Brooklyn’s Lola Brooke is having an explosive 2023, and the love from her city just keeps pouring in from all angles.
Just some days ago, Lola Brooke performed alongside Lil Kim at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Now, she’s been invited by Bronx rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie to open for his international tour.
Lola Links With A Boogie
The “Me vs Myself Tour” begins Feb 7 in Denver and includes stops like Washington, Toronto, and Oakland. The tour wraps up Mar 11 at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York.
Following the North American portion of the “Me vs Myself Tour”, Lola and A Boogie will visit the UK starting Mar 22 at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, England.
A Boogie is one of the most prolific rappers to come out of New York in the past decade. His latest album Me vs Myself had over 50,000 units sold in its first week, becoming his fourth top entry on the Billboard 200 chart. The LP, released in early December, went toe to toe with SZA’s massively successful project SOS and held its own despite the years of hype preceding her project. With features on the album like G Herbo, Lil Durk, and Roddy Rich, A Boogie had plenty of artists to consider to accompany him on his tour. Of course, the solidarity of two New York artists headlining together can’t be ignored.
A Career in the Making
‘Don’t Play With it’ featuring Billy B is the track that shot Lola to stardom. The song quickly gained traction on TikTok at the tail end of last year, then spread across social media like wildfire. Lola subsequently capitalized on that hype by collaborating with Flo Milli and Maiya the Don on the ‘Conceited’ remix. She then continued the theme of female rapper empowerment even further. On Saturday, Lola performed with fellow Brooklyn MC Lil Kim at the legendary Apollo theater. In celebration of the Harlem Festival Of Culture The Jump Off , Lola received her biggest co-sign yet from the Queen Bee herself.
Lil Kim being one of the first rap legends to show Lola Brooke genuine love and i'm here for it 😍👏🏾pic.twitter.com/sVnhS3eJ9j
In between all of that, Lola dropped a follow-up single titled ‘Here I Come’. The track is already on its way to seeing similar success. The song has over 700,000 views on YouTube, and 4,300 TikToks using the sound.
With Lola, Ice Spice, and Maiya the Don, the recent boom in New York’s female talent is growing every day.
Remy MA and Fat Joe perform at BET Awards. Image source: BET.
Loud Records is a legendary record label in the hip-hop culture. Last night, at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards, the record label celebrated its 30th anniversary. The 30th anniversary was commemorated by performances of legendary artists.
Steve Rifkind, the founder of Loud Records, spoke before the performance began. He discussed that Loud Records was a dream that came true because of his passion for music.
Loud Records Tribute
When Rifkind finished speaking, the audience got on their feet as Loud Records artists Dead Prez opened the tribute with their hit single, “Hip-Hop.” Stic.man and M-1 had the crowd energized.
Next came Mobb Deep as they performed “Shook Ones Pt. II” and “Quiet Storm (Remix).” Since Prodigy is no longer with us, New York rapper Joey Bada$$ stepped in his place.
Lil Kim also came on stage to perform her verse on the “Quiet Storm (Remix).” The crowd sang her infamous verse word for word.
Loud Records artists M.O.P hit the stage next to elevate the energy in the room. They performed their hit song “Ante Up,” and just like Lil Kim, Remy Ma took the stage with them to perform her famous verse. Remy stayed on stage to pay homage to Big Pun and the Terror Squad. His classic, “Still Not A Player,” was played until Fat Joe joined Remy on stage to perform “Lean Back.”
From the North to the South, David Banner and Lil Flip performed the throwback hit, “Like A Pimp.” The Project Pat and Three 6 Mafia followed as they performed “Stay Fly” and “Chickenhead.” Last but not least, to which everyone was waiting, Wu-Tang Clan closed the performance.
The iconic group is mainly responsible for Loud Records’ claim to fame. Method Man, Raekwon, RZA, and Inspectah Deck gave the crowd something to be excited about as they performed their hits, “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit,” and “Method Man.”
BET Hip Hop Awards have many memorable moments, and yesterday was definitely one of them.
Lil Kim and Megan Thee Stallion toast on a private jet. Image source: @lilkimqueenbee, Instagram.
