Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Lil' Kim

Role / Field:

The "Queen of Rap," Lil' Kim is a pioneering, fashion-forward, and influential American rapper.

Born:

1974-07-11

Century / Era:

1974s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Kimberly Denise Jones (born July 11, 1974), better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper, singer songwriter, model, and businesswoman. Regarded as the "Queen of Rap", she is known for her sexually charged lyrics and performances, and is one of the best-selling female rappers of all time with 45 million records sold. She is also considered a fashion icon for her risk-taking and luxurious approach to fashion. Lil' Kim was born and raised in New York City and lived much of her adolescent life on the streets after being expelled from home.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In her teens, she would freestyle rap, influenced by fellow female hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and the Lady of Rage. In 1994, she was discovered by fellow rapper the Notorious B.I.G., who invited her to join his group Junior M.A.F.I.A.; their debut album, Conspiracy, generated two top 20 singles in the United States and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 1996, Lil' Kim released her debut album, Hard Core, which spawned the singles "No Time", "Not Tonight (Ladies Night)", and "Crush on You". The album became the highest debut in the US for a female rap album at the time, received a double...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adria Petty — Contemporary (Born in 1974) (1974): American director, editor, and artist known for music video work with Beyoncé.
• Agnes Moorehead — Contemporary (Died in 1974) (1974): Iconic American actress celebrated for stage, film, and television roles.
• Akram Khan (dancer) — Contemporary (Born in 1974) (1974): Pioneering English dancer and choreographer blending Kathak and contemporary forms.
• Aga Khan III — Shared historical date (07-11 · Died) (1957): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Alexander Prokhorov — Shared historical date (07-11 · Born) (1916): Soviet physicist known for fundamental work on optics, leading to the laser and maser.
• Alanis Morissette — Historical peer (Born in 1974) (1974): Iconic singer-songwriter known for raw emotion and confessional alt-rock anthems.
• Alex Jones — Historical peer (Born in 1974) (1974): American far-right commentator and prominent conspiracy theorist.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• Alexia Putellas — Historical peer (Born in 1994) (1994): One of the greatest female footballers, known for her midfield prowess and success with Barcelona and Spain.
• 6ix9ine — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• 1974 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1974
• July 11 (07-11) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 11

Frequently Asked Questions about Lil' Kim