Nine Unsung Lil Kim Fashion Moments to Celebrate the Queen of Rap's Birthday
On her 45th Birthday, L'OFFICIEL looks back at the rapper's most under-appreciated and over-the-top looks.
Today, July 11, isn’t a national holiday, but it should be. It was on this day that the Queen of Rap, Vanguard of Ghetto Fabulosity, ostentatious original Kimberly Jones better known to the world as Lil Kim was born. Before Hot Girl Summer, before City Girls season, it was Lil Kim who changed the landscape for women in Hip Hop by trading in masculine baggy clothes, and Kangol hats, for sexy, glamorous skimpy outfits that paired with their raunchy lyrics. Kim was the godmother of the doll craze, logomania wigs, and colorful minks. Lil Kim released Hard Core, with the now-iconic promotional poster of Kimberly squatting down in a cheetah print two-piece and slinky fur robe that made waves, breaking the internet- before breaking the internet was a thing.
To say Lil Kim revolutionized fashion would be an understatement. With the help of stylist Misa Hylton, she was groundbreaking in forging the now obvious partnerships between fashion and hip hop. Yet somehow Lil Kim has yet to receive the respect and admiration she deserves, Looking at you the CFDA. However, 2019 feels like the year Kim will get her validation. The rappers fifth studio album entitled Nine is slated to be released this month and her new show Girls Trip airs this July 15 on VH1. While most of us re familiar with Kim’s pastel purple jumpsuit with her bare titty covered only by a seashell pasty made from Indian bridal lace by Misa Hylton. Her David Lachapelle collaborations, Louis Vuitton skin, Logomania wigs, and the Wiz inspired Crush on You Fantasy. Here are some of Kim’s Unsung fashion moments from the vault.