Queen Bee's Birthday Bash: Celebrating Lil' Kim's Reign
Ladies and gents, it's time to raise our glasses and pay tribute to the queen of hip-hop, Lil' Kim! As the iconic rapper celebrates her 49th birthday today (July 11), we honor her impact on the music industry. Kim has fearlessly carved her own path, breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated genre.
From the unforgettable hooks of "Crush on You" and "How Many Licks?" to the boundary-pushing sensuality of "Magic Stick," Lil' Kim is the queen for a reason. Check out the Queen Bee playlist below.
"Get Money" - Junior M.A.F.I.A ft. Lil' Kim (1995)
This track with Junior M.A.F.I.A. is a '90s hip-hop anthem that remains a fan favorite. The verses from The Notorious B.I.G. and Kim are classic.
"Big Momma Thang" - Lil' Kim ft. Jay-Z (1996)
The opening track from Kim's Hardcore album, this song included a young Jay-Z and Lil Cease... and the lyrics are -- literally -- famously hardcore.
"No Time" - Lil' Kim ft. Puff Daddy (1996)
Her first solo sing, "No Time" combines her fierce delivery with Puff Daddy's -- no known as Diddy -- production prowess. It's a track from her debut album Hardcore that captures the beginning of her rise to stardom.
"Crush on You" - Lil' Kim ft. Lil' Cease (1996)
This track is a classic Lil' Kim hit that showcases her fierce rhymes and infectious energy. It's a perfect way to kick off the playlist and get the party started.
"Quiet Storm (Remix)" - Mobb Deep ft. Lil' Kim (1999)
Lil' Kim's guest verse on this remix added a fierce and feminine touch to the gritty original. Her unapologetic delivery alongside Mobb Deep solidified her status as a force in the male-dominated rap scene.
How Many Licks?" - Lil' Kim ft. Sisqó (2000)
From the Notorious K.I.M., this catchy track showcased her versatility as an artist. The collab with Sisqó resulted in in charting at No. 11 on Billboard U.S. Rap chart.
"Lady Marmalade" - Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa, Pink (2001)
Lil' Kim's iconic collaboration on this track brought her mainstream success and solidified her status as a trailblazing female rapper. Her verse adds a bold and confident touch to this empowering anthem, which charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2002, the song won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
"Magic Stick" - Lil' Kim ft. 50 Cent (2003)
This seductive song paired Kim with 50 Cent. It was a worldwide hit, peaking at No. 2 on the the Billboard Hot 100.
"Lighters Up" (2005)
Serving as an anthem for her hometown of Brooklyn, "Lighters Up" was all about Lil' Kim's pride for her roots. This track has became a staple in her live performances.
"Found You" (featuring City Girls and O.T. Genasis)
In 2019, Kim collaborated with the City Girls and O.T. Genasis. The song wasn't a huge hit on the charts but Kim's ability to work with a new generation of artists is testament to her talent.