Just when Lil Kim and Megan Thee Stallion fans got a taste of the “Plan B (Remix),” the thrill died. Within hours of the track being released, it was removed from all streaming platforms.
The blessed cultural collab
With every photo tease, Lil Kim has had everyone on lock, wondering what the Queen was up to. The New York legend revealed her remix to Hot Girl Meg’s “Plan B” Last month, Kim shared a photo on her Instagram page showing just enough to get everyone pondering, much like her captioned emoji. In the image, two hands are wrapped around each other, each holding a glass of champagne. When the bubbly comes out, you can bet it’s a celebration.
It was a celebration indeed. On Sep 7, the legend fully revealed the mystery photo with herself and non-other than Megan Thee Stallion. The two were on a private jet toasting it up. Kim was draped in Dolce & Gabbana while Megan fashioned a red and sand-colored dress.
Funk Flex came through with the assist to the announcement via Instagram that Hot 97 had the exclusive drop. “EXCLUSIVE!! YESSSSSSSSSSSS,” he captioned.
The female rap game is competitive as not many female rappers have survived the cutthroat industry. However, Lil Kim has solidified her spot amongst legends in the game. How did this collaboration come to fruition?
There is no secret that Megan is Lil Kim’s fan. She has openly expressed her gratitude for female rappers who put in the work so that new MCs may emulate their success. From Lil Kim to Salt-N-Peppa, the Houston hottie paid homage to them all.
Much like Megan, Kim pays respect to the new generation of lady lyricists who are changing the game. In a heartfelt message to Meagan on the gram, Lil Kim says,
“@theestallion, I have watched how hard you worked since you stepped on the scene consistent with your work and your love,. You are an amazing talent. Always keep your head to the sky and know you have made your Mommy proud! You deserve it all! May God continue to bless you.”
A Dream Fulfilled; Short-lived
Just as quickly as the train left the station, it returned. Unfortunately, the track brought about unintentional drama. 50 Cent publicly alleged that Lil Kim dissed Nicki Minaj and her son, Papa Bear, on the “Plan B(Remix).” In shady nature, 50 shared a photo collage of Kim next to an owl, eluding to similarities between the two.
“@NickiMinaj you better light her a$$ up i’m watching. she said something about the baby. Her baby eye f****d up. LOL.”
The line in question is certainly open for interpretation. However, Kim disagreed with his claims.
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but N*ga you’s such a b**ch, Your father’s a b**ch, Your brother’s a b**ch, Keep acting like this and your son gon be a b***ch, They think they use us but they useless…he wanna eat the cookie like I’m Lucius,” Lil Kim rapped.
Initially, she simply replied,
“Now watch what God do to his Life!”
It didn’t take long for her to address the issue completely in her Instagram stories.
“I never said a word about anyone’s child… please feel free to listen to the song where we were clearly talking about an EX.”
She continued, “to try and twist my words to have an excuse to take digs at my child is disgusting. I’m one of the most disrespected legends in the game, but what you will not do is come for MY CHILD.”
While 50 will be 50, let’s hope the song’s removal is not in correlation to this series of unfortunate events.
Lil Kim in 2005 with the law enforcement escort. Image source: AP.
There is much that defines Hip-Hop and much that shapes its influence within the world. However, nothing has more formative power and influence in Hip-Hop than the artists who step to the mic to tell their stories.
While some MCs spit about money and their shine, others flow about the street, the upsets, and the climb. Some come from a place of proximity, relaying experiences from a distance. Others from straight off the front lines.
Not everyone’s course is through a field of roses; some crawl through the trenches with scars to prove how far they’ve come. So here is a list of female MCs who’ve stumbled. At some point in their careers, they have had brushes with the law. Now they bear a record as proof.
Nevertheless, their past scars are a testament to their humanity and evidence of what is possible with refocusing.
Female MC #1 Remy Ma
Remy Ma. Image source: Getty Images.
Remy Ma hit the scene in 2000 as the newest artist on Columbia Records. 2006 saw the release of Remy’s debut album, “There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story.” There was no doubt that Remy went hard.
