Lil’ Kim is the queen of hardcore rap.
With her bold style, explicit lyrics, and undeniable influence on hip-hop culture, she changed the role of female rappers forever. From her rivalry with Foxy Brown to her iconic looks and legal issues—her life is as explosive as her music.
Here are 15 shocking facts about Lil’ Kim.
1. Her real name is Kimberly Denise Jones
Lil’ Kim was born Kimberly Denise Jones in Brooklyn, New York.
At a young age, she was kicked out by her father and had to survive on the streets, which explains the raw and direct style in her music.
2. She was discovered by The Notorious B.I.G.
At 17, Lil’ Kim met The Notorious B.I.G., who took her under his wing and made her part of Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Biggie coached her rap style and helped her record her first tracks.
3. She had an intense relationship with Biggie
Lil’ Kim and Biggie had a complicated and toxic relationship.
Though he was married to Faith Evans, Kim and Biggie had a secret affair. Kim called him the love of her life, even after he was murdered in 1997.
4. Her debut album changed female hip-hop
In 1996, Lil’ Kim released Hard Core—and it instantly became a classic.
With hits like Crush on You and No Time, she delivered unprecedentedly explicit lyrics that forever changed the image of female rappers.
5. She had a fierce rivalry with Foxy Brown
Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown started as friends but quickly became the biggest female rap rivals.
Both released debut albums in 1996, and the media pitted them against each other.
The beef escalated into a real street war, including a 2001 shootout between their crews.
6. She went to prison for perjury
In 2005, Lil’ Kim was sentenced to a year in prison for lying to the court about a shooting involving her crew.
She refused to name names and was eventually found guilty of perjury.
7. She underwent drastic plastic surgery
Lil’ Kim was known for her natural beauty in the ‘90s, but over the years, she drastically altered her appearance.
Fans and critics speculate that she had facial bone work, skin bleaching, and multiple nose surgeries.
8. She was dropped by her record label
After her prison sentence, Lil’ Kim was dropped by her label and fell into deep financial trouble.
She fought back and released music independently in 2009, but her career never reached the same heights as in the ‘90s.
9. She made it to the semifinals on Dancing with the Stars
In 2009, Lil’ Kim joined Dancing with the Stars and surprised everyone with her dance talent.
She reached the semifinals and proved she was more than just a rapper.
10. She had a brutal feud with Nicki Minaj
When Nicki Minaj rose to fame in the late 2000s, Lil’ Kim accused her of stealing her style.
They exchanged diss tracks, including Lil’ Kim’s Black Friday, in which she completely tore Nicki down.
11. She had a daughter in 2014
In 2014, Lil’ Kim gave birth to her first daughter, Royal Reign.
The identity of the father—rapper Mr. Papers—sparked media attention, especially due to their legal battle over custody.
12. Her comeback was blocked by labels and media
Lil’ Kim tried multiple times to stage a comeback but was often blocked by labels and radio stations that deemed her irrelevant.
Despite this, she kept releasing new music and maintained a loyal fanbase.
13. She was the first female rapper to go platinum
With Hard Core, Lil’ Kim became the first female rapper to achieve a platinum-selling album, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest MCs ever.
14. She’s still a style icon
Her extravagant jumpsuits, fur coats, and colorful wigs influenced the fashion world.
Artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion have openly said Lil’ Kim inspired their style and image.
15. She keeps fighting for her legacy
Even though she’s no longer in the spotlight, Lil’ Kim continues to stand up for women in hip-hop and claim her impact on the industry.
She still has a loyal fanbase and is recognized as a pioneer who paved the way for a whole generation of female MCs.
The undisputed Queen Bee of hip-hop
Lil’ Kim changed hip-hop, fashion, and the role of women in rap.
She was controversial, influential, and revolutionary. Without her, hip-hop would look very different today.
What do you think: does Lil’ Kim still deserve the title ‘Queen Bee’, or is her time over?
