Lil' Kim's Profound Impact On Fashion Over The Years
The Zoe Report
When Lil’ Kim made her debut with the 1996 album Hard Core, she utterly and completely changed the rap game. A protege of Notorious B.I.G., and the sole female member of his hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil’ Kim, aka Kimberly Denise Jones, had a flow that was raw and gritty, with raunchy, sexually liberating lyrics that made critics clutch their pearls. Hard Core went on to become certified double platinum by the RIAA, cementing the then-22-year-old as a bona fide hip-hop god. But it wasn’t just Lil’ Kim’s lyrical prowess that set her apart from her contemporaries that came before her. Her sense of style also made her a trailblazer, solidifying her as a pop culture fashion icon.
While other women rappers like Queen Latifah, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Da Brat favored more androgynous clothing, like oversize T-shirts and baggy jeans, Lil’ Kim’s outfits were ultra-feminine, bold, risqué, and revealing — as provocative and outrageous as her songs. She wore teeny-tiny bikinis, see-through silhouettes, candy-colored wigs, and equally vibrant fur coats. She also helped popularize ’90s and noughties logomania, a trend in which designer branding is made overtly obvious on one’s clothing and accessories (the antithesis to “quiet luxury”). In Kim’s case, logomania also applied to hairstyles, as she famously wore wigs with Chanel’s double “C” logo and Versace’s Greek key motif. (The move made sense for someone who frequently name-dropped designers in her lyrics).
A History of Lil’ Kim and Marc Jacobs’s Friendship
W Magazine
When Lil’ Kim announced this week that the edits for her forthcoming memoir were complete, it was also revealed the foreword would be written by none other than Marc Jacobs, the trailblazing designer who counts Kim as his muse and confidant.
“Marc Jacobs is one of my very close friends,” the musician once told MTV TRL. “I hang out with him behind the scenes, at his house, in his office when he’s creating before a fashion show.” In a separate interview with Fat Joe, she proclaimed: “That man is the realest designer you’ll ever meet. Ain’t nothing phony about that man. I’ve met some designers that are super fake.”
Indeed, the two have long been bubbly with each other publicly and on social media—but their relationship goes all the way back to 2004, when they first met at Jacobs’s Spring 2005 show at New York Fashion Week. “Kim came backstage and I said, ‘I’m so thrilled to meet you, you’re the greatest, blah blah blah.’ And we kind of became friends from that point on,” Jacobs told i-D in 2006. Jacobs’s press team had invited the rapper to meet the designer because he would frequently listen to her music while designing in the studio. “Marc used to say he had to hear ‘How Many Licks’ before he picked a fabric,” Lil’ Kim added.
According to Lil Kim, her long awaited memoir, The Queen Bee, is almost done! She took to Twitter to make the announcement.
"It’s been a long journey beehive, edits are finally done. Thank you to my bestie/soulmate @themarcjacobs for doing my forward."
Kim's co-writer, Kathy Iandoli, added on the same platform, “My first big writing check I ever earned, I used to buy my first Marc Jacobs bag because Lil’ Kim was his BFF, so I needed to have one. Now I’m here working with Marc Jacobs on the foreword to Lil’ Kim’s memoir that I helped her write. Don’t ever deny the power of manifesting.”
According to Amazon, the book is currently scheduled to be released on September 23, 2025. Hopefully an earlier release date will be announced soon seeing as how the book is now in the editing process.
07.31.23
Kim Shares Pictures From New Project + Kim & Drake
Lil Kim shared a few pictures from a new project on her social media profiles.
"Sneak preview of new project shot a few weeks ago…coming soon 🤫 Great minds think alike my boo @Beyonce"
Coi Leray Wants Female Rappers to Unite on Remix of Lil Kim Classic
Coi Leray wants to make history by gathering as many female rappers as she can for a 2023 version of Lil Kim‘s 1997 classic, “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix).”
In a series of tweets on Tuesday night (June 13), the New Jersey star pointed to the recent news that there has not been a rap song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023 – and shared her plans to change that.
“Ain’t been a number one rap song at all this year,” she wrote. “Calling all the female rappers to front. Hear me out. Ladies night. Hip-hop. Unity.”
When a fan responded that the abundance of current female rappers would call for up to part 30 of the song to include them all, Coi Leary had an idea. “Some of us can share verses. Split it up. Back and forth. Ad-libs,” she said.
This isn’t the first time Coi Leray has paid homage to Lil Kim as of late. Last month, the “Players” rapper shared the cover art to her forthcoming sophomore effortCOI (due out June 23), where she channels Kim’s iconic squat pose from her Hard Core poster. (hiphopdx.com)
06.14.23
Hip-Hop 50 Live
Numerous legends will come together for one night to celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary in the genre's birthplace.
