Teyana Taylor Became Lil’ Kim Last Night

...and we were thrilled.

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Ya Got It Goin’ On  - At VH1’s 2016 Hip Hop Honors last night (July 11), something magical happened. Female rap legends Queen Latifah, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott and Salt-N-Pepa were honored as fellow rap veterans and neophytes alike took to the stage to show their adoration. But let’s focus in on one: Ms. Teyana Taylor. Teyana came through with the upper cut for her Lil’ Kim tribute alongside other artists like Eve and Lil Mama. Dare we say it, though? Teyana transformed into the Queen Bee. It’s a level of talent we always knew she had, but really the fame is always a few steps behind her. Let’s trace the slept-on history of a star that deserves to shine. — Kathy Iandoli and Jon Reyes(Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for VH1)

Super Sweet Sixteen Star  - Seriously, this was arguably the best episode. And by far the coolest party. You know it.(Photo: JG / WENN)

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Super Sweet Sixteen Star  - Seriously, this was arguably the best episode. And by far the coolest party. You know it.(Photo: JG / WENN)

Jay Z’s 'Blue Magic' video - “Blue Magic” you say? Nah, watching Teyana dance was the real magic.(Photo: Roc-A-Fella Records)

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Jay Z’s 'Blue Magic' video - “Blue Magic” you say? Nah, watching Teyana dance was the real magic.(Photo: Roc-A-Fella Records)

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Under Pharrell’s wing - Skateboard P recognized talent when he saw it, bringing Teyana into the Star Trak fold early on.(Photo: Brian Ach/WireImage)

The Shelved Album - …but then we never got the album. At least we can Google “Google Me” and hear it.(Photo: Interscope Records)

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The Shelved Album - …but then we never got the album. At least we can Google “Google Me” and hear it.(Photo: Interscope Records)

Photo By Photo: Interscope Records

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Runway Ready - It was bound to happen.(Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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A G.O.O.D Move - Kanye also saw that talent when he scooped her up and brought her to G.O.O.D. Music.(Photo: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage

We All Wanted to Celebrate 'Christmas in Harlem' - New Christmas carol classic.(Photo: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)

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We All Wanted to Celebrate 'Christmas in Harlem' - New Christmas carol classic.(Photo: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)

Photo By Photo: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam

Her Official Debut - Delivering voice and sex appeal, Teyana's official first album VII was needed and then some.(Photo: GOOD Music/Def Jam)

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Her Official Debut - Delivering voice and sex appeal, Teyana's official first album VII was needed and then some.(Photo: GOOD Music/Def Jam)

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Major M.I.L.F. - Teyana's adorable baby Iman (with Iman Shumpert) has brought her to hot mama status now. Fergie missed one M.I.L.F. in her new video.(Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage

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Honoring Lil' Kim properly - Teyana really brought it home last night, which not only showed the world that she's always had it but also that Lil' Kim's influence still reigns supreme. (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for VH1)