Lil' Kim has been in the rap game since 1996, and throughout it all, she's separated herself from a lot of other female contenders. As female rappers have come and gone, she's always stayed past them all. There's several reasons why. First of all, she's absolutely carefree when it comes to staying street level. She's always stayed ghetto in style, even when she's moved up in her lot in life. Additionally, she's proven to be ruthless when it comes to attacking each and every conflict in her life. She's always shown an ability to be relevant, and has adjusted with the rap game as it's changed. Now, with her going to jail rather than sell out her homeys, is it any big surprise that she's going down while attacking those that sent her there? I think not.
On The Naked Truth, Lil' Kim has adapted her sound once again. She grabbed many of the elements of today's rap, and created a very listenable record. Most surprising when listening to the new album is the inclusion of today's flavor of the month, Reggae Rap. On the first single, "Lighters Up", Kim brings some real Jamacian flavor in her vocal presentation. Definitely a very interesting twist for her, especially when you consider the absolute pop flavor of material from her last album, like "The Jump Off". And while she does present a laid back style from time to time on The Naked Truth, don't let that fool you into thinking that she isn't ready to attack with a vengeance. "Shut Up Bitch" addresses each and every rumor about her, and does it by basically saying "f*ck you, bitch". It's almost comical when she points out every rumor - she's broke, she has implants, she doesn't write her own music, etc. - and blasts everyone. "You ain't payin' my bills", so shut up. Probably the best slap on the whole CD comes when she points out Star Jones by names and callers her a cheap hater. Clearly, Kim's on her way to jail without even the slightest bit of backing down. On other tunes, like "Spell Check", the attack comes right at her current legal situation as she calls out the punk rats that sold her out and were strong enough to deny the district attorney. Probably not going to help her out with the parole board, but you have to think Lil' Kim will gladly sit in jail to further solidify her credibility as a hardcore chick. Throughout The Naked Truth, Kim continually attacks the government and those snitches that sold out to the man. Definitely a hardcore line from someone on their way out of the limelight and into the greybar hotel.
Article comments
1 - Courtney
I think lil kim has grown up and is no longer what she used to be. Lil kim as survived the death of Biggy Smalls, and now is moving on. After his death she had changed, she was very emotional. Now she is strong, people today are listening to her music everywhere, she has become very strong and independant.
2 - Amanda
I totally agree with Courney. She is very right. She has grown into a mature person. Her new song lighters up has become very popular, followed by shut up. Shut up is based on her life and how she has differed her self in many different ways. Lil kim is now very mature.
~Amanda~
3 - Courtney
I totally disagree with, Chris Akin. What does he personally know Lil Kim? No i don't think so. Im pretty sure if u met her in person she'd be a very nice person than what others say!
~Courtney~
4 - Viqi French
Very nice review!
I'm actually the publicist for a popular female lyricist in Chicago. Her forthcoming/3rd indy CD is due out later this month.
Hearing such glowing reviews for Kim, and having heard a new Fugees song with Lauryn, I'm more excited than ever for my artist's CD to drop.
I'll let you know when everything's "set" and look forward to reading your thoughts about her talent.
Viqi French
www.ViqiFrenchFever.blogspot.com
5 - Jayda
Lil Kim is goin to learn alot from what she is goin through right now, She is goin to think twice about everything in her life. She is a grown women now. I listen to her songs because they are real and not some "club music" I LOVE YOU lil kim! She has the talent and we all know that.
6 - Latanya
Pretty good album for the most part.
7 - Marquis
Honestly, I love Lil Kim 2 death and have been in love with her since the day she came out in 96, but people don't give her the respect she desrves and that pisses me off. It just seems like people don't buy her albums anymore. Like, a month after her CD was released, it had only sold like a little over 200,000 copies which, to me, is not all that good. Whereas, artist like Jay Z or 50 sale like over a mil in a month. People just be hatin on Lil Kim when it is damn well obvious that her style could never be duplicated and her style in general would be the definition of UNIQUE in the dictionary. I love her to death and I wish u well mamas! U gone get through this bullshit and I guarantee u that this bitch will have an album on the streets no longer than a month after she get the fuck out...!!! LIL KIM IS ABOVE ALL FEMALE RAPPERS AND ALL THE REST OF THEM HOES SOUND THE SAME. REMY MA SEEM LIKE SHE IS ADAPTING LIL KIM'S STYLE REAL WELL ESPECIALL Y IN HER SONG "CONCEITED" But n e wayz, what y'all think? Am I trippin' or do mutha fuckas be hatin' on KIM? I mean, over here in Cali where I'm from they are not up on Kim like they used to be and it pisses me off! How is it in other areas???
8 - thomas
lil kim is one of the most and best female rapper of all times. where i from which is mississippi peoples love lilkim songs. but no other female rapper can compete against her. she 's one of the rawest rapper out there. Remy ,eve, foxy brown are some lil kims wannabes but that whats make my girl even more stronger and popular in american history. none of these females rapper have nothing on the queen bee. love ya son!
9 - T
Lil Kim is fake all over and I can't stand her.
She's not the best female rappper, you can tell by her cd sales.
I think FOXY IS the bomb and she's more honest in eveything she says and does. Screw that BITCH (Kim)
Foxy RULES, NO question about it
10 - LOL
LOL OMG HAHA THAT BITCH IS SO DUMB..
'YOU CAN TELL BY HER CD SALES' LOL DO UR RESEARCH DUMBASS'
MISSY ELLIOT IS THE HIGHEST SELLING FEMALE RAPPER IN WORLD HISTORY..DO U WANA NO WHO THE SECOND IS?
LIL KIM QUEEN BEE !
SHE OUTSELLS FOXY SO DO UR MATH DUMB HOE!