On Monday, June 5, Live Nation, Hip Hop 50, Mass Appeal and the New York Yankees announced the plans for its collaborative event "Hip Hop 50 - A Star-Studded Concert" happening on August 11 at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx. The epic show will feature Run-D.M.C.'s "Bottom of the Ninth ... The Walk Off" performance along with appearances from other icons like Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Common, Fat Joe, Slick Rick and more. A special "Queens of Hip-Hop" set will feature Lil' Kim, Eve, Trina, Remy Ma and more.
Doors at the stadium will open at 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices will begin as low as $50. Pre-sales will begin on June 8 at 10 a.m. with general admission sales beginning on June 9 at 10 a.m. (Credit: power1051.)
Lil Kim made sure to give Janet Jackson all her flowers and then some when she filled in for Ludacris on one of the legendary singer’s recent Together Again tour stops.
The Queen Bee performed at the Allentown, Pennsylvania stop on Thursday (May 18) – where she paid homage to Michael Jackson during her set. Afterward, Kim joined Janet backstage where she was moved to tears as she excitedly expressed her love for the “Rhythm Nation” star.
“She needs to know this,” Lil Kim began. “First of all, I have to start from the beginning. Michael was my favorite, my number one. And then when Janet came, I said, ‘Oh hell no? You mean to tell me there’s a girl Michael?!'”
She continued: “When I tell you I was just in love from the moment I saw her. I always felt like we looked alike. I always felt we have the same energy. She just gets it. Superstar, talented, just everything! Beauty. And she always represented. And I’ma tell y’all right now — she is so pulled up, so graceful. But you know she can [fight]. That’s her secret. Don’t tell nobody! She be getting with it. She is with it. So I love it.
“She represented me, a hood girl! I’m from the hood. I knew I could rap, but I was like, I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to be the normal rapper. I love MC Lyte, I love Salt-N-Pepa, I love Queen Latifah – but I was like, ‘I want to do something different! I want to be a rap Janet Jackson.’ (hiphopdx.com)
The Queen Bee graces this months XXL's Legends Cover, a digital series celebrating Hip Hop's most impactful artists.
Change The Game
Believe it or not, Lil’ Kim is shy. She doesn’t like to talk about her accomplishments. She has no desire to brag even though there’s a lot she could brag about. So, on this late April afternoon at a photo studio in lower Manhattan, Kim doesn’t know what to say during an interview, despite being one of the most famous rappers of all time. Kimberly “Lil’ Kim” Jones is a trendsetter. An influencer. A force. A queen. An icon. And she’s been doing it for almost three decades.
The Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn native first came onto the hip-hop scene as the lone female member of The Notorious B.I.G.’s rap crew Junior M.A.F.I.A. The group’s album Conspiracy dropped in 1994, and featured the hit singles “Players Anthem,” “Get Money” and “I Need You Tonight,” all of which prominently showcased Kim’s lyrical talent. With increasing popularity and the guidance of Biggie and Puff Daddy, Kim put out her two-times platinum debut album, Hard Core, in 1996, led by the smash hits “Crush On You,” “No Time” and “Not Tonight (Ladies Night).” The success of Hard Core etched Kim’s name into hip-hop history.
Over the next almost three decades, Lil’ Kim put out four more albums (The Notorious K.I.M., La Bella Mafia, The Naked Truth and 9), several mixtapes and hit songs (“Lighters Up,” “The Jump-Off,” “Whoa”) and collaborated with some of the most prominent artists in music including Christiana Aguilera, Pink, Mary J. Blige, Phil Collins, Missy Elliott and many more. Kim’s bold attitude and brazen lyrics helped the hip-hop queen kick in the door for all the lady MCs who have followed in her path. Her accomplishments and continued dedication to hip-hop as a leader and supporter of new talent has kept Kim, 48, in the forefront of the culture. In honor of 50 years of hip-hop and her almost 30 years in the game, Kim sat with XXL to talk a bit about her journey.
"We're thrilled to be working with legendary artist Lil' Kim and her female entrepreneur partners on launching Aphrodisiak at Planet 13," said David Farris, Planet 13 VP of Sales & Marketing.
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Bonus: Lil' Kim shared pictures from her visit to Spotify on her Instagram page.
05.05.23
Lil Kim Meet and Greet
Meet Lil' Kim at the exclusive launch of her brand Aphrodisiak at Planet 13 in Las Vegas on May 5 - 4PM to 6PM.
"We're thrilled to be working with legendary artist Lil' Kim and her female entrepreneur partners on launching Aphrodisiak at Planet 13," said David Farris, Planet 13 VP of Sales & Marketing.
05.02.23
Lil Kim Joins Janet Jackson's Together Again Tour on May 18
The Queen Bee will be a special guest on the May 18 date of the Together Again Tour in Allentown, PA.
Swizz Beatz Hints At Possible Lil Kim & Nicki Minaj Verzuz
Swizz Beatz is leaving hope alive for a possible Verzuz battle between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj.
The Verzuz co-founder appeared on The Breakfast Club for an interview on Wednesday morning (April 26), where co-host DJ Envy asked if the idea of a battle between the two former enemies was still on the table – and while he didn’t confirm, he also didn’t deny.
“I can’t say, I can’t say,” Swizz said.
