 20, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=May 28, 2014}}</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>{{Cite magazine |title=Lil' Kim {{!}} Chart History  |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lil-kim/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</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 [[WWE|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>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/WWE-Anthology-Various-Artists/dp/tracks/B000063KO7/ref=dp_tracks_all_3/182-5094625-3041807#disc_3|title=WWE Anthology: Various Artists: Music|work=Amazon.com|access-date=August 26, 2012}}</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>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3046976|title=Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs September 28, 2002|magazine=Billboard|date=September 28, 2002|access-date=September 12, 2012}}{{dead link|date=September 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</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>{{cite news|last=Holloway|first=Lynette|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/17/business/media-lil-kim-surprises-critics-as-cd-catches-on.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|title=Lil' Kim Surprises Critics as CD Catches On|work=The New York Times|date=March 17, 2003|access-date=August 27, 2012}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/la-bella-mafia|title=La Bella Mafia Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic|work=Metacritic|access-date=May 30, 2012}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459737/lil-kim-hangs-with-gotti-family.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021173156/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459737/lil-kim-hangs-with-gotti-family.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2013|title=Lil' Kim Hanging With Gotti — The Real Gotti|work=MTV News|date=January 29, 2003|access-date=September 13, 2012}}</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'' [[Hot 100 Airplay (Radio Songs)|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>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61977/lil-kim-revealing-naked-truth-pre-prison|title=Lil' Kim Revealing 'Naked Truth' Pre-Prison|magazine=Billboard|date=July 26, 2005|access-date=February 25, 2012}}</ref>

Lil' Kim promoted the album with a string of concerts, which also featured [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]] and [[Nas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479505/dmx-nas-lil-kim-go-on-tour.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021173200/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479505/dmx-nas-lil-kim-go-on-tour.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2013|title=DMX, Nas, Lil' Kim, Lil Jon To Hit The Road; Nas Planning New LP|work=MTV|date=October 3, 2003|access-date=October 19, 2013}}</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 (Christina Aguilera album)|Stripped]].''

Greg Thomas, an English professor at [[Syracuse University]], began teaching "Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen B@#$H Lyricism 101“. Lil' Kim herself was a guest speaker. Professor Thomas considered Lil' Kim's lyrics "the art with the most profound sexual politics I've ever seen anywhere“.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/WolfFiles/story?id=256354 |quote=Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen B@#$H 101 -- The Life and Times of Lil' Kim|title=Queen B 101: College Lessons in Stardom|last=Wolf|first=Buck|date=November 9, 2004|work=ABC News |access-date=June 10, 2017}}</ref> [[David Horowitz]] criticized the course as "academic degeneracy and decline“.<ref>{{cite book|last=Horowitz|first=David|title=The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CYqZjtVp00AC|page=333|place=Washington, D.C.|publisher=Regnery|year=2006|isbn=978-0-89526-003-1}}</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">{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/540/540034p1.html |title=Faces of Def Jam: Lil' Kim – Xbox Feature at IGN |work=Xbox.ign.com |access-date=July 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411094048/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/540/540034p1.html |archive-date=April 11, 2009 }}</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 (Beyoncé song)|Naughty Girl]]" by [[Beyoncé]]. In December 2004, Lil' Kim began recording a pilot for a [[VH1]] reality show titled ''718 Makeover.''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.uk.myway.com/celebgossip/pgsix/id/12_08_2004_6.html|title=PILOT PRIORITY|work=New York Post|date=December 8, 2004|access-date=March 31, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/michelle-cohen/21/508/b69 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410010946/http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/michelle-cohen/21/508/b69 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 10, 2013 |title=Michelle Cohen – Casting Director / Development Producer for "718 Makeover" |via=LinkedIn |access-date=March 31, 2013 }}</ref><!-- The first source confirms she was recording the show, second source confirms the title of the show --> The 718 in the title is the [[Area code 718|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'' ===
[[File:Lil' Kim crop.jpg|thumb|right|Lil' Kim performing at Way Out West festival, 2008]]
Lil' Kim released her fourth album, ''[[The Naked Truth (Lil' Kim 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>{{cite magazine|last=Mar|first=Alex|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gretchen-wilson-sheryl-crow-are-tops-on-the-chart-20051005|title=Gretchen Wilson, Sheryl Crow Are Tops on the Chart &#124; Music News|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 5, 2005|access-date=March 16, 2012}}</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 Truth''{{'s}} first single, "[[Lighters Up (Lil' Kim song)|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>{{cite news|title=Tuning In|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/jul/30/tuning-in-65001179/?page=1|access-date=September 14, 2014|work=The Washington Times|date=July 30, 2007}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2006/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060706040602/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2006/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 6, 2006|title=2006 Video Music Awards|work=MTV.com|access-date=July 5, 2012}}</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>{{cite news|last=Crosley|first=Hillary|title=Lil' Kim Parts Ways With Atlantic|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046761/lil-kim-parts-ways-with-atlantic|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 14, 2014|date=January 22, 2008}}</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">{{cite web|last=missxpose|title=MS. G.O.A.T.|url=http://www.missxpose.com/2007/12/ms-goat/|work=MissXpose: Celebrity Gossip and Entertainment News|access-date=September 12, 2010|date=December 4, 2007}}</ref> on June 3, 2008.<ref name="amg">{{cite web|title=Ms. G.O.A.T.|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=ms-goat-r1334720|pure_url=yes}}|work=All Music Guide|access-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref> It was produced by New York City DJs [[Mister Cee]] and [[DJ Whoo Kid]].<ref name="gr">{{cite web|last=Janson |first=Jesse |title=Dj Whoo Kid & Mister Cee – Lil Kim "Ms. G.O.A.T. |url=http://www.getrightmusic.com/2007/12/23/dj-whoo-kid-mister-cee-lil-kim-ms-goat-2/ |work=Get Right Music |access-date=September 12, 2010 |date=December 23, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523082252/http://www.getrightmusic.com/2007/12/23/dj-whoo-kid-mister-cee-lil-kim-ms-goat-2/ |archive-date=May 23, 2010 }}</ref> Among critics, the mixtape received generally positive reviews.<ref name="dp">{{cite web|title=Lil Kim – Ms. G.O.A.T|url=http://www.datpiff.com/Lil-Kim-DJ-Whoo-Kid-Mister-Cee-Ms-GOAT-mid9559.html|work=DatPiff.com|access-date=September 12, 2010|date=December 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405123128/http://www.datpiff.com/Lil-Kim-DJ-Whoo-Kid-Mister-Cee-Ms-GOAT-mid9559.html|archive-date=April 5, 2008}}</ref><ref name="ahh">{{cite web|last=Salinas |first=Tito |title=Lil' Kim: Ms. G.O.A.T. (Mixtape) |url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/reviews/archive/2008/01/14/19133653.aspx |work=All Hip Hop |access-date=September 12, 2010 |date=January 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623133900/http://allhiphop.com/stories/reviews/archive/2008/01/14/19133653.aspx |archive-date=June 23, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lil' Kim – Ms. G.O.A.T. Mixtape|url=http://www.hiphopmusicdotcom.com/lil-kim-ms-goat-mixtape.html|work=Hip Hop Music|access-date=September 12, 2010|date=December 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125063705/http://www.hiphopmusicdotcom.com/lil-kim-ms-goat-mixtape.html|archive-date=November 25, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It has been called a representation of Lil' Kim's return to the streets.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ms. G.O.A.T. {{!}} Lil' Kim with Mister Cee & Whoo Kid |url=http://www.mixunit.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10341 |work=Mix Unit: The Hip Hop Shop |access-date=September 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201031320/http://mixunit.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10341 |archive-date=February 1, 2010 }}</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>{{cite web|last=Gresehover|first=Ehren|title=2. Lil' Kim, "The Miseducation of Lil' Kim"|url=http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2007/12/rem_wish_you_a_merry_xmas.html|work=New York Mag|access-date=September 12, 2010|date=December 17, 2007}}</ref>

=== 2009–2011: ''Dancing with the Stars'' and ''Black Friday'' ===
On March 10, 2009, the song "Girls" by Korean singer [[Seven (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 [[Rodney Jerkins|Darkchild]]. On March 24, 2009, she released the song "[[Download (Lil' Kim song)|Download]]" featuring R&B singers [[T-Pain]] and [[Charlie Wilson (singer)|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 [[Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 8)|eighth season]] of [[reality television|reality series]] ''[[Dancing with the Stars (U.S. TV 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>{{cite news|title=Lil' Kim Ousted in Shocking Dancing Elimination|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20422453,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205195212/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20422453,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 5, 2012|access-date=September 14, 2014|work=People|date=May 6, 2009}}</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 (album)|Battle of the Sexes]].''<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=355781340&id=1 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 (Lil' Kim 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>{{cite web|last=Canada|first=Danielle|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2011/05/30/lil-kim-takes-over-zimbabwes-zar-fest-photos/|title=Lil Kim Takes Over Zimbabwe's Zar Fest [Photos]|work=Hip-Hop Wired|date=May 30, 2011|access-date=July 27, 2012}}</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 (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>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/14/lil-kim-removed-from-monicas-single-monica-fights-to-get-her-back/|title=Lil' Kim Removed from Monica's Single, Monica Fights to Get Her Back|work=Rap-Up|date=July 14, 2011|access-date=July 15, 2011}}</ref>

