When Lil’ Kim stepped on the scene in the mid-90s, she didn’t just rap — she redefined the entire game. Tiny in stature but massive in presence, she fused high fashion with hood realness, liberated sexuality with lyrical precision, and feminine glam with street grit. And now, in 2025, she’s about to remind BET Experience audiences exactly why she’s hip hop royalty.

Her debut solo album, Hardcore, dropped in 1996 — but her impact was already being felt a year earlier, when she stormed the rap scene with Junior M.A.F.I.A. and the blessing of the Notorious B.I.G. Lil’ Kim made it immediately clear: she wasn’t playing sidekick to anyone. She was the moment.

With razor-sharp bars, an unforgettable delivery, and a wardrobe that made headlines as much as her lyrics, Kim took all the misogynistic, hyper-masculine energy of 90s rap and flipped it on its head. She spoke openly — and graphically — about sex, money, and power. But she did it in a way that was fully in control, demanding respect without ever asking for permission.

Nearly three decades later, her influence is everywhere. From Nicki Minaj to Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion to Doja Cat — every glam-rap queen who’s twerked in couture owes a creative debt to Lil’ Kim. And while many artists are only now starting to get their flowers, Kim’s already got the whole garden. Grammy wins. Fashion accolades. A runway walk that lives rent-free in our timelines. And now, a headlining set at BET Experience’s Class of ’95 Picnic.

This isn’t just a chance to revisit “Crush On You,” “No Time,” and “Lighters Up” — though we know she’ll deliver those classics with unmatched flair. It’s a reminder that Lil’ Kim has always been ahead of her time. She was unfiltered before social media. Fashion-forward before stylists were standard. Unapologetic before it was a buzzword.

Kim's show is expected to be a full production: hair laid, heels high, and attitude on a hundred. Her connection with the crowd is always personal — she doesn’t just perform to the people, she performs with them. You’ll scream the lyrics, pose with your phone, and probably try to replicate her look later that night. That’s the Kim effect.

And even with all that flash, it’s her lyrics that stick. Because under the glamour is a gritty, gifted MC who has survived industry politics, personal tragedy, and public scrutiny — and still came out shining. This is a woman who went toe-to-toe with the best in the game, and never blinked. She’s not here to be your nostalgia act — she’s still here to run it.

At the Class of ’95 Picnic, Lil’ Kim won’t just take the stage — she’ll own it, as she always has.

Don’t miss Lil’ Kim and other legends live at the BET Experience. Watch the BET Awards on Monday, June 9th at 8 PM ET on BET and grab your tickets for all BETX events now at bet.com/topic/betexperience.