When Envy clarified, “So there’s still a possibility?” Swizz kept the same energy. “Yeah, I can’t say. I can’t say. But just know if you’re going to wait this long for Verzuz – if we gone have you wait this long – it’s definitely going to be worth it.”
04.27.23
Audible Announces New Programming Celebrating Lil Kim
Beginning this June, Audible will spearhead its extensive rollout in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with a slate of new programming, including big names such as Snoop Dogg, Lil Kim, Yasiin Bey, DJ Drama and more.
“Hip-hop has made an indelible mark on music and culture since its inception — running the gamut from the emergence of DJs to innovation and creative artistry in sampling, dance styles, fashion, audio technology and so much more,” Rachel Ghiazza, Audible evp and head of U.S. content, tells Billboard. “Audible is proud to celebrate such incredible cultural influence with this lineup of new originals that both elevate and commemorate the 50-year history of this iconic genre.”
....Then, Lil Kim’s Audible Original — which is currently untitled — will arrive in August. It will break down the rapper’s long-lasting legacy, most notably the success of her 1996 album, Hardcore. (Billboard)
04.21.23
Lil’ Kim Has Cleared Her IRS Tax Debt
Decades after Lil’ Kim‘s reported IRS issues, it seems she has settled, according to documents from Radar Online.
As HipHopDX notes the exact details or date of the money being released weren’t revealed, they did state that $1.38 million of tax debt came from Lil’ Kim — which had been building up since 2003 through various incidents.
In December of 2014, the IRS filed a lien against her for $127,000 since she hadn’t paid taxes since 2010. A few years later, in 2018, the rapper reportedly filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which allows people to catch up on their debts.
For exact numbers, Lil’ Kim had $2,573,300 in assets (which included a Bentley and a Mercedes, jewelry, furniture, electronics, clothing, and her three entertainment companies.) She owed about $4 million in liabilities. Her back taxes totaled $1.8 million, per the publication. She originally tried to pay back $5,500 every month and almost sold her home, but that request was denied.
By the summer of 2019, Lil’ Kim’s bankruptcy case was granted to be dismissed. “I remain committed to saving my home and reorganizing my debts,” she wrote in the filing.
Now, she is completely cleared of all past debts and able to keep moving forward. (uproxx.com)
04.17.23
Lil’ Kim Stuns in Essence Shoot Outtake from 2000
04.17.23
Spotify : Feelin' Myself Fashion Show
Lil' Kim was honored with the Hip Hop Fashion Icon Award at Spotify's Feelin Myself Fashion Show.
"We'd love to present to you a token of our love and appreciation for everything you've brought and continue to bring to the world. You are the blueprint. You're an icon of Hip Hop."
The Queen Bee is scheduled to perform at the Joy Denalane & Max Herre Soundsystem Show in Munich on May 13, 2023.
Other performers include Mobb Deeep and Product G&B.
Lil’ Kim and MC Lyte spoke to the importance of “sisterhood” during the kick-off of Mastercard’s “She Run This” event over Grammy weekend in celebration of Black entrepreneurship in business and hip-hop.
“I never knew what it felt like to be unprotected around my sisters. Especially in a male-dominated [industry]. It was hard, but when I was in the comfort of my sisters, I was at my peak. I felt the most powerful.”
“We did everything together,” Kim said of forging a solid sisterhood with MC Lyte, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Da Brat, Queen Latifah and stylist Misa Hilton early in their careers.
“Sisterhood and having your sister’s back is important, and Kim always had my back,” said Hilton. “A lot of things started to happen quickly [in her career], so all of a sudden people may try to come between us. People [would] want Kim to do a certain fashion magazine and they’d say, ‘We want to use this stylist,’ but what did she say? ‘Misa has to be there.’ Sticking together and not being afraid to stick up for yourself, not feeling like you’re going to miss out on an opportunity and realizing the power in your voice [is important].
The Queen Bee was spotted attending a Grammys after-party in Beverly Hills on February 6, 2023.
02.07.23
Lil' Kim Attends ROC Nation's Pre-Grammy Party
Instagram Clips: Lil' Kim spotted interacting with Beyonce - Click Here to view clip.
02.04.23
(updated) Lil Kim Attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards Weekend
Lil Wayne was honored with the Global Impact Award at Black Music Collective Party at The Hollywood Palladium.
02.03.23
Additional Pictures from Lil Kim with Friends at The Apollo Theater
02.03.23
Lil Kim with Friends at The Apollo Theater
Ashanti, Sisqo, Lola Brooke, Remy Ma, Havoc, Fivio, Mr Cheecks, Fat Joe, King Combs & Lil Cease joined Lil Kim on stage at The Apollo Theater in NYC on Jan 26.