A year after her debut, things took a left. Ma had one of the most publicized run-ins with the law. As a result of her arrest, she would serve a seven-year prison bid. Remy’s charges stem from an argument with a friend, which turned lethal.
During their struggle, her friend, Barnes-Joseph, was inflicted with multiple gunshot wounds The penalty for such a crime carried a 25-year maximum.
However, the prosecution sought thirteen. Some believe the tenor of the MCs’ testimony was most influential in the judge’s final decision. According to XXL Magazine, Remy’s statement was to this effect,
“I’m not a thug. I’m not a hardcore anything; I have feelings. I’m a wife, mother, daughter, a big sister.”
And reportedly, her speech bore extreme remorse. Judge Rena Uviller’s response was an eight-year sentence. Ma won her second appeal walking free in 2014.
Female MC #2 Lil Kim
Lil Kim. Image source: Maury Phillips, Getty Image.
When it comes to Hip-Hop and female MCs, Lil Kim’s name is everpresent. Lil Kim, Kimberly Denise Jones caught the eye of the Notorious Big. Her talent was impressive leading Biggie to take her under his wings.
Lil Kim soon became one of the most popular mainstream female MCs. However, her artistry is not the only thing she is known for. Lil Kim takes second place regarding the most highly publicized brush with the law.
Lil Kim was convicted in 2005; her sentence was a one-year prison sentence. However, in addition to incarceration, she was also ordered to 30 days in home confinement and three years of probation.
Kim’s sentencing was the result of four counts of a criminal offense. Count one was for perjury before a grand jury. And the other three counts were for conspiracy.
When Lil Kim took the stand and was questioned about her knowledge of Damion Butler’s and Suif Jackson’s involvement in a shooting. According to a 2005 Billboard article, Kim testified she overlooked two of her close friends at the scene where the shooting occurred.
The New York Times reported, “Ms. Jones said she did not see Damion Butler at the radio station that day. She also said she did not know the person in the photograph.”
Later Lil Kim was found guilty of lying before the grand jury. Finally, Kim walked free in July of 2006.
Female MC #3 Foxy Brown
Foxy Brown. Image source: Johnny Nunez, WireImage.
Foxy Brown is not only a contemporary but a former MC rival of Lil Kim. Lil Kim hit the booth in 1996 with her debut album “Ill Na Na.” Her debut was hot right off the press, and it wasn’t long before everyone knew her name.
Unfortunately, like Kim, she also takes recognition for her jail time. Reportedly Brown got into a fight with two stylists at a nail salon resulting in assault charges. Initially, the Hip-Hop femcee pled guilty.
However, she later attempted to rescind her plea. According to Reuters, Brown’s told the judge, “I feel I am innocent. I was coerced, and I want to take back my guilty plea.”
Of course, she was denied and given three years of probation for her involvement in the altercation. Aside from the probation, the judge’s orders would include anger management classes, drug testing, and a restraining order.
In addition, Brown could not have any contact with the stylist for five years.
Sadly Brown, Inga Marchand’s three years of probation turned into a one-year sentence. The sentence resulted from the artist refusing to attend her court hearing. According to Reuters, the defendant’s rationale for not appearing in court was due to tooth extraction. As it is now a public record, Brown was sentenced in 2007.
However, four months before her sentence was complete, Brown was out.
Female MC #4 Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill. Image source: Theo Wargo, Getty Images.
Lauryn Hill is one of the most well-known female lyricists in Hip-Hop history. Her influence is generational. In 1996 Hill and her fellow collaboratives of the group The Fugees broke records with their second debut album, “The Score.”
However, success and stardom do not keep one free from entanglements with the law. Lauryn Hill also had her brush with the law in 2012. Unfortunately, Hill had three counts against her for failing to file taxes. But, also in 2012, Hill pled guilty to the crime of tax evasion. As a result, Hill was sentenced to 3 months of jail time and three months of in-home detainment.
A year of probation was to follow. Sadly, her sentencing was only part of Hill’s penalty. According to Justice.gov, Judge Arleo ordered Hill to pay the IRS a $60,000 fine and restitution.
Arleo also ordered Hill’s full cooperation with the IRS, including payment of outstanding interest and penalties on her tax obligations.