In August 2011, Lil' Kim performed four dates in Australia as part of the WinterBeatz Festival alongside [[Fabolous]], [[Mario (American singer)|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>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/08/17/lil-kim-channels-michael-jackson-at-winterbeatz-festival/|title=Lil' Kim Channels Michael Jackson at WinterBeatz Festival|work=Rap-Up|date=August 17, 2011|access-date=July 27, 2012}}</ref> On November 28, 2011, Lil' Kim released a [[Promotional recording|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>{{cite web|first=Danielle|last=Canada|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2011/11/27/lil-kim-releasing-five-track-ep/|title=Lil Kim Releasing Five-Track EP|work=Hip-Hop Wired|date=November 27, 2011|access-date=March 9, 2012}}</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">{{cite web|last=Harling|first=Danielle|title=Lil Kim Reportedly Working On Hard Core Sequel|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13162/title.lil-kim-reportedly-working-on-hard-core-sequel|work=HipHop DX|date=November 29, 2010|access-date=February 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022215406/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13162/title.lil-kim-reportedly-working-on-hard-core-sequel|archive-date=October 22, 2012
|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="wblk">{{cite web|last=Chaz|first=M.|title=Lil Kim Reportedly Working On Sequel To Her First Album|url=http://wblk.com/lil-kim-reportedly-working-on-sequel-to-her-first-album/|work=WBLK|date=November 29, 2010|access-date=February 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316075939/http://wblk.com/lil-kim-reportedly-working-on-sequel-to-her-first-album/|archive-date=March 16, 2013
|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="drewreports">{{cite web|title=Lil Kim is currently working on Hard Core Part 2 LP|url=http://www.drewreports.com/2010/11/lil-kim-is-currently-working-on-hard-core-part-2-lp/|work=DrewReports.com|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=February 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619114310/http://www.drewreports.com/2010/11/lil-kim-is-currently-working-on-hard-core-part-2-lp/|archive-date=June 19, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</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 [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]]'s ''[[Rip the Runway]].''<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Khalila|last=Douze|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/exclusive-estelle-lil-kim-to-perform-on-bets-rip-the-runway-504444/|title=Exclusive: Estelle, Lil Kim to Perform on BET's 'Rip the Runway'|magazine=Billboard|date=February 24, 2012|access-date=March 29, 2012}}</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>{{cite web|last=Alexis|first=Nadeska|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/03/22/lil-kim-album-delay-contract-issues/|title=Lil Kim Attributes Album Delay To Contract Issues|work=RapFix|date=March 22, 2012|access-date=March 29, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207094801/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/03/22/lil-kim-album-delay-contract-issues/|archive-date=December 7, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</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>{{cite web|author=Rap-Up|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/08/lil-kim-gets-in-kanye-west-mode-dishes-on-drake-and-50-cent/|title=Lil' Kim Gets in 'Kanye West Mode,' Dishes on Drake and 50 Cent|work=Rap-Up|date=March 8, 2012|access-date=July 5, 2012}}</ref> Lil' Kim kicked off her [[Return of the Queen Tour]] on May 17, 2012, to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/05/30/lil-kim-hints-at-tour-with-missy-elliott-and-eve/|title=Lil' Kim Hints at Tour with Missy Elliott and Eve|work=Rap-Up|date=May 30, 2012|access-date=June 12, 2012}}</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 [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/RfoRlATGiGQ Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182554/http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RfoRlATGiGQ Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfoRlATGiGQ#at=322|title=Lil Kim 99 Jamz Interview|via=YouTube|date=April 23, 2011|access-date=March 9, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://dailymusicjuice.blogspot.com/2012/02/lil-kim-to-hold-debut-single-off-new.html#more|title=Daily Music Juice: Lil' Kim To Hold Debut Single Off New Album|work=Dailymusicjuice.blogspot.com|date=February 24, 2012|access-date=March 9, 2012}}</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">{{cite web|first=Eric|last=Diep|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/04/lil-kim-announces-bangaldesh-produced-single-releasing-this-summer/|title=Lil' Kim Announces Bangaldesh<!--sic-->-Produced Single Releasing This Summer|work=XXL|date=April 29, 2013|access-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref> Lil' Kim described the single, produced by Bangladesh, as "different" and "sweet dessert“.<ref name="xxl" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/30/lil-kim-taps-bangladesh-to-executive-produce-new-album/|title=Lil' Kim Taps Bangladesh to Executive Produce New Album|work=RapUp|date=April 30, 2013|access-date=May 5, 2013}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/07/10/new-music-lil-kim-looks-like-money/|title=New Music: Lil' Kim – 'Looks Like Money'|work=RapUp|date=July 11, 2013|access-date=August 5, 2013}}</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>{{cite web|last=Lilah|first=Rose|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-kim-announces-new-mixtape-hard-core-back-2-da-streetz-news.6583.html|title=Lil Kim Announces New Mixtape "Hard Core: Back 2 Da Streetz"|work=HotNewHipHop|date=October 30, 2013|access-date=July 26, 2013}}</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 (Lil' Kim mixtape)|''Hard Core'' Mixtape]].<ref name="twitter.com">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/lilkim/status/495783252473704448|title=Lil' Kim on Twitter|via=Twitter|access-date=November 14, 2014}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.whosay.com/l/HzB8XiY|title=Beyoncé ft. Lil Kim – Flawless Remix|work=Twitmusic|access-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Lil' Kim Disses Nicki Minaj on Remix to Beyonce's 'Flawless' Remix|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-kim-disses-nicki-minaj-on-remix-to-beyonces-flawless-remix-6207036/|access-date=2021-08-17|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}</ref>

On September 11, 2014, the ''Hard Core'' mixtape was released as free download on Kim's official website.<ref>Lilah, Rose. "[http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-kim-hard-core-new-mixtape.91115.html Lil Kim – Hard Core] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912135425/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-kim-hard-core-new-mixtape.91115.html |date=September 12, 2014 }}“, ''HotNewHipHop,'' September 11, 2014.</ref> In an interview with [[Revolt (TV network)|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>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/09/12/lil-kim-talks-upcoming-song-with-iggy-azaela-motherhood-more-video/|title=AllHipHop " Lil Kim Talks Upcoming Song With Iggy Azalea, Motherhood + MORE (VIDEO)|work=AllHipHop|date=September 12, 2014|access-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref>

In 2016, her fourth mixtape ''[[Lil Kim Season]]'' was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2016/03/29/lil-kim-drops-lil-kim-season-mixtape-listendownload/|title=Lil' Kim dropped Lil Kim Season Mixtape |work=HipHopWired|date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=April 14, 2016}}</ref> On the mixtape, she freestyles over several popular beats, [[Drake (musician)|Drake]]'s "[[Summer Sixteen]]“, [[Rihanna]]'s "[[Work (Rihanna song)|Work]]“, and [[Desiigner]]'s "[[Panda (Desiigner song)|Panda]]“.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/64416-lil-kim-releases-lil-kim-season-mixtape/|title=Lil' Kim Releases Lil Kim Season Mixtape |website=Pitchfork.com|date=March 29, 2016 |language=en|access-date=2018-01-07}}</ref> It received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2677/title.lil-kim-lil-kim-season#|title=Lil Kim - Lil Kim Season|website=Hiphopdx.com|access-date=2018-01-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/70292/Lil-Kim-Lil-Kim-Season/|title=Lil' Kim - Lil Kim Season (album review ) |website=Sputnikmusic.com|access-date=2018-01-07}}</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">{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/03/30/lil-kim-season-the-original-queen-bee-is-back-but-when-is-that-album-coming.html|title='Lil Kim Season': The Original Queen Bee Is Back—but When Is That Album Coming?|last=Yamato|first=Jen|date=March 30, 2016|newspaper=The Daily Beast|access-date=May 7, 2016}}</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>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-kim-remy-ma-nicki-minaj-beef-interview-7708965/|title=Lil' Kim Sets the Record Straight on Remy Ma & Nicki Minaj Beef As She Readies Fifth Studio Album|date=February 28, 2017|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=February 28, 2017}}</ref> Singer [[Faith Evans]] featured her on the song "Lovin You for Life" on the album ''[[The King & I (Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G. album)|The King & I]],'' released on May 19, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Things Done Changed: Faith Evans and Lil' Kim Are Making Music Together|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/68q4ge/faith-evans-lil-kim-new-music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814130217/https://www.vh1.com/news/68q4ge/faith-evans-lil-kim-new-music|url-status=live|archive-date=August 14, 2022|work=VH1|date=September 1, 2016|access-date=December 27, 2016}}</ref> That same month, Lil' Kim along with [[Eve (rapper)|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>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/took-us-a-break-single/1300211995|title=Took Us a Break - Single by Lil' Kim on Apple Music|date=November 3, 2017|website=[[iTunes Store]]|access-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref> and was featured on the song "[[Wake Me Up (Remy Ma song)|Wake Me Up]]" by rapper [[Remy Ma]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Remy Ma & Lil Kim Reportedly Teaming Up For A Nicki Minaj Diss Record|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/remy-ma-and-lil-kim-reportedly-teaming-up-for-a-nicki-minaj-diss-record-news.39004.html|work=HotNewHipHop|date=October 31, 2017|access-date=October 31, 2017}}</ref> In March 2018, Lil' Kim released another promotional single, "Spicy“, featuring rapper [[Fabolous]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/spicy-feat-fabolous-single/1353352499|title=Spicy - Single by Lil' Kim on Apple Music|date=March 2, 2018|website=[[iTunes Store]]|access-date=March 2, 2018}}</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>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-kim-returns-with-brand-new-single-nasty-one-new-song.1979395.html|title=Lil' Kim Returns With Brand New Single "Nasty One"|date=July 10, 2018|website=HotNewHipHop.com|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref> That same day during an interview with ''Billboard,'' she said the album would be released in November of that year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-kim-debuts-new-track-nasty-one-talks-early-censorship-8464926/|title=Lil' Kim Debuts New Track, 'Nasty One,' Talks Early Censorship & Everlasting Legacy|last=Iandoli|first=Kathy|access-date=July 11, 2017|quote= In November, Kim will release her long-awaited fifth studio album, 22 years to the month that her solo debut, Hard Core, hit the streets. The new project is a return to form for the veteran MC, with some modifications.}}</ref> A remix for the single was released on October 26, 2018, and featured [[Kranium]], [[HoodCelebrityy]], and [[Stefflon Don]].<ref name="tmz.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/02/26/tlc-mya-lil-kim-barbados-filming-vh1-show-girls-crew/|title=Lil' Kim, Chilli and Mya on the Beach to Shoot New VH1 TV Show in Barbados|website=Tmz.com|date=February 26, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-10-05}}</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 [[Rozonda Thomas|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>{{Cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-15-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716202241/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-15-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2019-07-16|title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals&nbsp;& Network Finals: 7.15.2019 {{!}} Showbuzz Daily|website=Showbuzzdaily.com|access-date=2019-10-05}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.51745/title.vh1-announces-girls-cruise-series-featuring-lil-kim-mya-chilli|title=VH1 Announces "Girls Cruise" Series Featuring Lil Kim, Mya & Chilli|website=Hiphopdx.com|date=June 12, 2019|access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>