Billboard and Vibe List the 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time
#31
Lil Kim’s raunchy, vicious rhymes turned hip-hop upside down. Under the tutelage of the late Notorious B.I.G., Queen Bee debuted as a member of
Junior M.A.F.I.A., becoming an icon following her titillating 1996 solo debut album Hard Core. Certified double-platinum, the album spun off three consecutive
No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart — “No Time,” “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” and “Crush on You” — making her the first female rapper to do so. Her
unapologetic tone shattered barriers for women in hip-hop, allowing them to be more sexually expressive and liberated. While Kim’s movie idol looks and provocative
fashion sense commanded eyes, her gruff delivery and punchy rhymes brought fear and respect from rival MCs, as evidenced by her searing features on Bad Boy
classics like The LOX’s “Money, Power & Respect” and Diddy’s “It’s All About the Benjamins.”
Lil Kim To Headline Apollo Theater For Harlem Festival Culture Concert>
The Jump Off With Lil Kim And Friends is billed for January 26
“It’s going to be a night to remember to help kick off the Harlem Festival of Culture’s road to the festival with some of my special friends,” Lil’ Kim said in a statement. “Apollo was like my backyard; I played there so much and every time it was always love. The crowd is always amazing!”
Lovers & Friends Festival in Vegas Saturday, May 6, 2023
Performances by Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Summer Walker, Eve, TI, Da Brat, Omarion, Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Remy Ma, and many more.
Click Here to register now for presale tickets, available on Friday, January 20th at 10AM at loversandfriendsfest.com.
Jade Thirlwall of the British girl group Little Mix recreated Lil' Kim's iconic VMAs look for her early birthday photos.
Along with photos, she told her ten million Instagram followers:
"It’s that time of year where I force my friends to do fancy dress to celebrate my (early)
birthday in the hopes of overshadowing Santa 😂 honouring an icon…I’m the L-I-L to the K-I-M. Disagree? Well that’s you and I’m sorry 🎶"
12.18.22
Soho House Interview
The hip-hop legend speaks exclusively to Soho House about the tracks, albums and songs that have come to define her life
Legend status? Lil’ Kim has it. Not only is the 48-year-old hip-hop superstar – who was described by the late André Leon Talley as ‘the Black Madonna’ – a Grammy Award winner, but she’s also sold tens of millions of albums worldwide and has now signed as the face of Canadian outerwear brand Mackage.
We spoke to the so-called Queen of Rap (step back, Cardi B) to learn about all the albums, musicians, artists and songs that have helped build her into the musical icon she is today.
Can you please plot the exact moment when you first discovered your love for music?
‘Growing up I’d always attend block parties and I loved how music brought everyone together. I would grab the mic and play around with the DJ set, and lyrics would just flow from my heart. That’s when I fell in love with rapping.’
Were your parents into music?
‘I always listened to music with them as a child. My mom would have the radio on in the car all the time. I remember her telling me she wished I’d memorise my schoolwork the way I would memorise songs.’
Do you ever listen back to your own music? If so, which track means the most to you and why?
‘The track that means the most to me is “Hold On”; I felt that Biggie was with me as I was writing that song. It was written to inspire and uplift women.’
Who are your key musical inspirations?
‘Salt-N-Pepa, Janet Jackson, Slick Rick, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and so many more.’
Who are you listening to a lot right now? What’s top of your most-played list?
‘I can’t get over how good Beyoncé’s latest album is.’
Name the artist you’re most excited about and explain why.
‘I’m really excited to see what my girl Cardi B does next.’
If you had to pick a soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
‘“Essence” by Wizkid.
10.14.22
(UPDATED) Lil' Kim Stars in Mackage's New AD Campaign
The Canadian outwear brand just released its newest campaign for the season with Lil' Kim as the frontwoman. The rapper wears the brand's new monogram collection in the sleek black-and-white shots with her hair slicked back away from her face.
"Lil' Kim being a strong, independent woman who embraces bodycon fashion and is not afraid to stand out was the parallel we needed to introduce Mackage's first ever monogram collection," said Mackage CEO Tanya Golesic in a press release. "Her iconic looks have influenced so many throughout the 90's and continues to do so today."
Lil' Kim was excited to work with Mackage on this new launch, saying in a press release that she likes to do the unexpected — like working with this brand — but that she's really just a fan of Mackage's clothes.
"I already had a genuine relationship with Mackage," she said in a press release "I love their incredible leathers and puffers. When the team reached out to me to collaborate on launching their first monogram, it just felt true to me. They knew and understood the history of my style and most iconic looks and built campaign looks around that."
The brand, which was founded in the 1990s but rose to prominence in the early 2000s, threw it back to its origin story in bringing in Lil' Kim, who also launched her career in the 1990s. The rapper has never shied away from a bold look, and Mackage's new monogram line is certainly bold — making it a perfect match.
"It feels right you know; this brand is growing so quickly now but it had to come up year by year building its credibility because people genuinely loved the crazy quality, style, and dramatic fit. It's the real deal, and so am I," Lil' Kim shared in the press release.
The show will air Tuesday, October 4, at 9 p.m. EST on BET.
10.01.22
Lil’ Kim At The Atlanta R&B Music Experience
10.01.22
Lil' Kim to Perform at the 2022 BET HIP HOP Awards
The 30-year anniversary of Steve Rifkind's Loud Records will be celebrated at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards. David Banner, Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep with Lil Kim, dead prez, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Three Six Mafia, Lil Flip, and M.O.P. will commemorate the legendary label with performances.
Loud Records initially launched in 1991, and played a key role in the careers of acts like Big Pun, Wu-Tang Clan, dead prez, The Alkaholiks, M.O.P., and more.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards will be taped from Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, September 30. The show will air Tuesday, October 4, at 9 p.m. EST on BET.
09.27.22
Lil' Kim in the Studio with Cardi B, ASAP Ferg, and Swizz Beats
Lil' Kim has responded to the backlash she received after people speculated she was dissing Nicki Minaj's son on Megan Thee Stallion's "Plan B (Remix)."
"I never said a word about anyone's child," Kim wrote in her Instagram Story. "Please feel free to listen to the song where we were clearly talking about an EX. To try and twist my words to have an excuse to take digs at my child is disgusting. I'm one of the most disrespected legends in the game but what you will not do is come for my child."
09.09.22
Megan Thee Stallion x Lil' Kim
Tune in to Funkmaster Flex' Hot97 Show on Thursday at 7pm to hear the premiere of Megan Thee Stallion and Lil' Kim's new single.
09.07.22
Lil' Kim's VMA Pasty Legacy Lives On
It was back in 1999 when Lil Kim made waves at that year’s MTV Video and Music Awards by stepping out
in a one-shoulder lavender jumpsuit and matching clamshell-shaped nipple pasty. Twenty-three years later,
the look remains fresh on the minds of fellow VMA attendees looking to turn heads.
It took just about 15 minutes into the arrivals to Sunday night’s ceremony at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
for two to give the icon her sartorial due.
First up, Anitta, Brazil's biggest POP star, hit the red carpet in a blood-red ensemble that came courtesy of Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry.
Then came Victoria De Angelis, bassist of the Italian rock group Måneskin. The 22-year-old has never shied from #freeingthenipple, and we have Gucci’s
Alessandro Michele to thank for this latest example. (Credit: todayschronic)
[click to enlarge]
08.29.22
Biggie's Mural Defaced In Brooklyn
A mural of The Notorious B.I.G. was defaced on Thursday night (Aug. 25) in the late rap icon’s hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. The black-and-white mural, which is located at the intersection of Saint James Place and Fulton Street, was splattered with red paint, reports News 12 Brooklyn. The culprit also spray-painted the words “East Coast” on the mural.
News of the crime left local residents in shock, with many voicing their disappointment that such an act could be committed in the very neighborhood the rapper helped put on the map during his successful, yet brief career.
“This is his stomping ground and everything,” local resident Johnny Famous told the local news outlet. “Biggie means a lot to the whole world. So for someone to do this, it’s ridiculous. You gotta be sick in the head, and I know it’s a million cameras out here so somebody saw something.”
08.26.22
Lil' Kim and Megan Thee Stallion Link Arms
Could a collaboration between the Queen Bee and Megan Thee Stallion be on the horizon?
The single pays homage to King Comb’s dad, Sean P. Diddy Combs. “Can’t stop won’t stop” was a phrase often used by Bad Boy mogul and was a song with Diddy and The Lox. Hot New Hip Hop points out that the title is also the exact title of a Diddy documentary about how he became a success in the music industry.
Revolt notes Rippa On The Beat produced the single. The song is a Lil Kim and Lil Cease sample from their classic hit, “Crush On You,” which was originally a sample from The Jeff Lorber Fusion’s 70s hit “Rain Dance.”
The video takes viewers on a ride to nostalgia. In King Comb’s version, he recreated a similar setup from the Queen Bee’s video. Kodak and Combs rocked matching outfits in some scenes, and they turn up at a party. (hot97)
The Diddy tribute featured a medley of hits that included Jodeci’s “Come and Talk to Me,” Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down,” Puff Daddy’s “Victory,” Shyne’s “Bad Boyz,” Puff Daddy’s “It’s All About the Benjamins,” and “I Need a Girl (Part Two),” Busta Rhymes’ “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II,” and Puff Daddy and Faith Evans’ “I’ll Be Missing You.”
06.27.22
Lil’ Kim And More To Take The Stage For Diddy Tribute At The 2022 BET Awards
Sean Combs, Puff Daddy, Diddy, Love (or whatever other aliases you have for him) will be receiving his biggest bouquet of flowers this weekend at the 2022 BET Awards.
BET announced the star-studded lineup set to take the stage alongside Diddy for a tribute performance as he receives the honor of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. The artists include Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Nas, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, The Lox, Bryson Tiller, Faith Evans, and The Maverick City Choir. The ensemble of musical acts will speak to Diddy’s decades of musical legacy as both producer and artist.
Tune in Sunday (June 26) for the 2022 BET Awards premiering at 8 p.m. ET on BET, live from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. (Vibe.com)
At the 50th birthday bash for the late Biggie Smalls Friday, the Queen Bee exclusively revealed to The Post that her life story will soon be told on the silver screen for music lovers around the world.
Beaming in fitted emerald-green couture, Kim, 47, confirmed her forthcoming biographical flick on the red carpet of the fete, which she hosted at Guastavino’s on 59th Street in honor of Biggie, nèe Christopher Wallace — who was gunned down during a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at age 24. He would have been 50 on May 21.
“Absolutely,” said Kim when asked by The Post if fans could expect a film detailing her transformation from a coy Macy’s clerk to renowned Grammy-winning virtuoso.
And while speaking to The Post, Kim noted that the film will closely trail the release of her upcoming memoir.
In the book, Kim will unveil the intimate details of her undying love for Biggie, with whom, despite his being married to singer Faith Evans, 48, at the time of his death, she shared a passionate relationship.
“Oh my God,” said Kim of her forthcoming tell-all. “Everyone’s gonna know things that they’ve never known.”
05.22.22
People Magazine Interview
Lil' Kim Thinks the Notorious B.I.G. Would Still Be 'Funny, Fun, Handsome' at Age 50: 'He's the King'
"It's always important to honor the king," Lil' Kim tells PEOPLE at her 2nd annual B.I.G. Dinner Gala in New York City, honoring the Notorious B.I.G. on what would have been his 50th birthday
The Notorious B.I.G.'s legacy lives on more than 25 years after his death.
Friends and family of the late rap legend honored his memory Friday, ahead of what would have been his 50th birthday, at the 2nd Annual B.I.G. Dinner Gala at Guastavino's in New York City.
The event was hosted by Lil' Kim, who told PEOPLE she thinks her Junior M.A.F.I.A. collaborator would still be "funny, fun, handsome, fly crazy" at age 50.
"It's always important to honor the king. He's the king. The king lives on," Kim, 47, added. "He's just an amazing person, amazing artist ... his legacy. It's just great. Like, I mean, look at the catalog. Look at everything that he's accomplished, even at such a young age."
Biggie's son C.J. Wallace, who was also among those in attendance, said that "it speaks volumes" to see all the people who turned out to keep his father's legacy alive.
05.22.22
Lil' Kim Hosts The Notorious B.I.G. 50th Birthday Dinner Gala
Lil' Kim hosted the 2nd Annual Biggie Dinner Gala for the Notorious B.I.G's 50th birthday at Guastavino's in NYC on May 20.
On Saturday (his actual birthday), Manhattan’s Empire State Building will be illuminated in red and white, with a crown spinning atop to signify the slain rapper’s
still-status as the King of New York. Elsewhere, in his own borough of Brooklyn, the Barclay’s Center will display a montage of classic videos from the rapper’s
iconic cannon of artistry.
Lil' Kim Hosting Notorious B.I.G. 50th Birthday Dinner Gala
New York City is going big this year for The Notorious B.I.G.’s 50th birthday celebration with Empire State Building lighting, Lincoln Center tribute and now a star-studded Dinner Gala, hosted by Lil Kim.
The star-studded event takes place today (Fri, May 20th) at Guastavino’s and features a once-in-a-lifetime lineup of industry titans and family members of the late rapper. Legendary performers include Fabolous, Fat Joe, Lil’ Cease Junior M.A.F.I.A, CJ Wallace, Dave East, Jada Kiss, Faith Evans, 112, Bone Thugs, French Montana, Beanie Siegel, Freeway, and more. The tribute of performances features an epic playlist of his greatest hits.
The 2nd Annual B.I.G. Dinner Gala is presented by Lexus and Pepsi.
The black-tie gala and concert will bring together some of the biggest names in hip hop to honor beloved rapper Biggie Smalls with a pre-filmed celebrity procession of Lexus LX SUVs across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The event is powered by Culture Creative, the black-owned Emmy Award-winning agency established to connect brands with emerging cultural marketing places through new and innovative ways of authentic storytelling. Fans can tune into the live stream at 10:30 pm EST on Biggie Smalls and Lil’ Kim’s official Instagram pages. After the event, the video footage will be on YouTube.
Widely considered the greatest rapper of all time, Biggie’s contribution reverberates through hip hop-inspiring countless generations. His prolific legacy is emblazed in pop culture history. (themusicuniverse)
05.20.22
Grammy.com : 5 Women Essential To Rap
5 Women Essential To Rap: Cardi B, Lil' Kim, MC Lyte, Sylvia Robinson & Tierra Whack
In honor of Women’s History Month, GRAMMY.com highlights some of the culture-shifting women who have changed the course of rap, spotlighting one artist who is moving the genre forward
Women have always been essential to rap and, today, they’re getting their deserved recognition more than ever before. Female rappers have continuously contributed to rap's sound, fashion, commercial success not just compared to their male counterparts, but across the genre — increasing its global impact.
The lyrical prowess of early pioneers such as MC Sha-Rock and MC Lyte demanded respect in a male-dominated industry, while rappers such as Queen Latifah, Monie Love and Yo-Yo advanced conscious hip-hop and confronted misogyny. Salt-N-Pepa owned their sex appeal, while Lil’ Kim introduced a feminine perspective to a sex-positive narrative that had previously been controlled by men.
Lil’ Kim: The "Queen of Rap" who reinvented hip-hop fashion>
Salt-N-Pepa introduced feminist sex appeal to hip-hop, but Lil’ Kim took it a step further. The Brooklyn native burst onto the rap scene in 1996 with her solo debut album Hard Core, quickly gaining attention with her raunchy lyrics and feminine style. Prior to Kim, rappers like Queen Latifah and MC Lyte had gained entry to the male-dominated hip-hop space with masculine swagger and fashion. Choosing instead to steal the spotlight with jaw-dropping and sexy styles, Kim created a new avenue for women rappers — owning their sexuality — which is still mimicked today.
"[Lil' Kim] was the first time for me that I saw that much sexiness in female hip-hop," Trina, whose own explicit lyrics catapulted her to success in the late '90s and early 2000s, recounted in "The Real Queens of Hip-Hop," TV special. "She created and started that."
Kim also pushed the boundaries for female rap music success. Her debut album Hard Core debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, the highest-ranking debut for a woman MC at the time. Kim was also the first female rapper to have three consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart; her GRAMMY-winning collaboration with Christina Aguilera, P!nk and Mýa, "Lady Marmalade," was the best-selling single of 2001.
Lil' Kim attended a star-studded Billboard Music Awards after party at Tao's in Las Vegas.
The celebs in the pictures include Diddy, Christian Combs, Kimbella, Misa Hylton, Maxwell, Mary J Blige, and Janelle Monáe.
05.18.22
Ray J Joins Lil Kim on Stage at Lovers & Friends Festival
Lil' Kim brought out Ray J to perform their single Wait a Minute at the Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas on May 14th.
Checkout a clip of the performance, here..
Ja Rule forged successful partnerships with the likes of Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Milian during his early 2000s heyday, but it was another female artist he was mesmerized with during his appearance on The Breakfast Club on Monday (May 9).
After arguing female rappers don’t get enough love when it comes to conversations about who belongs on Hip Hop’s Mount Rushmore, the Queens, New York native gave Lil Kim her flowers for setting the blueprint that many of today’s biggest stars — including Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion — have followed.
“Let’s talk about Lil Kim,” Ja said. “When you look at the Cardis and the Nickis and the Megans — every female. And then go listen to the Hard Core album. I understand why she’s so revered like that. That album is crazy. And she’s spitting on that album. She’s going on that album! So I get it when these females are like, ‘Yo, Kim was it for me.’ I get it now.”
(hiphopdx.com)
05.10.22
Lil' Kim Attends Release Party for Yume's Debut Single
Lil' Kim attented the release party for Yume's debut single, Do It Better, at Catch Steak in New York City. According to FashionBombDaily, Kim wore the following
accessories: $855 Gucci sunglasses, $1,655 Amina Muaddi boots, a $2,195 Dolce & Gabbana camouflage bag, and a matching $925 Dolce & Gabbana camouflage belt.
04.29.22
The Lil Kim Supreme Tee
Supreme just unveiled its new tees for Spring 2022, but there’s only one that really matters. That would be the Lil Kim Tee that features the Queen Bee’s iconic photo of her popping a squat.
The image features Kim in a squat post while rocking a leopard-print bikini, and was shot by Michael Lavine.
The Notorious B.I.G. actually picked out the famed photo, which was part of the promo campaign for her debut album, Hard Core. But it wasn’t all good, at first.
“So many women were hating on me — I was surprised… because it wasn’t tasteless. It was classy, it was cute,” she told Talib Kweli when she was a guest on his The People’s Podcast several years ago.
Nevertheless, it’s not hyperbole to call the image, which has often been imitated through the years, as iconic. Supreme knows the vibes, slapping it on a tee along with the words “Hot Damn Ho Here We Go Again” in script on the back. That line is from Kim’s verse on Mobb Deep’s “Quiet Storm (Remix),” which is itself a nod to MC Lyte’s “10% Dis.”
Expect this tee to sell out immediately when it drops on Thursday, April 14 at 11 am. Good hunting (cassiuslife.com).
More pictures from the Lil Kim x Supreme Collection
04.13.22
(updated) Lil Kim Perfoms at April Fools Comedy Jam in Brooklyn
Hip hop fans in New York City have one more date to look forward to this summer. Rapper and NCIS: Los Angeles actor LL Cool J recently announced the lineup for his hip-hop festival Rock the Bells, which will take place at the Forest Hill Stadium in Queens on August 6.
Iconic West Coast rapper Ice Cube will take to the stage, and the festival will include performances by Fat Joe and Remy Ma, Jadakiss, Trina, Lil' Kim, and Rick Ross among others. More artists will be announced in the next few weeks.
A New Yorker himself, LL Cool J is proud of launching such a hip-hop heavy event. "This festival is my way of showing love to the community of hip-hop and celebrating the incredible journey this culture has taken," said LL Cool J, as Complex reports. "Getting to bring some of the most iconic and influential hip-hop artists to the same stage, in my hometown and the city that started it all, is an honor and I can't wait for everyone to see what we have in store for them."
Registration for pre-sale is already open and available here. To purchase general admission tickets, you can head over to the festival's website starting Friday, April 8 at 10 am.
04.06.22
Lil’ Kim, Jessie J headlining WeHo’s first Pride
West Hollywood’s first Pride celebration since the city parted ways with L.A. Pride will feature Lil’ Kim, Jessie J, Marina and a slew of other popular musical acts performing at West Hollywood Park from Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5.
After years of being hosted in WeHo, L.A. Pride will now be held in Hollywood. Christina Aguilera is set to headline.
A limited number of early bird-priced tickets are available now until April 3 for $89. Tickets and more information regarding the festival, including single-day pass availability, can be found here.
Friday, June 3
Marina, Lil’ Kim, Slayyyter, Shea Diamond, CupcakKe, Ylona Garcia,, Gina Chavez,Cassidy King, Mari, Mila Jam, Kornbread Jete.
The release of Lil Kim's highly anticipated memoir, The Queen Bee, has once again been pushed back and is now scheduled to be released March 19, 2024.
No further details have been provided.
03.14.22
Nicki Minaj Comments on Lil' Kim
Nicki Minaj says she and Lil Kim both should have had American Vogue covers already. Click Here to watch clip.
“The same way I feel I should have already been on the cover of American Vogue, so should have Lil’ Kim. If we being all the way a thousand. If this is what your magazine represents, influence…” She added, “Because when myself or Lil Kim goes on the internet, every day we see our influence. We will see our influence. So, I’m not gonna say it’s about me only and not give that woman her dues.”
Nicki Minaj & Joe Budden Discuss Doing A Possible Verzuz w/ Lil’ Kim. Click Here to watch clip.
The rapper’s comments came during her wide-ranging, nearly two-hour-long conversation with Joe Budden on the former Slaughterhouse member’s YouTube channel.
“I saw you say that you would do a Verzuz with one or two people,” the host began as Minaj looked on. “We all got to guessing. I already know [who] one of those people would and should be. My guess would be [Lil] Kim.”
“I haven’t said anyone’s name,” Minaj replied with a coy grin before reiterating, “I’m not saying anybody’s name.”
03.14.22
Azealia Banks Reveals Lil Kim Collaboration
Azealia Banks recently posted about an upcoming collaboration with Lil Kim on her Instagram:
"Lmao ya'll know how much I adore Lil Kim and my Shlomo obessesion.
I am not ashamed of crying. I'm probably going to cry again when the song is finished. Because this is too important and epic"
02.24.22
Lil Kim Parties in Miami
Kim enjoyed herself at the Hardrock Guitar Hotel in Miami with Jason Lee, Tommie Lee, The Game, Bobby Lytes and more.
02.24.22
Glitter Bodysuit Pictures
02.24.22
Savage Fenty X Lil Kim
02.15.22
(UPDATED!) Lil Kim in Los Angeles During Super Bowl Weekend
02.14.22
Aphrodisiak Available in April
Legendary artist and fashion trailblazer Lil’ Kim gave Leafly a special Valentine’s Day scoop on her designer line of strains, Aphrodisiak. The highly-anticipated brand will be available to California shoppers in April, with plans to expand in markets like Michigan, New Jersey, and Kim’s native New York shortly after.
All of the brand’s products have been hand-selected and developed over two years with Kim’s input to ensure they inspire the same raw passion and stimulation fans have come to expect over her 25-plus years of stardom. “I test my product. I tested this and I was like ‘Oh yeah, this is that gas,'” Kim said last year when the brand was announced. Her and her team remain hands on with the day-to-day development of the line of products, placing quality control above all.
Lil' Kim Jokes It Was '30 Minutes from Showtime' When Her Iconic VMAs Wig 'Came Out Lavender'
Kimberly Denise Jones, a.k.a. Lil Kim, is often credited as one of the most iconic rappers of all time after she single-handedly broke the glass ceiling for a new style of women in the hip-hop industry.
In season two of American Gangster: Trap Queens on BET+, Lil' Kim tells the stories of women who worked tirelessly to overcome their life's struggles — much like the star. Abandoned by her father at just 13 years old, Lil' Kim, 46, tells PEOPLE how she powered through a difficult childhood as well as mentally and physically abusive relationships to become the trailblazer she is today. The hitmaker also opens up about her longtime love and collaborator, the late Biggie Smalls, and tells PEOPLE the hilarious story behind the unforgettable lavender outfit she wore to the MTV Video Music Awards.
"A lot of these girls' stories are so similar to mine," she tells PEOPLE. "I wanted to come home and my dad was like, 'Oh no, you ran away? Stay your ass in the street.' I was doing some of those same things at a very young age. My life was that way anyway, so I was having fun, but it was dangerous."