Female MC #5 Da Brat
Da Brat. Image source: Marcus Ingram, Getty Images.
In 1992 Da Brat signed with So So Def Records and made her presence known. Her album “Funkdafied” made history. According to famouspeople.com, the album made her the first-ever female solo rapper to earn a platinum certification.
However, Da Brat would gain notoriety for something else, also. Foxy Brown was not the only female emcee sentenced in 2007. Da Brat also saw jail time in 2007 for assault.
DaBrat, whose real name is Shawntee Harris, had a run-in with a waitress at a Halloween party. According to Rap-Up, she struck a waitress with a rum bottle. This incident led to the waitress’s hospitalization.
As a result, a judge sentenced Brat to 3 years in prison. The MC also got seven years of probation and community service. Da Brat served her time, and sources indicate she was released early as part of a work-release program.
Female MC #6 JT of City Girls
JT of City Girls. Image source: Paras Griffin.
The spotlight now spins to JT of the Hip-Hop duo City Girls. City Girls is a hot rap lyrical duo from Miami. JT and Yung Miami have been etching in the Hip-Hop scrolls since featuring with Drake on “In My Feelings.”
Unfortunately, JT learned success was not the only thing that got recognition. JT went to prison in 2018 for the crime of fraudulent credit card activity.
According to XXL, JT used the credit cards of three different people between 2016 and 2017 and spent more than $1,000. JT later turned herself in. As a result, she received 24 months in prison. However, in 2019 JT walked free.
One of the most significant components of Hip-Hop is the people who stand behind the mic. Unfortunately, every person has shadows, and some loom larger than others. While these female MCs have committed crimes, they have also done their time.
And thankfully, a fall doesn’t define the whole of a human being. Despite where these women have been, they remain inspirations. It is not for what they went through but for the heights they have risen because the real inspiration comes from how one rises from the ash heap to be reborn and reformed.
The Rise and Fall of Female Emcees. Image Source: Hip Hop Golden Age
Female emcees, although not always given their due, are integral to hip hop’s rise, evolution, and continued expansion. In the words of Sha-Rock, Mother of the Mic,
“The women of hip hop have given our culture something to stand on, to be proud of, to say that this is not a man’s world. We were on the frontline and we built this culture as well.”
Sadly, the original female emcees don’t get as much mention as their male counterparts. But a house does not stand independent of its foundation. And a foundation is not replete without the entire molding of cement and brick, which work to sturdy a structure. And the foundation of hip-hop does not rest solely on male emcees alone but is comprised of male and female emcees who not only established but continue to shape the music and the culture.
Female Emcees Mid 70’s (Early Hip-Hop)
Hundreds of female emcees have contributed to hip hop, and the earliest female emcees date back to the mid-70s before the word hip hop was even a term used to describe the monolithic culture. In fact, one of the first female rap collectives, The Mercedes Ladies, hit the scene in 1976. In the 1980s, this group of talented ladies released “Don’s Groove.” Despite sharing the airwaves with some of their male contemporaries, they’ve rarely gained equity in recognition for their contribution.
Another little-known group to rise in the late ’70s went by the name The Sequence. Interestingly this group was also synonymous with some of the leading originators of hip hop. According to Hip Hop Golden Age,
“The Sequence traveled the world with the likes of Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, The Treacherous Three, Busy Bee, and more.”
Undeniably, a discussion on the origins of hip hop cannot be held without mentioning the likes of the Sugar Hill Gang and the Fab Five. However, despite the role 0f The Sequence as performers during the birth of the cultural movement alongside these monumental groups, their name also lacks equitable mention. So surely, there is no denying the travesty that underlines this lack of consideration. Sadly these two pioneering groups would not be the last to take the position of shadow figures in the hip-hop world.