In March 2019, Kim revealed that her new album would be titled [[9 (Lil' Kim album)|''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>{{cite web|url=http://thesource.com/2019/03/24/lil-kim-new-album-nine/|title=LIL' KIM REVEALS RELEASE DATE FOR NEW ALBUM 'NINE'|date=March 24, 2019|work=[[The Source (magazine)|Source]]|access-date=March 26, 2019}}</ref> After a minor setback with her record label, [[Entertainment One Music|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>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lil-kim-pray-for-me-9-rick-ross-music-soulchild-895113/|title=Lil Kim Announces Release Date for Album '9,' Shares 'Pray for Me'|last1=Shaffer|first1=Claire|date=2019-10-04|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-05}}</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>{{Cite web|title=Lil Kim's '9' Misses Billboard 200 Entirely / Debuts in Top 10 of Rap, Hip-Hop Charts - That Grape Juice|url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2019/10/lil-kims-9-misses-billboard-200-entirely-debuts-top-10-rap-hip-hop-charts/|access-date=2020-06-09|website=thatgrapejuice.net|date=October 22, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Lil' Kim Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/lil-kim/chart-history|access-date=June 9, 2020|magazine=Billboard}}</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>{{Cite web|title=Nicki Minaj Accused Of Mocking Lil Kim's Album Sales On Twitter|url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/nicki-minaj/news/accused-mocking-lil-kims-album-sales/|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Capital XTRA|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-23|title=Nicki Minaj Takes A Swipe At Lil Kim's Album Sales, Fans Reacts|url=https://urbanislandz.com/2019/10/22/nicki-minaj-takes-a-swipe-at-lil-kims-album-sales-fans-reacts/|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Urban Islandz|language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-kims-9-is-a-two-part-album-that-will-be-released-really-soon-news.92076.html|title=Lil Kim's "9" Is a Two-Part Album That Will Be Released "Really Soon"|website=HotNewHipHop.com|date=October 2019|access-date=2019-10-05}}</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 [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/nCdHQs0IQEI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20191112055611/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCdHQs0IQEI Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCdHQs0IQEI|title=Lil' Kim Talks Her New, Highly-Anticipated Album, "9"|date=October 8, 2019 |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/h8xusItJRTs Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200413105937/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8xusItJRTs Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8xusItJRTs|title=Lil' Kim Is Sad That Her Collab With Paris Hilton Didn't Make The Final Cut Of Her New Album, "9"|date=October 8, 2019 |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{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>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radio1039ny.com/2019/10/11/lil-kim-talks-9-bags-and-tour-with-la-loca/|title=Lil Kim Talks 9, Bags and Tour With La Loca &#124; WNBM-FM &#124; Cumulus|website=Radio1039ny.com|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024032911/http://www.radio1039ny.com/2019/10/11/lil-kim-talks-9-bags-and-tour-with-la-loca/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On her November 8, 2019 appearance on ''[[The Real (talk show)|The Real]],'' Kim again confirmed that [[Paris Hilton]] and [[Missy Elliott]] would appear on ''9''{{'}}s follow-up; she said the song "sounds like a classic Missy Elliott record but 'now.'"(1:20<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/3QnfnCs4iDA Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200422094608/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QnfnCs4iDA&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QnfnCs4iDA|title=FULL INTERVIEW PART THREE: Lil' Kim on Her Dad, a Movie About Her Life, and More|date=November 8, 2019 |publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>)

In July 2025, Kim appeared as a guest for the [[Wu-Tang Clan]]'s final show at [[Madison Square Garden]].<ref>{{cite magazine | last=Rys | first=Dan | title=Wu-Tang Clan Brings Out Redman, Lil Kim, Big Daddy Kane & More at Star-Studded Final NYC Show | magazine=Billboard | date=2025-07-17 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/wu-tang-clan-redman-lil-kim-last-show-nyc-1236023394/ | access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref>

== Influences ==
Lil' Kim cited as her rap influences [[MC Lyte]], [[Salt-N-Pepa]] and [[Roxanne Shanté]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbzGHNvAYzQ|title=Lil Kim On Her Female Rap Influences -- MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shanté - People's Party Clip|via=YouTube|work=[[Uproxx]]|date=November 16, 2019|access-date=October 29, 2022}}</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 "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|Black Madonna]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.out.com/vaults/2017/3/29/lil-kim-why-hip-hops-nasty-girl-wants-be-gay-icon|title=Lil' Kim: Why Hip-Hop's Nasty Girl Wants to Be a Gay Icon|first=Smith|last=Galtney|work=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=October 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/170j63/lil-kim-or-interview|title=Lil' Kim Interview|first=Clay|last=Cane|publisher=[[BET]]|date=August 12, 2010|access-date=August 15, 2022}}</ref>

== Other ventures ==
=== Products and endorsements ===
In 1998, Lil' Kim signed with [[Wilhelmina Models]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426541/brandy-talks-about-wilhelmina-atlantic-records-modeling-deal.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419171905/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426541/brandy-talks-about-wilhelmina-atlantic-records-modeling-deal.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 19, 2014|title=Brandy Talks About Wilhelmina/Atlantic Records Modeling Deal|work=MTV|date=April 8, 1998|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> That same year, she was announced as the face for the fashion brand [[Candie's]] alongside [[Brandy Norwood|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 (fashion house)|Iceberg]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bwgreyscale.com/ads/iceberg.html |title=Iceberg Advertisements |work=BWGREYSCALE.com |access-date=July 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510231717/http://bwgreyscale.com/ads/iceberg.html |archive-date=May 10, 2012 }}</ref> and also with cosmetics brand [[MAC Cosmetics|MAC]] to help endorse their VIVA GLAM line of lipsticks and lip glosses alongside [[Mary J. Blige]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macaidsfund.org/#/glam/campaignhistory|title=MAC Aids Fund Campaign History|work=MacAidsFund.com|access-date=July 27, 2012}}</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>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/80512/blige-lil-kim-raise-4m-for-aids|title=Blige, Lil' Kim Raise $4M for AIDS|magazine=Billboard|date=February 21, 2001|access-date=July 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MACcosmetics/status/227444949090713601|title=MACcosmetics|via=Twitter|access-date=July 27, 2012}}</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 Inc.|Apple]] [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] computer commercial, demonstrating how to burn custom CDs on a Mac.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2001/03/06Apples-New-Prime-Time-TV-Ad-Highlights-Burning-Custom-Music-CDs-on-Macs.html|title=Apple's New Prime Time TV Ad Highlights Burning Custom Music CDs on Macs|work=Apple|date=March 6, 2001|access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref>

In 2004, she launched a designer watch collection with manufacturer and jeweler Jeweler [[Jacob Arabo]], ''Royalty by Lil' Kim.''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sojones.com/news/lil-kim-launches-queen-b-royalty-watch-collection/|title=Lil Kim Launches Queen B Royal Watch Collection In New York|work=SoJones.com|date=June 1, 2004|access-date=July 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130052120/http://www.sojones.com/news/lil-kim-launches-queen-b-royalty-watch-collection/|archive-date=January 30, 2013
|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icedtime.com/lp/7LilKim-Watches|title=LilKim Watches|work=IcedTime.com|access-date=July 27, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708233849/http://www.icedtime.com/lp/7LilKim-Watches/|archive-date=July 8, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> She also debuted her first clothing line, ''Hollyhood.''<ref name="MTVarticle">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Rashaun|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494995/lil-kim-launching-fashion-line.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101033843/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494995/lil-kim-launching-fashion-line.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 1, 2011|title=Lil' Kim Launching Clothing Line — Fashion And Active Wear, But No Pasties Yet|work=MTV.com|date=December 17, 2004|access-date=July 27, 2012}}</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 Comics|Marvel]] and Atlantic Records.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walker|first=Verbal|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.3293/title.-b-t-i-fat-joe-twista-b-in-comic|title=T.I., Fat Joe, Twista in Comic|work=HipHopDX|date=June 1, 2005|access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref>

In August 2010, Lil' Kim signed a deal with [[Three Olives Vodka]] as the face for their ''Purple'' vodka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-kim-signs-a-deal-with-three-olives-vodka-news.135.html|title=Lil' Kim Signs a Deal with Three Olives Vodka|work=IcedTime.com|date=August 11, 2010|access-date=July 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301114759/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-kim-signs-a-deal-with-three-olives-vodka-news.135.html|archive-date=March 1, 2014
|url-status=dead}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2010/09/26/lil-kim-opens-north-carolina-hair-salon-photos-99999/|title=Lil Kim Opens North Carolina Hair Salon [Photos]|work=Hip Hop Wired|date=September 26, 2010|access-date=July 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106004544/http://hiphopwired.com/2010/09/26/lil-kim-opens-north-carolina-hair-salon-photos-99999/|archive-date=November 6, 2013
|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same month, she launched her second clothing line, ''24/7 Goddess Collection,'' at Charlotte, North Carolina's Fashion Week.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spencer |first=Kate |url=http://www.vh1.com/celebrity/2010-10-06/finally-we-can-all-dress-like-lil-kim/ |title=Finally, We Can All Dress Like Lil' Kim! |work=Vh1.com |date=October 6, 2010 |access-date=July 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112171244/http://www.vh1.com/celebrity/2010-10-06/finally-we-can-all-dress-like-lil-kim/ |archive-date=November 12, 2014 }}</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>{{cite web|url=http://thewomenofhiphop.com/2012/12/02/lil-kim-im-the-first-lady-of-ciroc/ |title=Lil' Kim: "I'm the First Lady of Ciroc!" |work=WomenofHipHop |date=December 2, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208010338/http://thewomenofhiphop.com/2012/12/02/lil-kim-im-the-first-lady-of-ciroc/ |archive-date=December 8, 2012 }}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-mac-aids-fund-announces-record-breaking-success-of-the-viva-glam-initiative-and-unveil-new-ad-campaign-with-music-superstars-mary-j-blige-and-lil-kim-71310307.html|title=The M.A.C. AIDS Fund Announces Record-Breaking Success of the VIVA GLAM Initiative and Unveil New Ad Campaign With Music Superstars Mary J. Blige and Lil' Kim|via=PR Newswire|type=Press release|date=February 12, 2001|access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> She took part in MAC's ''Fashion Cares'' show in Toronto, Canada, raising close to one million for its AIDS committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minimidimaxi.com/editorials/special-events/fashion-cares-2000|title=Fashion Cares 2000|access-date=March 24, 2014|work=Minimidimaxi Magazine}}</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 (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>{{cite web|url=http://www.hopeforafricanchildren.org/New/Press/pr_103001.html |title=Artists Against AIDS Worldwide's New Superstar Version of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' in Stores Tuesday, October 30 |date=October 29, 2001 |access-date=September 11, 2012 |work=Hope for African Children |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030825041613/http://www.hopeforafricanchildren.org/New/Press/pr_103001.html |archive-date=August 25, 2003 }}</ref> That same month, Lil' Kim performed at Breathe, a benefit concert for breast cancer research and treatment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450412/lil-kim-3eb-sugar-ray-do-breathe-benefit.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209135806/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450412/lil-kim-3eb-sugar-ray-do-breathe-benefit.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2012|title=Third Eye Blind, Lil' Kim, Nikka Costa, Sugar Ray Do Breathe For Breast Cancer|date=October 29, 2001|access-date=March 24, 2014|work=MTV}}</ref> Proceeds from the concert went to the [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]] Breast Center and the Breast Examination Center of Harlem, an outreach program of the [[Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77976/breathe-benefit-downsized|title='Breathe' Benefit Downsized|access-date=March 24, 2014|magazine=Billboard|date=October 24, 2001}}</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)|''Animal Fair'' magazine]] as a benefit for the [[Humane Society]] of New York.<ref>{{cite web|last=Darst|first=Elizabeth|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,623678,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319171617/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,623678,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 19, 2008|title=Dogs Work It at Furry Fashion Show|date=March 14, 2002|access-date=April 15, 2014|work=People}}</ref> Items worn by the animals were later auctioned off online.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2002/04/prweb36548.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628231856/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2002/04/prweb36548.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 28, 2014|title=Animal Fair Media Chooses SellYourItem.com to Host Paws for Style Auctions Benefiting the Humane Society of NY|date=April 10, 2002|access-date=April 15, 2014|work=PRWEB|type=Press release}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/lil-kim-cares-foundation|title=Lil' Kim Cares Foundation|work=Look To The Stars|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref>

