The tides changed when Lil’ Kim came bursting through the misogynistic doors of hip-hop with her debut album Hardcore in 1996. Of course, we had been privy to her talented hip-hop predecessors of the female persuasion, such as Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante and more, but this time around, it was different. She was different. Here, we had this young MC rocking fashion fresh off the runway while spitting ferocious rhymes that can only be described as hardcore.
Her lyricism was a breath of fresh air, marked by her unapologetic nature in unabashedly discussing her sexuality. Lil’ Kim was likely just being herself, but that authenticity launched a blueprint for women rappers of today’s generation to be just as poised to take over the rap game. Legends aren’t just born; they’re created through a relentless work ethic and genre-defying talent that define generations while retaining originality. The legend in question is Kimberly Denise Jones, or better yet, the Notorious K.I.M.
The blueprint
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Many individuals have praised this current iteration of female rappers and their willingness to show up as their whole selves on the track or otherwise. The number of young women running circles around the traditional boys club in hip-hop is unknown, but it seems to be increasing daily. Whether you prefer the polished, boss-talk on Kash Doll‘s records or the southern heat permeating from Megan Thee Stallion‘s music, these lyricists are extensions of Lil’ Kim.
It has become the norm to see these femcees experimenting with their aesthetic — be it colorful wigs or haute couture — but Lil’ Kim pioneered these at a time when it wasn’t the norm. It was unprecedented for a woman to enter this industry with the courage to break every gender stereotype while rising to the top and bringing other women with her. Not only is this the current status quo, but it’s a testament to just how valiant the Brooklyn native is.
A fearless sense of style
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A quick look through YouTube will find women performers of this day and age draped in some of the most fabulous designer garments while showcasing their vocal abilities. But it was Lil’ Kim who normalized this and more. Lil’ Kim may be a storyteller through her lyricism (we’ll get into that soon), but her acclaimed sense of style told a story all on its own.
Lil’ Kim’s entryway into hip-hop was disruptive, merging the concepts of luxury and wealth with a sound that we weren’t quite used to, especially coming from women. Before we had culturally appropriating white women attempting to steal the ghetto-fabulous aesthetic to profit off of it, Lil’ Kim epitomized that and gave future generations of Black women the courage to do the same. The legendary femcee could exude the glamour of Alexis Carrington and Dominique Deveraux while going toe-to-toe with the best of them.
Unapologetic lyrics
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Even today, there is an abundance of men who attempt to vilify women for being candid about their sexuality, especially if they’re rappers. That alone lets me know that Lil’ Kim probably had much hate for doing the same, especially since the music industry was less evolved back then.
The topics of sexual exploration and sexual liberation might be normalized now, but we must give flowers to Lil’ Kim for making it normal to discuss such things. Because of her sincerity, in all of its explicitness, female rappers can be bold in their craft today. It’s just one of the many ways that Lil’ Kim has paved the way for this generation and the ones after it.
An icon living
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Say what you want, but Lil’ Kim is a living icon and deserves praise for her contributions to music and fashion. Sadly, many of you have made it a trend to disparage the rap veteran through tasteless memes and unsolicited hot takes, and none of it is funny. Lil’ Kim is a disruptor who has changed how we view female musicians (rap or otherwise) while ensuring that her legacy is everlasting. That legacy will live on through the music and style of women who come up after her in the industry and that, my friends, is how you define iconic. Long live Lil’ Kim!