Other Early Pioneers
Very little is often said of MC Sha-Rock, one of the first female emcees to make an impression as an addition to an all-male crew. MC Sha-Rock was a pivotal member of the Funky 4 +1. She was the plus one to a crew composed of Jazzy Jeff, Guy Williams, Keith Keith, and D.J. Breakout. And unsurprisingly, Sha-Rock was only 13 when she took the Mic. As it will become clear many of the female emcees of the forgone era were merely teenagers. Yet their representation on the stage was on par with their male counterparts. Despite Sha-Rock’s youth, she was center stage in the Funky 4+1 1981 televised showcase on Saturday Night Live.
image source: Getty Images
As evident, despite what many believe, the earlier years were not absent of Femme Fatales on the Mic. In fact, in 1984, a young MC named Roxanne Shante made her mark in hip-hop history at 14, and her talent was indisputable. Shante’s career took off after her response to the track “Roxanne Roxanne,” with ” Roxanne’s Revenge.” What is even more amazing, it took one take for Shante to have the ears of the world. However, to keep the ears of the world, hustle and struggle became her constant companions. But earnestly, the path was not easy for any of these emcees. Proving yourself lyrically while protecting oneself from the whims of those who ruled in the male-dominated industry was a daily.
A Different Time
Inarguably the earlier years of hip hop were different times. Societal standards were different. Hip-hop was growing from its infancy, and artists, in general, were fighting for credibility and relevance in the industry. This only made the job of female emcees ten times as hard. Demonstrating prowess above everything to stand toe to toe with the dominant figures of the time was critical. Roxanne once said of her earlier years,
“Male rappers felt like I was throwing things off. If the best in the game is a little girl, then rap will no longer be seen as masculine. She wasn’t only subverting the hierarchy of hip-hop, but the genre’s gender norms.”
For sure, there is no denying that even the initial track which led to Roxanne’s success was a well-crafted response to U.T.F.O.’s track where misogyny was the case. The U.T.F.O. track about a crew of men without much luck with a lady was the launching pad to the 14-Year-old Roxanne’s success. But despite the subject matter and how her peers saw her, Roxanne’s goal was to shine every time she stepped to the mic. And Roxanne Shante wouldn’t be the first or last emcee to have to step up consistently to prove their mettle. Salt n Peppa (1985), MC Lyte (1988), Queen Latifah (1988), Antoinette (1989) Sister Soulja (1992) brought their brand of lyrical assault, pushing open door after door with every verse. However, with the passing of time and the expansion of hip-hop, the sacrifices females had to make for respect and notice shifted. With the increasing commercialization of rap, the industry standards for female emcees were rapidly evolving. The late 1990s marked the complete transformation, and Lil Kim and Foxy Brown were pivotal in that change.
Late 90’s to the Present
It is a known fact that the female emcees of the 90’s era took on the persona of the men who signed and groomed them. The male emcees Lil Kim (1995) camped with, primarily Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious, was crucial in shaping her image. According to hip-hop scriptures,
She [Kim] modeled her vocal flow after the very successful Biggie Smalls—adding grunts and ferocity—while her image revolved much more around sex appeal.
With each new artist, it was apparent that sexiness was becoming a critical factor in the signing and promotion of female emcees. Foxy Brown (1996), another industry peer from a different camp, subscribed to the same model of hyper-sexualization as Lil Kim. According to a spokesperson on My Mic Sound Nice: The Truth About Women and Hip Hop,
“Kim and Foxy were the sexual revolution of Hip-hop” (15:44)
Let’s Talk About Sex
Lil Kim: Image Source Getty Images
Some argue that emcees before Kim and Foxy were also purveyors of the erotic. While, on the surface, this seems true, there remains a stark difference. Truthfully, emcees before Kim and Foxy didn’t stray away from subjects of sex and promiscuity. However, their lyricism, not their image, sold the point. The erotic appeal took a back seat to the message. Earlier female emcees held to a line they didn’t care to cross. One could say the response of the artists of the earlier era was shaped by the perception of females’ positioning throughout a male-dominated society. Respect in any occupation was earned. So, those emcees had to prove themselves lyrically or be perceived as a novelty act. While sex was a relevant topic, the artist spit from a contextual standpoint, the emphasis being on the lyricism, not the visuals. Being a sex symbol and expounding on the issue of sex were two separate things. As Roxanne stated in an interview with Billboard
” I didn’t want to be second best; I didn’t want to be the best girl — I wanted to be the best.”