Speaking of the foundation, Lil' Kim stated she planned to be primarily involved in causes that had affected her personally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/lil.-kim-starts-up-new--charity-organisation|title=Lil' Kim Starts Up New Charity Organisation|work=Contact Music|date=August 16, 2010|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040318005610/en/2004-Toyota-ProCelebrity-Race-Field-Announced-Top|title=2004 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Field Announced: Top Stars from Film, TV, Music and Sports to Participate|work=BusinessWire|date=March 18, 2004|access-date=March 21, 2013}}</ref> On August 24, 2004, Lil' Kim encouraged others to vote in the [[2004 United States presidential election|United States presidential election]] through the [[Rock the Vote]] campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blog.rockthevote.com/2004/08 |title=Lil' Kim Rockin' the Vote |work=Rock The Vote |date=August 27, 2004 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230142523/http://www.blog.rockthevote.com/2004/08 |archive-date=December 30, 2012 }}</ref>

On March 10, 2005, Lil' Kim, along with several other artists, appeared in an episode of ''[[The Apprentice (U.S. TV series)|The Apprentice]].'' Each artist was approached by contestants to donate a "personal experience" to be auctioned off for charity through music channel [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]]'s "Daily Download" program, with proceeds going to the [[Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Jeckell|first=Barry A.|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63803/billboard-bits-the-apprentice-xingolati-jim-morrison|title=Billboard Bits: 'The Apprentice,' Xingolati, Jim Morrison|magazine=Billboard|date=March 9, 2005|access-date=January 27, 2013}}</ref> In September 2005, she teamed with [[fashion design]]er [[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>{{cite web|url=http://greasyguide.com/3932/marc-jacob-and-lil-kim/|title=Marc Jacob and Lil' Kim|work=GreasyGuide|date=September 19, 2005|access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-date=December 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210134013/http://greasyguide.com/3932/marc-jacob-and-lil-kim/|url-status=dead}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases-test/celebs-contribute-to-world-aids-day-auction-bid-2-beat-aids-67500612.html|title=Celebs Contribute to World AIDS Day Auction BID 2 BEAT AIDS|work=PRNewswire|type=Press release|date=December 1, 2005|access-date=May 3, 2013}}</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>{{cite web|last=Springer|first=Anthony Jr.|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.3755/title.lil-kim-gives-back-from-prison|title=Lil Kim Gives Back from Prison|work=HIP HOP DX|date=February 20, 2005|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</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>{{cite web|last=Lias|first=Nadia|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/news/317-lil-kim-cares-about-charity|title=Lil' Kim Cares About Charity|work=Look To The Stars|date=August 13, 2007|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</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>{{cite web|last=Lias|first=Nadia|url=http://www.grammy.org/grammy-foundation/news/new-grammy-auction-series-launched|title=New GRAMMY Auction Series Launched|work=Grammy.org|date=September 19, 2007|access-date=August 4, 2012|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416104318/http://www.grammy.org/grammy-foundation/news/new-grammy-auction-series-launched|url-status=dead}}</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>{{cite web|last=Winslow|first=Mike|url=http://allhiphop.com/2007/08/27/lil-kim-to-host-celebrity-basketball-game/|title=Lil' Kim To Host Celebrity Basketball Game|work=allhiphop.com|date=August 27, 2007|access-date=February 11, 2013}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://millionsofmilkshakes.ae/2010/07/lil%E2%80%99-kim-plans-to-cause-a-stir-by-shaking-things-up-at-millions-of-milkshakes/|title=Lil' Kim Plans to Cause a Stir by Shaking Things Up at Millions of Milkshakes|work=Millions of Milkshakes|date=July 11, 2010|access-date=December 28, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114175820/http://millionsofmilkshakes.ae/2010/07/lil%E2%80%99-kim-plans-to-cause-a-stir-by-shaking-things-up-at-millions-of-milkshakes/|archive-date=January 14, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.realityontherunway.com/|title=The Reality of FASHION The Reality of AIDS 2013|work=Reality On The Runway|access-date=December 28, 2012}}</ref>

Lil' Kim has been a longtime [[LGBT rights|LGBT advocate]],<ref name="pride" /><ref>Jones appeared on the cover of ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'' Magazine in December 1999.</ref> and has participated in many [[gay pride festival]]s, including the [[LGBT Pride March (New York City)|LGBT Pride March]] in New York City, as well as performing at [[Atlanta Black Pride]] and [[D.C. Black Pride]].<ref name="pride">{{cite web|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/06/27/lil-kim-skips-bet-awards-to-celebrate-gay-rights-in-new-york/|work=MTV|series=Rap Fix|title=Lil Kim Skips BET Awards To Celebrate Gay Rights In New York|date=June 27, 2011|last=Chandler|first=D.L.|access-date=August 6, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609115826/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/06/27/lil-kim-skips-bet-awards-to-celebrate-gay-rights-in-new-york/|archive-date=June 9, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</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">{{cite episode|title=Lil' Kim|series=Driven|network=VH1|airdate=February 16, 2003}}</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>{{cite web|last1=King|first1=Aliya S.|last2=Hope|first2=Clover|last3=Figman|first3=Adam|last4=James|first4=Shydel|title=Diary Of Kimberly Jones|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/diary-kimberly-jones-junejuly-2011-sex-issue-feature-pg-5|work=VIBE|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> She did not make it public until 1999 during an interview with ''[[The Source (magazine)|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>{{cite journal|last=Duncan|first=Andrea|date=December 1999|title=Black Beauty|journal=The Source|volume=123|page=230}}</ref>

Wallace called Jones three days before his death and told her he loved her.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Seigmund-Cuda|first=Heidi|date=November 2002|title=Breaking Away|journal=The Source|volume=158|page=207}}</ref> In a 2010 interview with [[Ed Lover]] on [[WWPR-FM|Power 105]], Jones revealed that Wallace assaulted her and she described an incident where he choked her to unconsciousness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45008/title.jermaine-dupri-recalls-biggie-pulling-a-gun-on-lil-kim-at-the-studio#|title=Jermaine Dupri Recalls Biggie Pulling A Gun On Lil Kim At The Studio|last=Wallace|first=Riley|date=October 26, 2017|website=HipHopDX.com|access-date=2019-12-13}}</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>{{Cite web| url= https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45094/title.lil-kim-details-her-very-violent-relationship-with-the-notorious-b-i-g|title=Lil Kim Details Her 'Very Violent' Relationship With The Notorious B.I.G.|last=Eustice|first=Kyle|date=November 4, 2017|website=HipHopDX.com| access-date=2019-12-13}}</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>{{cite magazine|last=Mills|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7SsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA48|date=November 1996|title=Stakes Is Higher – Biggie and Junior M.A.F.I.A. are busted for guns and drugs|magazine=VIBE|volume=4|issue=9|page=48|issn=1070-4701}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/crime/lil-kims-wanted-woman|title=Lil' Kim's A Wanted Woman|work=The Smoking Gun|date=September 29, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</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>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Sarah|url=http://au.eonline.com/news/45982/lil-kim-warrant-gone-to-pot|title=Lil' Kim Warrant Gone to Pot|work=E! Online|date=October 4, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref> Jones' attorney told reporters that she did not appear in court because she believed the case had been resolved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/get_out/article_13aad04d-5cbb-5eb2-9591-249fd13a1c7b.html?mode=jqm|title=Lil' Kim removed from N.J. wanted list|work=East Valley Tribune|date=October 6, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</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>{{cite journal|date=October 2004|title=Lil' Kim Confessions|journal=The Source|volume=181|page=106}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=King|first1=Aliya S.|last2=Hope|first2=Clover|last3=Figman|first3=Adam|last4=James|first4=Shydel|title=Diary Of Kimberly Jones|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/diary-kimberly-jones-junejuly-2011-sex-issue-feature-pg-8|work=VIBE|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</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 [[Hand luggage|carry on]], was mixed up with eight other pieces of her luggage.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Lil' Kim Reports Big Jewel Heist|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70464/lil-kim-reports-big-jewel-heist|magazine=Billboard|date=June 23, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</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>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70360/lil-kims-lost-jewelry-recovered|title=Lil' Kim's Lost Jewelry Recovered|magazine=Billboard|date=June 30, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1473447/lil-kims-jewelry-recovered/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227083248/http://www.mtv.com/news/1473447/lil-kims-jewelry-recovered/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 27, 2014|title=Lil' Kim's Jewelry Recovered|work=MTV|date=June 30, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref>

In 2004, Jones dated record producer [[Scott Storch]], whom she met when he offered her a ride to her hotel.<ref name="scott">{{cite web|last=Baker|first=Soren|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26128/title.scott-storch-says-lil-kim-still-looks-cool-after-plastic-surgery|title=Scott Storch Says Lil' Kim Still Looks "Cool" After Plastic Surgery|work=HipHopDX|date=November 6, 2013|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> The couple split after two months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/lil.-kim-splits-with-producer-beau|title=Lil' Kim Splits With Producer Beau|work=ContactMusic.com|date=November 12, 2004|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2007/02/26/ray-j-gets-a-lil-lil-kim/|title=Ray-J Gets a Lil' Lil' Kim|website=Tmz.com|date=February 26, 2007|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>

