Today in Hip Hop History, Lil’ Kim released her debut album Hard Coreon November 12, 1996. The Brooklyn-born pint-sized rapper changed the course of hip hop. Before Megan Thee Stallion bounced in a thong and before Nicki Minaj wore the colorful wigs— there was Lil Kim. Her album Hard Core album showed women in a different light compared to what we had seen from veterans like MC Late and Queen Latifah. Lil Kim unabashedly spoke on her sex life and what she demanded from any man trying to court her. From her fashions to her hair to her aggressive rap style, she ushered women into the 2000s with sexy confidence we hadn’t seen before.
“No Time” quickly became an anthem and girls everywhere initiated Lil Kim as the Queen. There was an unforgettable promo poster released that stirred up a conversation and was plastered all over New York City. She and her crew Junior Mafia became one of the biggest groups in Hip hop led by the late great Notorious B.I.G. Today we salute Lil Kim for a classic album, that still knocks to this day. Check out some of our favorites of the album Hardcore.
On September 13, 1994, Notorious B.I.G., alongside producers Easy Mo Bee, DJ Premier, Poke of the Trackmasters, and none other than “Puffy” (as Diddy was called then) as the executive producer, released the Hip Hop masterpiece known as Ready To Die.
As Big’s debut album, this highly anticipated release shows the lyrical prowess of the Bed-Stuy big man, and besides Method Man’s assistance on the epic “The What?” track, Mr. Wallace made it happen all by himself. Other than Nas’ Illmatic, no other solo emcee accomplished that feat on the East Coast during that era. Recognized as “The King Of New York” and as seen on a vintage 1995 Source Magazine cover, Big’s legacy was etched in stone with this LP.
Timeless classics from that four-and-a-half mic-er include the DJ Premier-produced “Unbelievable,” the back-and-forth storytelling adventures of “Warning” and “Gimme The Loot,” and the eerie title track itself were just a few of the highlights of this legendary project. That’s not to forget the mainstream success of singles such as “One More Chance,” the Brooklynplayalistic sound of “Big Poppa,” and, of course, the hood inspirational, Mtume-based “Juicy.”
We only had the chance to get one more album(prophetically named Life After Death) out of one of the game’s greatest lyricists before he was prematurely killed in Los Angeles in 1997. Still, this album will always remind us that B.I.G. was “Ready to Die” because his talent was and will always be larger than life.
Salute to Big (RIP), Premier, Easy, Poke, Lord Finesse, Diddy, Lil’ Kim, and the entire Wallace family for this classic masterpiece!
On this date in 1995, the hometown crew of Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls, which was composed of Lil’ Kim, Lil’ Cease, Nino Brown, Chico Del Vec, Kleptomaniac, Capone, Bugsy and Trife and Larceny of The Snakes, who called themselves Junior Mafia, dropped their first album entitled Conspiracy Theory on the Undeas/Atlantic imprint.
With Biggie being one of the first East Coast artists to put his homies on from his Bed-Stuy block, Conspiracy Theory served up a suffix of hits featuring the “King Of NY,” which helped to further catapult his stardom, but introduce an entire crew of microphone astute Brooklyn kids that launched an entire movement of their own. JM also introduced a female emcee from BK that would forever change the landscape of Hip-Hop for women; Lil’ Kim.
Some of the sure shot singles from this monumental project include “Player’s Anthem” featuring Notorious B.I.G. and Lil’ Kim, “I Need You Tonight” featuring Biggie’s then-wife Faith Evans and of course the anthemic “Get Money”.
Salute to Junior Mafia, Lil’ Cease, Lil’ Kim, “Un” Rivera and the entire Junior Mafia squad for dropping this eternal Hip-Hop classic!
Today, “the greatest rapper of all time” was born; Brooklyn’s own Christopher Wallace, better known as the Notorious B.I.G. Smalls had the game on lock before an unknown suspect gunned him down on March 9, 1997. His music, however, lives on.
From his debut single, “Juicy,” to charted success through his collaborations with protégé group, Junior Mafia to the infamous East Coast/West Coast beef, and his individual feud with West Coast rapper, Tupac, Smalls’ triumph is legendary and continues to resonate with fans.
The rap slayer had numerous hits in his catalog and even more memorable lines. There were several times, however, Smalls was ruthless and aggressive, although as fans we may have been unaware if there was an underlying issue or a diss record target, but we definitely rapped along with his merciless storytelling lyrics. In honor of the Notorious’ 46th birthday, here are 10 most cutthroat Biggie Smalls lyrics.
Dead Wrong
“Relax and take notes, while I take tokes of the marijuana smoke. Throw you in a choke – gun smoke, gun smoke. Biggie Smalls for mayor, the rap slayer, the hooker layer – motherf*cker say your prayers. Hail Mary full of grace; smack the b*tch in the face, take her Gucci bag and the North Face off her back. Jab her if she act funny with the money, oh you got me mistaken honey.”
Machine Gun Funk
“Sticks and stones break bones, but the gat’ll kill you quick, especially when I’m drunk off the liquor.”