Reframing of Success
Foxy Brown: Image Source Countess/WireImage
Artists like Lil Kim and Foxy Brown also had a desire to excel in hip hop. However, marketing for female emcees’ image to the mainstream media had changed. Kim and Brown were molded to fit nicely into the new niche. That standard was marketed worldwide. Consequently, established emcees faced a new struggle. According to female emcees Rah Digga, Eve, and Missy Elliot, who were already on, Kim and Foxy’s hypersexualized image put pressure on other emcees to conform.
Some artists did what they could to conform while others, like Missy Elliot and Lauryn Hill, carved out their lane. These two were outliers, exceptions to the status quo. One thing, the 90s proved that while the template of acceptable standards changed, not much else had since the late 70s. In a 2016 interview, Salt of Salt and Peppa conferred,
“Hip hop is so misogynistic, masculine, if a woman doesn’t have anything unique that stands out amongst the male testosterone it is a difficult industry to survive in.”
The 2000s didn’t see a shift in the new standard, yet it did see a shift in the number of female emcees represented in the commercial market. According to My Mic Sound Nice: The Truth about Women and Hip Hop, In the 2000s, there were fewer female opportunities for mainstream female emcees. Female emcees in the spotlight diminished significantly from 40 to about a dozen (28:17). As noted,
“It was hard to find female emcees of any worth with the backing of major labels.”
But, the issue was more profound than female emcees of worth. The industry was unwilling to invest time, energy, and capital into female artists’ marketing, promotion, and maintenance. The upkeep was unsavory to many labels, and the majority didn’t want the hassle. Regardless of the reduced numbers in the mainstream, some female emcees still found commercial success, Nicki Minaj, was one. Minaj took the Mic in 2007, representing everything the industry wanted. She had boundless sex appeal and talent. Some described her as a mix of Missy Elliot, Eve, and Lil Kim, making her the next level standard and a force majeure.
Mid 2000’s to Present
Cardi B: Image Source: Broadimage/Shutterstock
Cardi B and Megan “Thee” Stallion took their places behind the Mic in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Artists like Megan “Thee” Stallion and Cardi B followed a similar prototype as Nicki’s, eye candy and talent. However, as the next wave of artists, they upped the ante. These two used the industry’s desire to over-sexualize its artist and converted it into a platform of empowerment. They determined how the world would see them. As written in Medium
“Megan and Cardi both dance and dress in very sexual ways because it’s proven that sex sells, but they also did it to show they are proud to be women and are comfortable in their bodies.”
Despite the success of Megan and Cardi and the like, there is still heavy contention surrounding current success standards and hyper-sexualization’s role. The prominence of sexuality as a selling point has proven an obstacle for many female emcees, as Lizzo has openly spoken. The after-effects are alarming and have proven detrimental. In an industry where sexiness is essential untenable standards are met with acts of extremism, mental pathologies, and extreme dysmorphias. Inevitably this potentiates an unsustainable model, in the long run, indicating a dire need for artists to speak out and revolutionize the industry.
The Future of the Female Emcee
There are no fewer emcees now than there were years ago. According to Ranker, over 30 female emcees proudly represent the top tier of mainstream currently. Even more emcees represent in the underground. And undoubtedly, many legacy makers still stand as significant cultural influencers. So as Missy exclaims, the future of female emcees is not going anywhere despite the indeterminate nature of the direction and branding.
“The women of hip hop have given our culture something to stand on, something to be proud of, something to say that this is not a man’s world, that we built this culture as well.”
Building a sustainable legacy never stops. So as long as hip-hop culture exists, female emcees will be there to contribute, take the Mic, and tell their stories.
JaRule is giving credit where it is due. In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, the rapper shined a light on one of the original female MCs in the game, Lil Kim. “Let’s talk about Lil Kim,” JaRule said. “When you look at the Cardis and the Nickis and the Megans — every female. And then go listen to the Hard Core album. I understand why she’s so revered like that. That album is crazy. And she’s spitting on that album. She’s going on that album! So I get it when these females are like, ‘Yo, Kim was it for me.’ I get it now.”