On March 17, 2005, Lil' Kim was convicted of three counts of [[Conspiracy (crime)|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 [[WQHT|Hot 97]] studios in [[Manhattan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498251/20050317/lil_kim.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050319022858/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498251/20050317/lil_kim.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 19, 2005|title=Lil' Kim Found Guilty Of Lying To Grand Jury, Investigators|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=March 17, 2005|work=MTV News|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</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 music|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">{{cite web| last= Rashbaum|first=Alyssa|title=Lil' Kim's Bodyguard Sentenced To 12 Years For His Role In Shootout |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1491311/20040923/lil_kim.jhtml|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041011205404/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1491311/20040923/lil_kim.jhtml|url-status= dead|archive-date= October 11, 2004| work=MTV.com |publisher= MTV News|date=September 23, 2004|access-date=March 17, 2009}}</ref> However, video footage from a security camera placed all three at the scene, exiting the building.<ref name="Released">{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Corey|title=Lil' Kim Released From Prison |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535483/20060629/lil_kim.jhtml|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060705004508/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535483/20060629/lil_kim.jhtml|url-status= dead|archive-date= July 5, 2006| work=MTV.com |publisher= MTV News |date=July 3, 2006 |access-date=March 17, 2009}}</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>"[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-147764620/lil-kim-leaves-prison.html 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>{{cite web|last1=Macatee|first1=Rebecca|last2=Passalaqua|first2=Holly|title=Lil' Kim Gives Birth to Baby Girl—Find Out Her Seriously Regal Name!|url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/549407/lil-kim-gives-birth-to-baby-girl-find-out-her-seriously-regal-name|work=E! News|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=June 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lil' Kim Welcomes Baby Girl! Find Out Her Noble Name|url=http://www.extratv.com/2014/06/09/lil-kim-s-baby-girl-is-named-royal-reign/|website=Extratv.com|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=June 9, 2014}}</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">{{cite web |last1=Ayoola |first1=Elizabeth |title=Lil Kim's Daughter Royal Reign Rips The Runway At New York Fashion Week Show |url=https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/lil-kim-daughter-2/ |website=Essence |date=September 8, 2023 |publisher=Essence Communications Inc. |access-date=25 February 2024}}</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>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Valerie |title=Mr. Papers, Lil Kim's Ex-Husband: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/2019/10/mr-papers/ |website=Heavy |date=October 8, 2019 |publisher=Heavy Inc. |access-date=25 February 2024}}</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>{{cite web |last1=Will |first1=Ill |title=LIL' KIM'S EX MR. PAPERS ISSUES WARNING TO 50 CENT OVER REMARKS ABOUT HIS DAUGHTER |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.73316/title.lil-kim-ex-mr-papers-50-cent-daughter-warning-beef |website=HipHop DX |date=September 10, 2022 |access-date=25 February 2024}}</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>{{cite web |last1=Summers |first1=Jazmyn |title=Exclusive: Lil Kim and Her New Artist on Working Together |url=https://blackamericaweb.com/2024/04/22/who-is-lil-kim-dating-tayy-brown/ |website=Black America Web |date=22 April 2024}}</ref>

Jones identifies as a Christian.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vulgar Rapper Lil' Kim talks Faith, Music & Inspiration on BET's Lift Every Voice - EEW Magazine - News from a faith-based perspective |url=https://buzz.eewmagazine.com/eew-magazine-buzz-blog/2012/4/16/vulgar-rapper-lil-kim-talks-faith-music-inspiration-on-bets.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423052739/https://buzz.eewmagazine.com/eew-magazine-buzz-blog/2012/4/16/vulgar-rapper-lil-kim-talks-faith-music-inspiration-on-bets.html |archive-date=2023-04-23 |website=buzz.eewmagazine.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Feuds ==
=== Foxy Brown ===
Once high school friends, Lil' Kim and fellow Brooklyn rapper [[Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown]] originally remained close despite becoming associates of clashing hip hop groups [[Junior M.A.F.I.A.]] and [[The Firm (hip hop group)|the Firm]], respectively.<ref name="vibe">{{citation|last=Smith|first=Danyel|title=Foxy Brown Is the Illest|newspaper=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=December 1998|volume=6|issue=7|pages=113–114|issn=1070-4701}}</ref> In 1995, they collaborated with [[Da Brat]] for the remix of "[[No One Else (Total song)|No One Else]]" by [[Total (group)|Total]]. The following year, they were featured in the Hot 97 NY Fashion Show<ref name="hot97">{{citation|last=Byrd|first=Kenya N.|title=In The Mix: The Queen Bee—Unwrapped|newspaper=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=March 1999|volume=7|issue=2|page=55|issn=1070-4701}}</ref> and appeared on the covers of ''[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]'' and ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]].''<ref name="bet">{{cite web|last=Gale|first=Alex|title=It Was All So Simple Then... > Lil' Kim vs. Foxy Brown: A Brief History|url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/gbi2td/lil-kim-vs-foxy-brown-a-brief-history/i375ns|work=BET|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bitchie|first=Necole|title=Bitchie Throwback: Vibe Magazine's Rap Reign Supreme Cover <nowiki>[Feb 1998]</nowiki>|url=http://necolebitchie.com/2011/01/26/bitchie-throwback-vibe-magazines-rap-reign-supreme-cover-feb-1998/|work=Necole Bitchie|date=January 26, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411112159/http://necolebitchie.com/2011/01/26/bitchie-throwback-vibe-magazines-rap-reign-supreme-cover-feb-1998/|archive-date=April 11, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</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 (Lil' Kim album)|Hard Core]]'' and Brown's debut album ''[[Ill Na Na]]'', where the two were shown wearing the same outfit.<ref name="vibe2">{{citation|title=20 Questions|newspaper=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=March 1997|volume=5|issue=2|page=148|issn=1070-4701}}</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">{{cite web|last=Reiss|first=Randy|title=Rapper Foxy Brown Burglarized At Gunpoint|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/400435/foxy-browns-house-burglarized.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411104142/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/400435/foxy-browns-house-burglarized.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2013|work=MTV News|date=July 9, 1998|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Reiss|first=Randy|title=Cops Investigate ODB, Foxy Brown Armed Break-Ins|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/400466/odb-foxy-brown-break-ins-probed.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203094710/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/400466/odb-foxy-brown-break-ins-probed.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2013|work=MTV News|date=July 10, 1998|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref>

In January 1999, critics noted the track "My Life" from Brown's second studio effort ''[[Chyna Doll (album)|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>{{cite web|title=Foxy Brown – My Life Lyrics|url=http://rapgenius.com/Foxy-brown-my-life-lyrics|work=Rap Genius|access-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref><ref name="villagevoice" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Promis|first=Jose F.|title=''Chyna Doll'' – Foxy Brown|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/chyna-doll-mw0000600085|work=AllMusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=May 17, 2013}}</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">{{cite web|last=McDonnell|first=Evelyn|title=Fox on the Run – Page 2|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/1999-02-02/music/fox-on-the-run/2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329093421/http://www.villagevoice.com/1999-02-02/music/fox-on-the-run/2/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 29, 2014|work=Village Voice|date=February 2, 1999|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref> In February 1999, some music critics noted that Brown "suddenly sounded 'exactly' like Lil' Kim“.<ref>{{citation|title=20 Questions|newspaper=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=February 1999|volume=7|issue=1|page=146|issn=1070-4701}}</ref>

In late May 1999, [[Lil' Cease]]'s single "[[Play Around]]", featuring Lil' Kim and [[Sean Combs|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>{{citation|title=20 Questions|newspaper=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=May 1999|volume=7|issue=4|page=40|issn=1070-4701}}</ref> Additionally, Lil' Kim's guest appearance on the remix version of [[Mobb Deep]]'s song "[[Quiet Storm (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">{{cite web|last=Salomon|first=Yves|title=Foxy Brown Disses Lil' Kim On Capone-N-Noreaga Album|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/873080/foxy-brown-disses-lil-kim.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329093332/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/873080/foxy-brown-disses-lil-kim.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 29, 2014|work=MTV News|date=May 24, 2000|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</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">{{cite web|last=D'Angelo|first=Joe|title=Shooting Rattles Radio Station After Lil' Kim Visit|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1440959/shooting-rattles-radio-station-after-lil-kim-visit.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221073953/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1440959/shooting-rattles-radio-station-after-lil-kim-visit.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2011|work=MTV News|date=February 26, 2001|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Crowley|first=David|title=Start > Hard Knock News: Rap Attack|newspaper=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=July 2001|volume=9|issue=7|page=58|issn=1070-4701}}</ref> One of the men, Capone of Capone-N-Noreaga, was entering the Hot 97 building promote [[DJ Clue?|DJ Clue]]'s new album, ''[[The Professional 2]]'' (which happened to have also featured Lil' Kim).<ref name="capone-n-noreaga">{{cite web|last=Basham|first=David|title=Capone-N-Noreaga Deny Any Role In Hot 97 Shooting|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1441083/capone-n-noreaga-deny-any-role-hot-97-shooting.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023063033/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1441083/capone-n-noreaga-deny-any-role-hot-97-shooting.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2012|work=MTV News|date=February 28, 2001|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</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 ''[[Daily News (New York)|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">{{cite web|last=Calloway|first=Sway|title=Foxy Brown Makes Peace Offering To Lil' Kim|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1441335/foxy-brown-offers-truce-lil-kim.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329095825/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1441335/foxy-brown-offers-truce-lil-kim.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 29, 2014|work=MTV News|date=March 6, 2001|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2005-03-17 |title=Lil' Kim convicted of perjury |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/lil-kim-convicted-perjury-wbna7222867 |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}</ref> On July 6, 2005, she was sentenced to prison for three counts of perjury and one count of conspiracy.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Chris|title=Lil' Kim Gets A Year And A Day In Prison|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1505262/lil-kim-gets-year-day-prison.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227010220/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1505262/lil-kim-gets-year-day-prison.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 27, 2011|work=MTV News|date=July 6, 2005|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</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>{{cite web|last=Gimelberg|first=Paul|title=Queen bee returns > Music Review|url=http://www.ithaca.edu/rhp/ithacan/articles/0303/20/accent/6queen_bee_re.htm|work=The Ithacan|date=March 20, 2003|access-date=May 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Damon|title=RapReview Feature > Lil' Kim Interview|url=http://www.rapreviews.com/interview/kim.html|work=RapReviews.com|date=May 13, 2003|access-date=May 12, 2014}}</ref> "Quiet“,<ref>{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Lil' Kim's Wrath For 50, Foxy Has No Bounds on Naked Truth|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1506680/lil-kims-wrath-for-50-foxy-has-no-bounds-on-naked-truth/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514092729/http://www.mtv.com/news/1506680/lil-kims-wrath-for-50-foxy-has-no-bounds-on-naked-truth/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 14, 2014|work=MTV News|date=July 29, 2005|access-date=May 12, 2014}}</ref> and "Guess Who's Back";<ref>{{cite web|title=Lil' Kim – Guess Who's Back (Foxy Brown Diss)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyDl_5w5XJ0| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613142617/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyDl_5w5XJ0&gl=US&hl=en&amp;has_verified=1| archive-date=2011-06-13 | url-status=dead|via=YouTube|access-date=May 12, 2014}}</ref> and in turn, Brown's ''[[Ill Na Na 2: The Fever]]'' and various mixtape freestyles.<ref>{{cite web|title=P-Cutta & DJ Wreck – True Hustlas Vol. 2|url=http://bestmixtapes.com/CDs/pcutta_truehustlas2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050507215549/http://bestmixtapes.com/CDs/pcutta_truehustlas2.html|archive-date=May 7, 2005|work=BestMixtapes|access-date=May 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Foxy Brown Freestyle (Dissin Lil Kim)|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/foxy-brown-freestyle-dissin-lil-kim-mt0009727184|work=AllMusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=May 12, 2014}}</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 [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/IcN1VVNhr_g Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20151018025653/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcN1VVNhr_g Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title=Foxy Brown- Pt 1 Doug Banks In The Morning Interview| date=April 8, 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcN1VVNhr_g|via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=May 17, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Following her release from prison, Lil' Kim no longer acknowledged Brown.<ref>{{cite web|title=Foxy Brown – Bust It Anywhere(Lil Kim Diss)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpz1_gxqbXc|via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Foxy Brown Jabs Lil' Kim in New Song|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2009/11/foxy-brown-jabs-lil-kim-in-new-song/|work=XXL|date=November 4, 2009|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref> Brown, on the other hand, has consistently targeted Lil' Kim in her music and concert venues since the latter's prison release.<ref>{{cite web|last=Starbury|first=Allen|title=Foxy Brown Disses Lil Kim on New Track: 'You'll Never See Me 'Dancin' With The Stars'|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2009/11/05/foxy-brown-disses-lil-kim-on-new-track-youll-never-see-me-dancin-with-the-stars/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130407181143/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2009/11/05/foxy-brown-disses-lil-kim-on-new-track-youll-never-see-me-dancin-with-the-stars/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2013|work=BallerStatus.com|date=November 5, 2009|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Foxy Brown – Hold Yuh (Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj diss)|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.12894/title.foxy-brown-hold-yuh-lil-kim-and-nicki-minaj-diss|work=HipHop DX|date=November 26, 2010|access-date=February 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126104344/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.12894/title.foxy-brown-hold-yuh-lil-kim-and-nicki-minaj-diss|archive-date=January 26, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Whoa! Foxy Brown Prepares A 'Christmas Massacre' For Lil' Kim; Dropping Diss Record X-Mas Eve|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/whoa-foxy-brown-prepares-christmas-massacre-lil-kim-dropping-diss-record-x-mas-eve|work=Vibe|date=December 20, 2010|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Music: Foxy Brown – 'Massacre' (Lil' Kim Diss)|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/01/14/new-music-foxy-brown-massacre-lil-kim-diss/|work=Rap-Up|date=January 14, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chandler|first=D.L.|title=Foxy Brown Disses Lil' Kim... Again|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/08/18/foxy-brown-disses-lil-kim/|work=RapFix|publisher=MTV|date=August 18, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513031724/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/08/18/foxy-brown-disses-lil-kim/|archive-date=May 13, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On May 17, 2012, Lil' Kim gave an interview to a radio show, ''The Breakfast Club.''<ref name="breakfast">{{cite web|title=Lil' Kim Talks Nicki Minaj, Azealia Banks, & Scott Storch on 'The Breakfast Club'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/05/17/lil-kim-talks-nicki-minaj-azealia-banks-scott-storch-on-the-breakfast-club/|work=Rap-Up|date=May 17, 2012|access-date=February 13, 2013}}</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">{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Soraya|date=February 16, 2011|title=Lil' Kim 'Black Friday' mixtape cover decapitates Nicki Minaj; rapper's old rival laughs off diss|work=Daily News: showbiz: Music & Arts|publisher=NYDailyNews.com|location=New York|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/lil-kim-black-friday-mixtape-cover-decapitates-nicki-minaj-rapper-old-rival-laughs-diss-article-1.138422|access-date=November 20, 2013}}</ref> With Lil' Kim and media critics noticing resemblances with her on the ''Sucka Free'' mixtape,<ref name="NYDailyNews">{{cite news|title=Lil' Kim 'Black Friday' mixtape cover decapitates Nicki Minaj; rapper's old rival laughs off diss|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-16/entertainment/28622261_1_nicki-minaj-roman-s-revenge-radio-station|work=NY Daily News|access-date=August 21, 2012|location=New York|date=February 16, 2011|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025200016/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-16/entertainment/28622261_1_nicki-minaj-roman-s-revenge-radio-station|url-status=dead}}</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>{{cite magazine|title=Is Nicki Minaj attacking Lil' Kim on 'Roman's Revenge'?|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/is-nicki-minaj-attacking-lil-kim-on-romans-revenge-track-952092/|magazine=Billboard|date=November 2010|access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> although at the time she denied this.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Nicki Minaj says 'Roman's Revenge's is not about Lil' Kim|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/nicki-minaj-says-romans-revenge-is-not-about-lil-kim-951771/|magazine=Billboard|date=November 4, 2010|access-date=August 21, 2012}}</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 (rapper)|Eve]], then she picked a fight with [[Remy Ma|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>{{cite web|title=Nicki Minaj tells Lil' Kim to get a life|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2010/11/22/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-lil-kim-hot-97-get-a-life/|work=MTV|access-date=August 21, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817135419/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2010/11/22/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-lil-kim-hot-97-get-a-life|archive-date=August 17, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</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>{{cite news|title=Lil' Kim 'Black Friday' mixtape cover decapitates Nicki Minaj; rapper's old rival laughs off diss|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-16/entertainment/28622261_1_nicki-minaj-roman-s-revenge-radio-station|access-date=August 21, 2012|location=New York|work=Daily News|date=February 16, 2011|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025200016/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-16/entertainment/28622261_1_nicki-minaj-roman-s-revenge-radio-station|url-status=dead}}</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>{{cite web|title=Music Nicki Minaj aims new diss at "tragic" Lil' Kim|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a312696/nicki-minaj-aims-new-diss-at-tragic-lil-kim.html|work=DigitalSpy|date=April 4, 2011|access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> Following the release of Minaj's second album, ''[[Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded]],'' critics suggested that the tracks "[[Stupid Hoe]]"<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Lil Kim Addresses Nicki Minaj's 'Stupid Hoe'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lil-kim-addresses-nicki-minajs-stupid-hoe-single-504896/|magazine=Billboard|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> may have contained attacks at Lil' Kim. Lil' Kim later suggested in an interview with Power105's ''[[The Breakfast Club (radio show)|Breakfast Club]]'' that the song "[[Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded|Automatic]]" from Minaj's second album was similar to her unreleased material, also calling Minaj "obnoxious" and "catty“.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nicki Minaj 'A Very Obnoxious Person,' Lil' Kim Says|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685303/lil-kim-nicki-minaj-power-105.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520030200/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685303/lil-kim-nicki-minaj-power-105.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 20, 2012|work=MTV|access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref>

In a 2018 interview with [[Genius (website)|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>{{Cite web|title=Nicki Minaj Reveals The Real Reason Behind Her Lil' Kim Diss On 'Roman's Revenge'|url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/nicki-minaj/news/real-reason-behind-lil-kim-diss-romans-revenge/|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Capital XTRA|language=en}}</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>{{Cite magazine|last=Betancourt|first=Bianca|date=2021-06-28|title=Lil' Kim Says That She's Ready to Face Nicki Minaj in a Verzuz Battle|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a36862987/lil-kim-nicki-minaj-possible-verzuz-battle/|access-date=2021-07-09|magazine=Harper's BAZAAR|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
{{quote box | width=30% | align=right| quote= The idea of female rappers owning their sexuality is nothing new in the modern hip hop landscape. However, this wasn't always the case, and there's arguably one woman to thank -- Lil' Kim{{nbsp}}... Before she came out, it was argued that sexy women in hip hop were exploited by the industry, reduced to mere video girls cast to dance around the male breadwinner. Kim reversed this notion, announcing her arrival to hip hop with a provocative promo poster that saw her clad in a leopard print bikini and matching feather-trimmed robe.|source= —''[[i-D]]'' writer Jake Hall.<ref name="id">{{cite web|title= in celebration of lil' kim, rap's original provocateur|work=[[I-D]]|date=April 5, 2016|url=https://i-d.co/article/in-celebration-of-lil-kim-raps-original-provocateur/}}</ref>}} Several media outlets have referred to Lil' Kim as the "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music#L|Queen of Rap]]“,<ref>* {{cite web |date=March 4, 2022 |title=5 Women Essential To Rap: Cardi B, Lil' Kim, MC Lyte, Sylvia Robinson & Tierra Whack |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/5-women-essential-to-rap-hip-hop-mc-lyte-sylvia-robinson-cardi-b-lil-kim-tierra-whack |website=[[The Recording Academy]] |quote=Lil' Kim: The "Queen of Rap"}}
* {{cite web |last=Toure |first=Madina |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Lil Kim Honored by NYC Council for African-American Music Appreciation Month |url=https://observer.com/2018/06/lil-kim-black-music-appreciation-month/ |website=[[The New York Observer|Observer]] |quote=Lil Kim, known as the "Queen of Rap“.}}
* {{cite web |last=Manders |first=Hayden |date=August 29, 2015 |title=10 Sexiest Video Music Awards Moments |url= https://www.nylon.com/articles/sexiest-vma-moments |website=[[Nylon (magazine)|Nylon]] |quote=a bonafide diva greets the queen of rap.}}
* {{cite web |date=August 27, 2015 |title=10 Of The Most Provocative VMA Moments |url=https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/news/a26988/10-of-the-most-memorable-vma-moments/ |website=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]] |quote=the queen of rap, Lil Kim...}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Rutherford |first=Chrissy |date=November 19, 2019 |title=47 Crazy Celebrity Outfits We'll Never Forget |url= https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/red-carpet-dresses/g22709021/crazy-celebrity-outfits/?slide=6 |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |quote=Lil Kim, the queen of rap}}
* {{cite web |date=March 17, 2019 |title='Lit in A.C.' with Remy Ma, Lil' Kim and more on Saturday |url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/attheshore/headliners/get-lit-in-a-c-with-remy-ma-lil-kim-and-more-on-saturday/article_a09db3db-ff7f-5e74-aa14-a263ab93cb57.html |website=[[The Press of Atlantic City]] |quote=The "Queen of Rap" Lil' Kim will bring...}}
* {{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Derrick Bryson |date=October 27, 2020 |title=Twice as Nice: 12 Unforgettable Duets |url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/twice-nice-12-unforgettable-duets/#186025 |website=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]] |quote=the queen of R&B meets the queen of rap.}}
* {{cite web |title=Lil' Kim And DaBaby Wear Custom Dapper Dan x Gucci Looks To The 2019 Hip Hop Awards |url= https://www.bet.com/article/x5lh73/lil-kim-and-dababy-wear-custom-dapper-dan |website=[[BET]] |quote=from the Queen of Rap at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards.}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Fisher |first=Lauren Alexis |date=March 30, 2015 |title=Rihanna Channels 'Lil Kim at the iHeart Radio Awards |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a10417/rihanna-bbhmm-iheart-radio-awards-performance/ |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |quote=The songstress took note from the Queen of Rap...}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=22 Trendsetting Women Who've Impacted Hip-Hop Forever |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-03-29-22-trendsetting-women-whove-impacted-hip-hop-forever/ |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=iHeart |language=en}}</ref> and by the alias she uses, "Queen Bee“.<ref name="newsweek"/><ref name= "bbc"/><ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/lil-kim-18-3-05/6/|title=Lil' Kim|website= CBSNews.com |date=March 18, 2005 }}</ref><ref>
*{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/gallery/lil-kim-notorious-kim/|title=Lil' Kim: Notorious K.I.M.|website=Vibe|date=August 23, 2006}}
*{{Cite news|last=Ryzik|first=Melena|date=2011-10-20|title=Blending Hip-Hop and Heraldry|language=en-US|work=The New York Times| url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/arts/design/rashaad-newsome-blending-hip-hop-and-heraldry.html|access-date=2022-02-22|issn=0362-4331}}
*{{Cite magazine|last=Platon|first=Adelle|date=2016-06-16|title=VH1 Hip Hop Honors to Pay Tribute to Lil' Kim: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/vh1-hip-hop-honors-lil-kim-tribute-exclusive-7408699/|access-date=2022-02-22|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}
*{{Cite web|last=Platon|first=Adelle|date=2014-05-12|title=Lil' Kim Celebrates Lavish Baby Shower|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/lil-kim-baby-shower-220831/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=VIBE.com|language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Newsweek]]'' has called her the "First Lady of Rap“, with editor Allison Samuels writing in 2000 that she has "transcended the male-dominated world of rap to become one of America's sassiest, most engaging icons“.<ref name="newsweek">{{cite web| url= https://www.newsweek.com/whole-lotta-lil-kim-160903|title=A Whole Lotta Lil' Kim|website=Newsweek|date=June 25, 2000}}</ref>

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 [[Sexual objectification#Sexual objectification of women|female objectification]] in the rap industry“.<ref name="dazeed"/> For ''[[NME]]''{{'}}s editor Jordan Bassett, she "out-filthed the male rappers at every turn“.<ref>{{cite web|title= A timely reminder that Lil Kim's 'Hard Core' is still the greatest rap record of all time|work=[[NME]]|date=October 11, 2019|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lil-kim-hardcore-the-greatest-rap-album-of-all-time-2552745}}</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">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4354565.stm|title=How Lil' Kim made her mark on rap| website= BBC.co.uk |date=March 18, 2005}}</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>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-biggie25jun00-story.html|title=Lil' Kim: Notoriously misunderstood|website=Los Angeles Times|date=June 25, 2000}}</ref>

During that time, several new female hip hop artists modeled themselves after her stylistically.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Thomas, Greg |date= 2007|title= Queens of Consciousness & Sex-Radicalism in Hip-Hop: On Erykah Badu & The Notorious K.I.M. |journal=[[The Journal of Pan African Studies]] |pages= 25|volume=1|issue=7|via=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]]}}</ref> Placing ''Hard Core'' at number 80 on their list of "Best Rap Albums of the 90s“, ''[[Complex (magazine)|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>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-best-rap-albums-of-the-90s/lil-kim-hardcore|title=Best Rap Albums of the 90s |website= Complex.com| publisher= | date= | access-date= }}</ref> ''[[The Village Voice]]'' writer [[Joan Morgan (American author)|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>{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2005/11/01/from-a-different-place/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915095926/https://www.villagevoice.com/2005/11/01/from-a-different-place/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 15, 2018|title=From a Different Place|website=The Village Voice|date=November 2005}}</ref> ''[[Camera Obscura (journal)|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>{{cite journal |author=Scheper, Joanne |date= 2007|title= 'Of la Baker, I am a disciple': The diva politics of reception|journal=[[Camera Obscura (journal)|Camera Obscura: Feminism, Culture, and Media Studies]] |pages= 73–101 |volume= 22 |issue= 2 |doi= 10.1215/02705346-2007-004}}</ref> In 2020, ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'' wrote that "twenty-five years later, no rapper is more influential to the new female rhymers“.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rappers Salute Lil' Kim in Their Lyrics - XXL | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rappers-lil-kim-lyrics|website=XXL| date=July 14, 2020}}</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">{{Cite news|url=http://theboombox.com/lil-kim-hard-core/|title=10 Reasons Why Lil' Kim's 'Hard Core' Is Good for Hip-Hop|last=Iandoli|first=Kathy|access-date=June 9, 2017|quote=Kim's contribution to rap with her first LP left a lasting impression on rap music as a whole — one that still echoes today.Say what you will about the present situation between Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj, but Kim's 'Hard Core' mothered an entire generation of the female rappers that followed. By discussing sexuality in an unabashed style, upping tax brackets with lavish lifestyles and sitting in the same thrones men dominated in hip-hop for years, 'Hard Core' opened up doors.}}</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">{{Cite magazine |date=2023-08-01 |title=Welcome to the Golden Age of Nail Art |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/nails/a44380670/nail-art-history/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |magazine=Harper's BAZAAR |language=en-US}}</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>{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/rihanna-riri-perfume-90s-beauty-trends-lil-kim-lipstick |title=Rihanna on the '90s Beauty Icon Who Has Inspired Her Many Looks |website= Vogue |date= September 2015}}</ref> [[Cardi B]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldwideentertainmenttv.com/lil-kim-inspiration-behind-cardi-bs-next-project/|title=Lil Kim Inspiration Behind Cardi B's Next Project &#124; WWETV|date=November 6, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191106000312/https://www.worldwideentertainmenttv.com/lil-kim-inspiration-behind-cardi-bs-next-project/ |access-date=December 27, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2019}}</ref> [[Megan Thee Stallion]],<ref>{{Citation|title=Megan Thee Stallion Goes Undercover on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram | date= November 16, 2020| publisher= GQ|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF_DUdrXUoQ| language=en |access-date=2021-08-01}}</ref> [[Kash Doll]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/kash-doll-apologizes-to-lil-kim|title=Kash Doll Apologizes to Lil' Kim: 'I Love Learning Sh*t From OGs!! Thank U for Everything!' |website= Complex.com|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref> [[Bree Runway]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aubrey|first=Elizabeth|date=17 March 2020|title=Bree Runway: Meet the Missy Elliott-approved rising star whose fearless pop is challenging colourism|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/bree-runway-interview-missy-elliott-approved-star-whose-fearless-pop-is-challenging-colourism-2626680|accessdate=31 October 2020|website=[[NME]]}}</ref> [[Teyana Taylor]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Lil' Kim Says Teyana Taylor Could Do Her Justice In A Biopic | url= https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-01-22-lil-kim-says-teyana-taylor-could-do-her-justice-in-biopic/|website=iHeartRadio}}</ref> [[Doja Cat]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Exclusive: Doja Cat Details Strange List Of Musical Influences & Reveals Crush On Aesop Rock | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/doja-cat-details-her-musical-influences-and-reveals-she-has-a-crush-on-aesop-rock-new-video.45086.html |website=HotNewHipHop| date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> [[Rosalía]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rosalía Names Lil' Kim Among Top Music Inspirations |url=https://hypebae.com/2022/3/rosalia-motomami-hentai-music-inpirations-lil-kim |access-date=2022-10-19 |website=HYPEBAE|date=March 22, 2022 }}</ref> [[Hitmaka]],<ref name="influence">{{cite web| title= LightSkinKeisha, Rick Ross and more share how Lil' Kim has influenced hip-hop | url=https://rollingout.com/2019/10/08/lightskin-keisha-rick-ross-and-more-share-how-lil-kim-has-influenced-hip-hop/|website=Rolling Out| date=October 8, 2019}}</ref> [[Casanova (rapper)|Casanova]],<ref name="influence"/> [[Spice (musician)|Spice]],<ref name="influence"/> [[Zaytoven]],<ref name="influence"/> [[Stefflon Don]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.list.co.uk/article/99574-stefflon-don-wants-to-rap-for-all-women/amp/|title=Stefflon Don wants to rap for all women|website=[[The List (magazine)|The List]]|date=March 9, 2018 }}</ref> [[Flo Milli]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.xxlmag.com/flo-milli/|title=Flo Milli - XXL Freshman Class |website=xxlmag.com | publisher= | date= June 16, 2021| access-date=}}</ref> [[Nicki Minaj]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title=Nicki Minaj Gives Lil Kim Props For Being A Fashion Icon |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/nicki-minaj-lil-kim-props-fashion-icon-1234651469/ |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=VIBE.com}}</ref> [[Ivorian Doll]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ways |first=Curious |title=Meet Ivorian Doll, the Reigning Queen of Drill |url=https://www.hungertv.com/editorial/bow-down-meet-ivorian-doll-the-queen-of-drill/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=HUNGER TV |date=August 12, 2020 |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Cupcakke]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Conversation With CupcakKe, Whose Explicit Sex Raps Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2016/04/cupcakke-interview-on-growing-up-chicago-explicit-raps |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref> [[Saweetie]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saweetie Says Lil' Kim Has the Best Bar in Female Rap History |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2021/03/08/saweetie-lil-kim-best-bar-female-rap/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Rap-Up |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Ice Spice]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lent |first=Caitlin |date=2022-12-01 |title=Ice Spice Is Rethinking Rap Stardom |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/ice-spice-is-rethinking-rap-stardom |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=Interview Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Miley Cyrus]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2013-10-31 |title=Miley Cyrus Flaunts Lil Kim Halloween Costume |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/miley-cyrus-flaunts-lil-kim-halloween-costume-5777954/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=2013-07-02 |title=Gimme Five: Miley Cyrus' Favorite Female Singers (Video) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/gimme-five-miley-cyrus-favorite-female-singers-video-1568795/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Iggy Azalea]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-27 |title=Iggy Azalea Reveals Lil Kim As Her Fashion Inspiration - YouTube |website=[[YouTube]] |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vSyv_p0p5I |access-date=2023-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827010512/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vSyv_p0p5I |archive-date=August 27, 2013 }}</ref> [[Ms Banks]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mylrea |first=Hannah |date=2017-11-14 |title=Meet Ms Banks, Nicki Minaj's new favourite rapper |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/who-ms-banks-nicki-minajs-new-favourite-rapper-2158928 |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Lola Brooke]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-31 |title=Lola Brooke On Brooklyn Upbringing, Walking The "Same Streets" As Lil Kim And Foxy Brown |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/lola-brooke-brooklyn-influences-mefeater-cover-1234745958/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=VIBE.com}}</ref> [[Jhené Aiko]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jhené Aiko's Evolution From Working with B2K to R&B Superstardom |url=https://www.theculturecrypt.com/posts/jhene-aikos-evolution-from-working-with-b2k-to-an-rnb-superstar |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=The Culture Crypt |language=en-US}}</ref> [[City Girls]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Mya |date=2023-07-11 |title=7 Rappers Directly Influenced By Lil' Kim: Cardi B, Nicki Minaj And More |url=https://www.vibe.com/lists/rappers-infuenced-by-lil-kim/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}</ref> [[DreamDoll (musician)|DreamDoll]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=DreamDoll talks women empowerment, upcoming music and more |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2020-03-11/80121/dreamdoll-talks-upcoming-music-womens-empowerment-love-for-lil-kim-and-beyonce-and-more/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=REVOLT |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Latto]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Latto Names Lil' Kim the 'GOAT Female Rapper' for Her 'Timeless' Music and Fashion |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/latto-names-lil-kim-her-goat-female-rapper |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Complex.com |language=en}}</ref> and [[Erica Banks]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://thesource.com/2021/04/26/on-the-rise-erica-banks-talks-buss-it-success-post-covid-plans/|title=On The Rise: Erica Banks Talks "Buss It"|website=The Source|date=April 26, 2021 }}</ref> Actress [[Taraji P. Henson]] said that Lil' Kim inspired her portrayal of ''[[Empire (2015 TV series)|Empire]]'' character [[Cookie Lyon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Taraji P. Henson Says Lil Kim Is Inspiration Behind Cookie Character | url= https://allhiphop.com/rumors/hip-hop-rumors-taraji-p-henson-says-lil-kim-is-inspiration-behind-cookie-character-not-nicki-minaj/ |website=All Hip Hop| date=February 6, 2015}}</ref>

== Awards and nominations ==
{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by Lil' Kim}}
Throughout her career, Lil' Kim has earned numerous honors and awards. Her debut [[Hard Core (Lil' Kim album)|''Hard Core'']] was certified double platinum by the RIAA, and is considered a classic hip-hop album.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Vibe|journal = Vibe Vixen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6SYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56|access-date=February 2, 2014|date=May 2006|publisher=Vibe Media Group|page=56|issn=1070-4701}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Lil%20Kim&format=ALBUM&go=Search&perPage=50 |title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – February 02, 2014 |publisher=RIAA |access-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510144821/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |archive-date=May 10, 2014 |df=mdy }}</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)|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 [[List of best-selling singles|best-selling singles of all time worldwide]], with sales of over 5.1 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sedghi|first=Ami|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/nov/04/uk-million-selling-singles-full-list|title=UK's million-selling singles: the full list &#124; Music|work=The Guardian|date=November 4, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> ''Lady Marmalade'' went number one on the [[US Billboard Hot 100|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>{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-02-13/vh1s-100-greatest-women-in-music-complete-list/ |title=VH1's 100 Greatest Women In Music |access-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303101656/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-02-13/vh1s-100-greatest-women-in-music-complete-list |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> In 2014, she was included in ''Billboard''{{'}}s list of the "31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop“.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Ramirez|first=Erika|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ladies-first-31-female-rappers-who-changed-hip-hop-5923011/|title=Ladies First: 31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop: Day 26: Lil' Kim|magazine=Billboard|date=March 26, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2014}}</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>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/06/lil-kim-honored-with-proclamation-to-new-york-city/|title=Lil Kim Honored With Proclamation To New York City|last=McKinney|first=Jessica|date=June 12, 2018|website=Vibe.com|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref> In 2019, Lil' Kim was honored by [[BET Hip Hop Awards]] with the I Am Hip Hop Award.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lil-kim-perform-bet-hip-hop-awards-896809/|title=Watch Lil' Kim's Career-Spanning Performance at BET Hip Hop Awards|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Lil' Kim discography}}{{See also|Junior M.A.F.I.A. discography}}

'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[Hard Core (Lil' Kim album)|Hard Core]]'' (1996)
* ''[[The Notorious K.I.M.]]'' (2000)
* ''[[La Bella Mafia]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Naked Truth (Lil' Kim album)|The Naked Truth]]'' (2005)
* ''[[9 (Lil' Kim album)|9]]'' (2019)

'''Collaboration albums'''
* ''[[Conspiracy (Junior M.A.F.I.A. album)|Conspiracy]]'' with Junior M.A.F.I.A. (1995)

== Tours ==
'''Headlining'''
* The Notorious K.I.M. Tour (2000)
* 2010 Tour (2010)
* [[Return of the Queen Tour]] (2012)

'''Joint tours'''
* No Way Out Tour (with Puff Daddy & The Family) (1997–1998)
* Winterbeatz Australia (with [[Fabolous]], [[Mario (American singer)|Mario]], [[50 Cent]] and [[G-Unit]]) (2011)
* [[Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour]]  (2016)<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/puff-daddy-announces-bad-boy-family-reunion-tour-news.21632.html |title=Puff Daddy Announces "Bad Boy Family Reunion" Tour |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |date=2015-03-11 |access-date=2017-11-03}}</ref>

==Filmography==
{{Main|Lil' Kim videography}}

=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1999
| ''[[She's All That]]''
| Alex
| 
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Longshot (film)|Longshot]]''
| Herself
| 
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Zoolander]]''
| Herself
| 
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Juwanna Mann]]''
| Tina Parker
| 
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2003
| ''[[Those Who Walk in Darkness]]''
| Soledad O'Roark
| 
|-
| ''[[Gang of Roses]]''
| Chastity
| 
|-
|rowspan="2"| 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">{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2021/10/14/lil-kim-manager-nick-cannon/amp/|title=Lil' Kim Is Now Managed by Nick Cannon|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=2021-12-27}}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|rowspan="2"| 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. (American TV series)|V.I.P.]]''
| Freedom Fighter
| Episode: "Mao Better Blues"
|-
|rowspan="3"| 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'"
|-
|rowspan="4"| 2001
| ''[[Making the Video]]''
| Herself
| Episode: "Lady Marmalade"
|-
| ''[[DAG (U.S. TV series)|DAG]]''
| Gina Marie
| Episode: "Guns and Roses"
|-
| ''[[Moesha]]''
| Diamond
| Episode: "Paying the Piper"
|-
| ''[[The Parkers]]''
| Herself
| Episode: "Take the Cookies and Run"
|-
|rowspan="3"| 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 (U.S. TV series)|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
|-
|rowspan="3"| 2007
| ''[[The Game (U.S. TV series)|The Game]]''
| Herself
| Episode: "Media Blitz"
|-
| ''[[Boulevard of Broken Dreams (TV series)|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
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2009
| ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''
| Herself
| Contestant: [[Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 8)|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"
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2014
| ''[[Celebrities Undercover]]''
| Jamilla (Herself)
| Episode: "Fantasia Barrino and Lil Kim"
|-
| ''[[David Tutera's CELEBrations]]'' <ref>{{cite press release|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/10/we-tv-announces-new-and-returning-series-including-match-made-in-heaven-mystery-millionaire-the-divide-and-charlie-sheens-bad-influence-pilot/252988/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413014947/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/10/we-tv-announces-new-and-returning-series-including-match-made-in-heaven-mystery-millionaire-the-divide-and-charlie-sheens-bad-influence-pilot/252988/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 13, 2014|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|title=WE tv Announces New and Returning Series Including 'Match Made in Heaven', 'Mystery Millionaire', 'The Divide' and 'Charlie Sheen's Bad Influence' Pilot|work=TV by the Numbers|date=April 10, 2014|access-date=April 10, 2014}}</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
|-
|rowspan="2"| 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 ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Artist
|-
| 1988
| "[[Teenage Love (song)|Teenage Love]]"
| [[Slick Rick]]
|-
| 1993
| "[[Party and Bullshit]]"
| [[The Notorious B.I.G.]]
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1996
| "Floatin' On Your Love"
| [[The Isley Brothers]] featuring [[Angela Winbush]]
|-
| "[[If Your Girl Only Knew]]"
|rowspan="2"| [[Aaliyah]]
|-
|rowspan="4"| 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]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|2000
| "[[It's So Hard (Big Punisher song)|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]]
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2002
| "[[Miss You (Aaliyah song)|Miss You]]"
| [[Aaliyah]]
|-
| "[[Go Head]]"
| [[Queen Latifah]]
|-
| 2003
| "[[These Days (Alien Ant Farm song)|These Days]]"
| [[Alien Ant Farm]]
|-
| 2005
| "Rumors"
| [[Maino (rapper)|Maino]]
|-
| 2012
| "Everywhere We Go"
| [[French Montana]] & [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]]
|-
| 2019
| "The Golden Child"
| [[Papoose (rapper)|Papoose]] & [[Remy Ma]] & Angelica Vila
|}

=== Video games ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Def Jam: Fight for NY]]''
| Herself (voice)
|}

=== Documentary ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Title
|-
| 2005
| ''[[There's a God on the Mic]]''
|-
| 2007
| ''Life After Death: The Movie&nbsp;– Ten Years Later''
|-
| 2017
| ''Can't Stop Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story''
|}

== See also ==
* [[Honorific nicknames in popular music]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one in the United States]]
* [[List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 2001]]
* [[Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 2001]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{cite book|last=Hope|first=Clover|author-link=Clover Hope|title=The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop|year=2021|publisher=Harry N. Abrams|isbn=978-1-4197-4296-5}}

== External links ==
* {{official website|lilkim.com}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Discogs artist}}

{{Lil' Kim}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Lil' Kim|Awards for Lil' Kim]]
|list =
{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}
{{MTV Video Music Award – Viewer's Choice}}
}}
{{Junior M.A.F.I.A.}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Lil' Kim| ]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American Christians]]
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[[Category:The Notorious B.I.G.]]
[[Category:20th-century American rappers]]
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[[Category:20th-century American women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American women rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]