Lil Kim Then and Now: Singer's transformation in showbiz and personal life

Lil’ Kim to became known for her style and she has served some iconic looks over the years

UPDATED SEP 29, 2023

Lil Kim has been a fixture in the music industry for over 20 years (Getty Images)

Lil Kim Then & Now: A glimpse into singer's transformation in showbiz and personal life

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Lil' Kim performs onstage during VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The 90s Game C — Lil' Kim was 20 when she was discovered by late rapper and songwriter Notorious B.I.G (Getty Images)

Lil Kim's journey from a young, talented rapper to a bona fide legend has been nothing short of inspiring. The remarkable singer has not only withstood the test of time but has also undergone remarkable changes in both her career and personal life. Let us take a look at Lil Kim's evolution over the years.

Lil Kim: The early years

Rapper Notorious B.I.G. AKA Biggie Smalls (Christopher Wallace) joined by Sean (Puffy) Combs and Lil' Kim receives Billboard Music Award on December 6, 1995 at The Coliseum in New York City, New York. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) — Rapper Notorious B.I.G joined by Sean Combs and Lil' Kim received the Billboard Music Award in 1995 in New York City (Getty Images)

Lil Kim, born Kimberly Denise Jones on July 11, 1974 in Brooklyn, New York, entered the music scene in the early 1990s. She quickly gained recognition for her distinctive style and fearless lyrics. She collaborated with hip-hop legends like The Notorious B.I.G. and made a name for herself as one of the most talented and provocative artists in the industry.

'90s and early 2000s: Lil Kim's skyrocketing fame

Lil' Kim at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) — Lil' Kim at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards (Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Lil Kim's career took off in the '90s, and her debut album 'Hard Core' became an instant classic. Also, everyone loved Lil Kim's one-sleeved purple jumpsuit during her debut at the MTV VMAs in 1999. However, this period wasn't free of controversy and legal problems, including a prison sentence for perjury.

2005: Lil Kim's artistic evolution

Lil Kim (YouTube) — Lil’ Kim released her debut album Hard Core in 1996 which was certified double platinum (Screenshot/Sassy Spoofs 2.0 YouTube)

Despite these setbacks, Lil Kim's resilience and determination led to her transformation as an artist. After serving her prison sentence, she returned to the music scene with a newfound maturity and grace. Her 2005 album 'The Naked Truth' showed the rapper from a more thoughtful and introspective side, earning her critical acclaim. That same year, Lil’ Kim admitted that she had undergone surgery to fix her broken nose.

2009: Lil Kim's transition to reality TV

Lil Kim (dancingwiththestars) — Lil’ Kim ventured into reality TV with shows like 'Dancing with the Stars' (ABC)

Lil Kim's transformation extended beyond music. She ventured into reality TV, appearing on shows like 'Dancing with the Stars' and 'Celebrity Big Brother,' which allowed fans to see a different side of her personality.

2019: Lil Kim's iconic look at 2019 BET Awards

Lil Kim (lilkimthequeenbee/Instagram) — Lil’ Kim served another iconic look on the red carpet when she attended the 2019 BET Awards (@lilkimthequeenbee/Instagram)

Lil Kim stunned on the red carpet with another unforgettable appearance during her participation at the 2019 BET Awards, where she showcased a variety of ensembles, including an eye-catching blazer-style dress, complemented by her exquisite makeup and elegant touch of rose gold hair.

2022: Lil Kim performs at BET Awards 2022

Lil' Kim during the 2022 BET Awards on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET) — Lil' Kim during the 2022 BET Awards in June 2022 in Los Angeles, California
(Aaron J Thornton/Getty Images)

In 2022, Lil' Kim once again caused a stir with her appearance at the 2022 BET Awards. She wore a striking ensemble of a black crop top, black tights, stylish sunglasses and dazzling shoes. During the event, the singer performed a medley of songs to honor Diddy's Lifetime Achievement Award.