While Lil Kim has not worked with any of the noted female rappers, she still pays respect to most of them, despite having a beef with Nicki Minaj a few years back. In an interview with Joe Budden, Minaj revealed that they both have settled their beef and continue to respect one another. Last year, Lil Kim revealed at the BET Awards that she would be up for a Verzuz battle with Minaj, celebrating the music that both have made that has impacted the world.
Being in the hip-hop game for over 20 years, Kim still receives high praise and influences many. In 2020, Mary J. Blige sat down with Andy Cohen discussing the foundation she has built for female rappers today. “My baby girl, my little sister,” she said. “I mean, one of the most incredible female rappers to open the door for so many women. She’s a trailblazer and one of the biggest rappers [and] most respected rappers in the business.”
In an interview with Issa Rae for her Apple Music show, Saweetie praised Lil Kim’s verse in her song “Not Tonight”. “[It’s] the best bar in history. I like when she says, ‘Tryin’ to impress me with your five G stones / I’ll give you ten Gs, n*gga, if you leave me alone.’ When I heard that, I was like, I felt it. I knew what she meant and that’s just the most boss thing someone could ever say. I love that line.”
Lil Kim continues to set the tone for female rappers.
Nicki Minaj has expressed interest in partaking at Verzuz hits battle against a certain female rapper. She has not said who yet.
In an interview with 97.9 The Box, Nicki Minaj was asked if she would be interested in Verzuz and also who her opponent would be. The host, J-Mac, suggested that only Drake and Lil Wayne could challenge her. She disagreed, saying that they would demolish her. Instead, there are a couple of female artists she thinks would be good.
“But see, Drake and Wayne have so many bona fide hip-hop hits, so I don’t know,” she said. “But I do think there might be a female or two that can…[battle me].”
Minaj has also revealed that Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, the Verzuz creators, have talked to her before. We do not know if it was just talking or if something is in the works.
A female artist has expressed interest in doing a Verzuz with Minaj in the past. In June of 2021, Lil Kim was on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club morning radio show. She was asked who she would be interested in doing a Verzuz battle, and she said Nicki Minaj with no hesitation.
Minaj has also talked aboutRihanna’s pregnancy in the interview. “You’re more intrigued by little babies when you’re about to have a baby and stuff like that,” Minaj said. “So looking back, yes. She’s beautiful. I mean everything she does, she does it in an iconic way. She does everything on her own terms. But as a human, I’m just happy for her, the human being. Because I know that she’s about to experience a different kind of joy.”
Recently, New York rap legend Lil Kim went viral for her new single, ‘Santa Papi.’ However, it seems that the new single has attracted some bad publicity.
Kim Isn’t Getting Her Flowers
The ‘Lady Marmalade’ emcee has made a name for herself being one of the first prolific female rappers on the music scene. Despite her accolades, Kim has been on the receiving end of ridicule in recent years. From her feud with fellow New York rapper Nicki Minaj to her extensive plastic surgery and relationship with Biggie Smalls, Kim hasn’t caught a break in the public eye in a very long time.
Kim’s most recent song, ‘Santa Papi,’ was also released with Nick Cannon’s Miracles Across 125th Street film yesterday (Dec. 21). The music and video were mocked across social media immediately upon release.
Yesterday evening, Cardi unexpectedly stepped in for the “Queen Bee” and defended her against the haters. “I’m tired of it and it’s heartbreaking… She’s is so sweet, supportive and a REAL F*CKIN LEGEND,” she typed. “I remember when I used to beef wit b*tches and I used to put on my MySpace her song F*CK YOU! I think it gotta be these 2000’s born kids on this app that don’t know about sh*t!”
I’m tired of it and it’s heartbreaking…She’s is so sweet ,supportive and a REAL FUCKIN LEGEND ..I remember when I used to beef wit bitches and I used to put on my MySpace her song FUCK YOU!😂I think it gotta be these 2000’s born kids on this app that don’t know about shit! https://t.co/s2ZkCgJLnx
The sudden defense caused Cardi to receive backlash, with fans questioning her sincerity. Cardi and Lil Kim have never collaborated despite being extremely popular female New York rappers. Cardi, as always, was quick to fire back.
