NOTORIOUS K.I.M.

In 1996, this Bed-Stuy (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn ) native took her career in her own hands. After making her presence known on Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s debut album, 'Lil Kim launched a solo career with the release of her first cd, "Hard Core". Just like the title suggests, 'Lil Kim's lyrics concentrated on edgy, hardcore rap and explicit sexuality, two territories that had mainly the territory of male rappers.

But 'Lil Kim's near-pornographic sexuality and hard-edged rhythms made her a hit within hip-hop, as "Hard Core" received much attention and strong sales.

'Lil Kim was raised by her parents until they split up when she was nine years old. She went on to live with her father, but she ended up being cast out of the house as a teenager. Kim spent some time living with friends and, occasionally, on the streets.

Eventually, she (and her rhyming skills) came to the attention of Biggie Smalls, who helped her cultivate her career. Shortly after, Kim became a mamber of Junior M.A.F.I.A., and 'Lil Kim's talent was showcased on the group's hit single, "Player's Anthem".

Following the release of Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s "Conspiracy" cd, 'Lil Kim appeared on records by Mona Lisa, the Isley Brothers, Total and Skin Deep. For her debut album, she worked with a variety of producers, including Sean "Puffy" Combs, High Class, Jermaine Dupri, and Prestige.

The marketing campaign for "Hard Core" was more than provocative - Kim was dressed in a skimpy bikini and furs in the advertisements, as well as the album covers -- but instead of receiving the verbal backlashing people thought she'd get, the album became a hit, debuting at number 11 on the charts. The first single from the album, "No Time," was a duet with Sean "Puffy" Combs, and became a number one rap single.

Now known as "The Notorious K.I.M.", her album has officially been deemed one of the most anticipated projects of the year. After being pushed back repeatedly, 'Lil Kim's second album will finally hit stores on June 27. "The Notorious K.I.M.", is the name of the album in tribute to Kim's slain friend/lover/boyfriend slash homie-lover-whatever….Notorious B.I.G. So why is this Brooklyn-born MC seem so unfazed? 'Cause she had no idea she was so popular. Despite all the sexy press pics and the 1/2 naked award show appearances, 'Lil Kim comes off as a modest woman.

"You know I didn't know that many people love me like that. I was just being me. But Iıve come to realize that my fan base has grown a lot. But Iım still not at the peak of my career."

Her new album features guest vocals from Sisqo, Mary J. Blige, Grace Jones and Sean "Puffy" Combs, who also is credited as the album's co-executive producer. Sade, Eric B. and Rakim, and Pat Benatar (whoa! talk about taking it back!) are among the artists sampled on the cd. This new cd has been described as much heavier, and much more "wicked" than Hard Core. It has even bee paralled to the sounds of Biggie's Ready To Die cd. There is a jam dedicated to Biggie called "Hold On", featuring Mary J Blige. Kim still boldly pronounces her love for the dearly departed Notorious B.I.G., and even says she is still in contact with him: even though he is dead.

Although Kim once said she was going to take a break from her previous displays of the graphic and sexually explicit lyrics that were depicted on her previous cd, her new cd doesn't follow through with that promise. "The Notorious K.I.M." is full of raunchy lyrics and song titles like "Suck My D**k," "How Many Licks" and "Single Black Female."

Currently, 'Lil Kim is on a 10-city tour to promote "The Notorious K.I.M." and she's also promoting a recent deal with Mac Cosmetics to be a spokes model for Viva Glam III lipstick. Mary J. Blige is also a spokes model for the company.