Respect
“Now I’m thirteen, smokin’ blunts, makin’ cream, on the drug scene, f*ck a football team. Riskin’ ruptured spleens by the age of sixteen. Hhearing ‘ the coach scream at my lifetime dream, I mean I wanna blow up, stack my dough up. So school I didn’t show up, it f*cked my flow up.”
Kick In Ya Door
“So, Jesus, get off the Notorious penis, before I squeeze and bust. If the beef between us, we can settle it with the chrome and metal sh*t. I make it hot, like a kettle get, you’re delicate, you better get, who sent ya?”
Party and Bullsh*t
“But all we wanna know is “Where the party at?” And can i bring my gat? If not, I hope I don’t get shot. But I throw my vest on my chest ’cause n*ggas is a mess. It don’t take nothin’ but frontin’ for me to start somethin’.”
10 Crack Commandments
“Number nine, shoulda been number one to me: if you ain’t getting bagged stay the f*ck from the police. If n*ggas think you snitchin they aint tryna listen. They be sitting in your kitchen, waiting to start hitting.”
Suicidal Thoughts
“When I die, f*ck it I wanna go to hell. Cause I’m a piece of sh*t, it ain’t hard to f*ckin’ tell. It don’t make sense, goin’ to heaven wit the goodie-goodies. Dressed in white, I like black timbs and black hoodies. God will probably have me on some real strict shit. No sleepin’ all day, no gettin my d*ck licked.”
Notorious Thugs
“Armed and dangerous, ain’t too many can bang with us. Straight up weed, no angel dust, label us Notorious. Thug ass n*ggas that love to bust, it’s strange to us. Y’all n*ggas be scramblin, gambling. Up in restaurants with mandolins, and violins. We just sittin here tryin to win, tryin not to sin. High off weed and lots of gin. So much smoke need oxygen, steadily counting them Benjamins.”
Who Shot Ya?
“Who shot ya? Separate the weak from the obsolete. Hard to creep them Brooklyn streets. It’s on, n*gga, f*ck all that bickering beef. I can hear sweat trickling down your cheek. Your heartbeat sound like Sasquatch feet. Thundering, shaking the concrete….
I burn, baby, burn like Disco Inferno. Burn slow like blunts with yayo. Peel more skins than Idaho potato. N*ggas know, the lyrical molestin’ is takin’ place. F*ckin’ with B.I.G. it ain’t safe.”
Freestlye at MSG
“I got 7 Mac-11’s. About eight 38s. Nine 9s. 10 Mac Tens. The shit never ends. You can’t touch my riches. Even if you had MC Hammer and them 357 b*tches…..Oh my God I’m dropping shit like a pigeon. I hope your listening. Smacking babies at their christening.”
In the dynamic realm of hip-hop, figures like Lil Cease have left indelible marks on the industry. As a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A. and a close associate of the legendary Biggie Smalls, Lil Cease’s journey has been one of both acclaim and controversy. With his multifaceted career, spanning from music to entrepreneurial pursuits, let’s delve into Lil Cease’s net worth in 2024 and the factors that contribute to it.
Born James Lloyd on August 20, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York, Lil Cease grew up amidst the vibrant hip-hop culture of the city. Raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, he was exposed to the burgeoning rap scene from a young age. Inspired by the likes of Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J, he began honing his skills as an emcee.
Lil Cease’s life would intersect fatefully with Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. Their bond was forged on the streets of Brooklyn, leading to Cease becoming one of Biggie’s closest collaborators. Furthermore, he featured prominently on Biggie’s debut album, Ready To Die, contributing memorable verses to tracks like “Player’s Anthem.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 05: Rapper Lil Kim and rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A. arrive to the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage)
The formation of Junior M.A.F.I.A. in the early ’90s marked a significant milestone in Lil Cease’s career. Consisting of Biggie Smalls, Lil Cease, and other talented artists from Brooklyn, the group gained widespread recognition with hits like “Get Money” and “Player’s Anthem.” Moreover, Lil Cease’s lyrical prowess and charismatic presence solidified his status as a prominent figure in the rap collective.
Solo Ventures & Entrepreneurial Pursuits
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Kleptomaniac and Lil’ Cease from Junior M.A.F.I.A. perform during “Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating The Life and Legacy of The Notorious BIG at The Edge at Hudson Yards on May 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Beyond his contributions to Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil Cease has embarked on solo ventures that have bolstered his net worth. Along with the group’s projects, he also released his solo album, The Wonderful World Of Cease A Leo, in 1999, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Additionally, he has delved into entrepreneurial endeavors, including clothing lines and record labels, further diversifying his income streams.
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 08: Rapper Lil Cease performs onstage in concert during 2017 A3C Festival at Georgia Freight Depot on October 8, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
As of 2024, Lil Cease’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This figure reflects his enduring impact on the hip-hop landscape and his ability to navigate the industry’s ever-changing terrain. From his early days as a protege of Biggie Smalls to his evolution as a solo artist and entrepreneur, Lil Cease has certainly carved out a niche for himself in the annals of rap history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lil Cease’s net worth in 2024 is a testament to his resilience and adaptability in an industry known for its volatility. Through his association with Biggie Smalls and Junior M.A.F.I.A., as well as his ventures into solo music and entrepreneurship, he has cemented his legacy as a formidable force in hip-hop. As he continues to chart his course in the music world, one thing remains certain: Lil Cease’s influence will endure for generations to come.