Why you ain’t ask Remy or Kim to be on your second single baby girl? https://t.co/MMzkq7AATO
What do a collab go to do with someone constantly getting CYBER BULLY? before a artist I am a woman wit feelings and I know how much it hurts to constantly get picked on…When I collab wit her is going to be at the right time & the right song.I don’t rush BIG MOMENTS! https://t.co/YqoVV78DpU
BEEN SAYING THIS .THANK YOU.I don’t rush things and I say this in all my interviews.Until I don’t have the right song for a artist I’m not going to rush it cause if the song don’t make sense and it don’t do good then I will feel terrible..It don’t take away from her greatest https://t.co/gFW743fkFd
Cardi..Girl & so was Nicki Minaj towards u but your Label pushed U 2 constantly lie on her & throw a shoe at her head. U pick & choose when you wanna stand up for female rappers, but you target and shade the female rapper that can rap AND WRITE circles around ya head. @iamcardibhttps://t.co/1heWitbqqI
While celebrating the 11th anniversary of The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee accidently enflames nearly a decade old feud. The co-host’s webpage recently posted about an old argument between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj, and Lil Kim did not take kindly.
Over a Decade of The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club has been around for a long time. Like, a really long time.
For 11 years and counting, The Breakfast Club has been providing listeners with the cutting edge of culture. Over the years, the podcast has produced an enormous amount of content. Indeed, most of that content was wholesome. But sometimes drama cannot be avoided. As part of a promotion celebrating its 11 year anniversary, The Breakfast Club took a walk down memory lane.
As part of the event, Angela Yee’s Facebook page has been posting old stories covered by The Breakfast Club. Unfortunately, some stories are better left forgotten.
Reopening an Old Wound
Yee posted on her Facebook page about an old argument between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj. What the actual argument was doesn’t matter, because it happened over nine years ago. Both Kim and Nicki are clearly over that dispute, and Kim has been outspoken about how rude it is to try to stir up conflict.
Essentially, Kim accuses Yee of trying to kick up drama for internet clicks, and it kind of worked. The back and forth between the two is a hot topic. Commenters on the post appear to unanimously agree, saying, “It’s time to let it go” and expressing how messy the situation is.
For her part, Yee claims that she had no idea about the post. The Breakfast Club produces an awful lot of content, more than Yee can handle by herself. So, she hires people to manage her public Facebook account for her, and claims that one of them created the post,
“Think about it like this, I have a public page and a private page, and on my public page there’s a lot of content on there. I actually pay people to use a lot of content and to edit clips and post things, just to keep my page like, a little news thing but a lot is centered on things that I do. I guess Lil Kim thinks that I posted this personally myself and Envy thinks that it’s my fault.”
Lil Kimwas recently featured on Complex’s Hiking with Rappers segment, where she discussed her most iconic moments, red carpet looks, and why hiking isn’t her forte. Somewhere in the conversation, she unveiled her close relationship with Nick Cannon.
“I just shot a movie with Nick Cannon. Nick Cannon, people don’t even know. He’s one of my best friends,” said Lil Kim. “We’ve been best friends for years. Twenty, [nineteen,] whatever it was, and we just shot a movie called Miracle Across 125th Street. So, it’s like the Friday of Christmas movies.”
The host responded with some playful banter, saying
“So, Lil Kim the actor.” Kim answers back by saying she did that movie for Nick.
Furthermore, the queen of hip-hop did say she wouldn’t mind delving into the acting scene. Nick Cannon has been doing his part in getting her more roles. That’s when she dropped the bomb.
“You know he’s my manager,” Kim said.
As the conversation went on, she also shared who would be on her on-the-go playlist. She stated, “of course, Drake” and Wizkid.
The Brooklyn-born rapper, known for her trendsetting looks and hardcore rhymes, has paved the way for female rappers like Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion. She got her start with Junior M.A.F.I.A. as Notorious Big’s protégé before going solo in 1996.
Since then Lil Kim has been a songwriter, model, actress and reality television personality. She has enjoyed a successful career but it hasn’t always been easy. She has recently added author to her list of accomplishments.
Watch some of the conversation with Lil Kim below:
