Vogue: In “WAP,” Cardi B and Megan Take a Page from Lil’ Kim’s Playbook
If you haven’t yet steamed up your laptop watching Cardi B’s new music video for “WAP,” gird your loins and head on over to YouTube. The decidedly NSFW clip sees the star team up with Megan Thee Stallion for a celebration of female sexuality. Brash and brazen, the song doesn’t hold back. With cameos from Normani, Rosalia, Kylie Jenner, and the next generation of outré rappers—Mulatto, Rubi Rose, and Sukihana—the video is breaking the internet. While the debate over whether Jenner’s presence was necessary rages on, there’s more going on than special guest appearances. In their sultry coordinated outfits, Cardi and Megan channeled the hip hop’s original queen, Lil’ Kim.
Just as modern pop starlets all owe credit to Madonna, the female rap game wouldn’t be the same without Kim. As Cardi and Megan dance in custom bodysuits by Mugler designer Casey Cadwallader, their neon hair matching the color exactly, it calls to mind Kim’s monochromatic fashions in the iconic “Crush on You” video. Likewise, Cardi’s squat pose in a leopard print corset, also by Cadwallader, is reminiscent of Kim’s sultry promotional posters for Hardcore, a mainstay on the bedroom walls of millennials everywhere.
As an artist, Cardi B has always paid homage to her predecessors; she and stylist, Kollin Carter have referenced Kim’s oeuvre in the past. In the video for “Money,” Cardi’s Laurel DeWitt designed gold chain headdress and gilded bikini were directly inspired by what Kim wore onstage at 1997 MTV Music Video Awards. Similarly, the red fur and bob combo she sports in Pardison Fontaine’s “Backin’ It Up,” also draws from the Misa Hylton creations Kim wore in “Crush on You.” (Source: Vogue.com)
Posted on 09 Aug 2020 by LilKimZone
Blast From the Past - All of Kim's DWTS Looks
Posted on 02 Aug 2020 by LilKimZone
Mya Teases Lady Marmalade Reunion for 20th Anniversary
Mya have given us hope that the iconic Lady Marmalade clan will reunite for the song’s 20th anniversary in 2021 – but admits the possibility of a follow-up song would require ‘a lot of budget’.
It feels just like yesterday that we were with our friends pretending to be either Mya, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim or, even, Missy Elliott, while reenacting the ultra sassy Lady Marmalade music video.
The pop divas released an edgy remake of girl group Labelle’s hit song for the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack in 2001. It became an instant classic, won a Grammy and is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic collaborations of the century so far.
As the 20th anniversary approaches, Mya is nostalgic for the incredible pop culture moment and is pretty confident the group will get together to celebrate next year (pandemic-dependent, of course).
‘Next year’s the 20th anniversary so I hope we have a reunion together,’ Mya told Metro.co.uk exclusively. She added: ‘I’m sure we’ll get together and do something and I’m hoping it’ll be on stage or television, that’d be amazing.’ Anyone else thinking of the Grammys?
However, Mya’s less certain about the possibility of a 2021 version of the classic, or a follow-up, admitting: ‘I’m not sure how that would work to get four, well five because Missy Elliott was involved as well, that’s a lot of budget and we’re in different times and so are the labels.’ (Full article)
Posted on 26 Jul 2020 by LilKimZone
XXL Mag: Rappers Salute Kim in Their Lyrics
Way before Beyoncé, rap veteran Lil' Kim was the first to be crowned the Queen Bee. The Brooklyn, N.Y. rhymer, born Kimberly Denise Jones, changed the rap game with her stellar rap skills, seductive lyrics and glamorous persona in the 1990s.
In 1996, Kim released her debut project, Hard Core, which features her lyrical bravado and unapologetic sexuality. Buoyed by the Lil Cease-assisted single "Crush on You," the album went platinum and established Kim as the "Queen Bitch" of hip-hop.
Twenty-five years later, no rapper is more influential to the new female rhymers dominating the rap game. You can see a little of Lil' Kim's sexualized influence in rap elites like Foxy Brown, Nicki Minaj and Trina as well as newcomers like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Kash Doll, Cupcakke, Doja Cat and more.
Through the years, Kim has been saluted either musically or visually from her rap peers. Additionally, several rappers have shouted out her name in their lyrics. So XXL highlights rappers who have paid homage to Lil' Kim in their lyrics. Check it out.