On September 13, 1994, Notorious B.I.G., alongside producers Easy Mo Bee, DJ Premier, Poke of the Trackmasters, and none other than “Puffy” (as Diddy was called then) as the executive producer, released the Hip Hop masterpiece known as Ready To Die.
As Big’s debut album, this highly anticipated release shows the lyrical prowess of the Bed-Stuy big man, and besides Method Man’s assistance on the epic “The What?” track, Mr. Wallace made it happen all by himself. Other than Nas’ Illmatic, no other solo emcee accomplished that feat during that era on the East Coast. Recognized as “The King Of New York” and as seen on a vintage 1995 Source Magazine cover, Big’s legacy was etched in stone with this LP.
Timeless classics from that four and a half mic-er include the DJ Premier produced “Unbelievable,” the back and forth storytelling adventures of “Warning” and “Gimme The Loot,” and the eerie title track itself were just a few of the highlights of this legendary project. That’s not to forget the mainstream success of singles such as “One More Chance,” the Brooklynplayalistic sound of “Big Poppa,” and of course the hood inspirational, Mtume-based “Juicy.”
We only had the chance to get one more album(prophetically named Life After Death) out of one of the game’s greatest lyricists before he was prematurely killed in Los Angeles in 1997. Still, this album will always remind us that B.I.G. was “Ready to Die” because his talent was and will always be larger than life.
Salute to Big (RIP), Premier, Easy, Poke, Lord Finesse, Diddy, Lil’ Kim, and the entire Wallace family for this classic masterpiece!
On this date in 1995, the hometown crew of Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls, which was composed of Lil’ Kim, Lil’ Cease, Nino Brown, Chico Del Vec, Kleptomaniac, Capone, Bugsy and Trife and Larceny of The Snakes, who called themselves Junior Mafia, dropped their first album entitled Conspiracy Theory on the Undeas/Atlantic imprint.
With Biggie being one of the first East Coast artists to put his homies on from his Bed-Stuy block, Conspiracy Theory served up a suffix of hits featuring the “King Of NY,” which helped to further catapult his stardom, but introduce an entire crew of microphone astute Brooklyn kids that launched an entire movement of their own. JM also introduced a female emcee from BK that would forever change the landscape of Hip-Hop for women; Lil’ Kim.
Some of the sure shot singles from this monumental project include “Player’s Anthem” featuring Notorious B.I.G. and Lil’ Kim, “I Need You Tonight” featuring Biggie’s then-wife Faith Evans and of course the anthemic “Get Money”.
Salute to Junior Mafia, Lil’ Cease, Lil’ Kim, “Un” Rivera and the entire Junior Mafia squad for dropping this eternal Hip-Hop classic!
Several reports have confirmed that Junior Mafia affiliate and one of the Notorious B.I.G.’s best friends, Chico Del Vec, has passed away.
His cause of death has not yet been determined.
The news first surfaced when Brooklyn rapper Special Ed tweeted his passing, saying, “Just got a call. Rest In Peace Chico Del Vec. Junior Mafia.” DJ Premier commented on Ed’s tweet, saying, “Great dude. Guru and I used to hang out with him and Nino on Fulton St. when we lived on Washington Ave in Clinton Hill Brooklyn. R.I.P. KING.”
Lil Cease paid tribute to his fallen JM comrade on IG, saying, “Damn Man! Rest In Peace To Our OG Of Junior Mafia , Official Day 1 Member Of The Group, Legend Of Fulton & St James.. The One That Got B.I.G. Off The Stoop & On Fulton St.. My Brother Chic Delvec @chicodelvec9371 I Love You & Ima Miss You Big Time Bro.. Like This Moment Right Here, Im Glad We As Group Was Able To Give You Ya Flowers Be You Left.. You Know It’s Mafia For Life And We Go Rep You Til We Meet Again Family. Rest Peaceful Delvec Prayers And Condolences To The Whole Lyons Family.”
Bathed in the clamor of Brooklyn’s vibrant streets, Kimberly Denise Jones, or Lil Kim, found her rhythm. A budding talent, Kim’s artistic calling was anything but conventional, much like her persona. This fierce individuality steered the wheels of her destiny, driving her into the fast lane of the music industry under the moniker Lil Kim. Her fiery spirit and lyrical finesse led her to accumulate an impressive net worth of $18 million by 2023, according to WealthyGorilla.
Crowned Queen Bee: A Decades-long Reign
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)
Stepping onto the music scene in 1995 as part of the hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A, Lil’ Kim quickly seized the spotlight with her brazen style and robust raps. The group’s debut album, Conspiracy, heralded Kim’s arrival. Tracks like “Player’s Anthem” signaled her potential to set the stage ablaze. Her solo venture, Hard Core, released in 1996, entrenched her place in the rap kingdom. Hit singles like “No Time” and “Crush on You” mesmerized the masses. The album went double Platinum and rocketed Kim to stardom. She continued to blaze trails and break records. