The Queen Bee, Lil’ Kim | Women’s History Month

Written by: Alexandra Paul

Graphics by: Anytza Delgado

We have all hit the iconic Lil’ Kim move at least once in our life at some family function. The Brooklyn-born rapper, actress, and fashion icon known as Lil’ Kim redefined female hip-hop with her confident style.

Kimberly Denise Jones was born on July 11th, 1974. When she left home at the age of 16, she started spending time with lyricists and rappers and joined the group Junior M.A.F.I.A., which included Lil’ Kim, Lil’ Cease, Nino Brown, Chico Del Vec, MC Klepto, Larceny, Trife, Capone, and Bugsy. This group was led by and mentored by The Notorious B.I.G.

Junior M.A.F.I.A. released many singles, which included “Player’s Anthem,” that introduced Lil’ Kim to the world as a rapper with a strong voice that really resonated with audiences. Her first solo album was Hard Core in 1996. This album set her apart from past female MCs like Queen Latifah or MC Lyte, who were not as vulgar. 

She went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “Lady Marmalade,” a collaborative song featuring Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Pink, and Mýa. She has also won 3 MTV Awards and the BET Hip Hop I Am Hip Hop Award in 2019.

Her most popular songs include “Magic Stick” with 50 Cent, “Not Tonight,” “Crush on You,” and “Lady Marmalade.” She has influenced so many female rappers like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, and so many more. She was a trailblazer for rappers to be able to be confident in their own sexuality and not be ashamed of who they are.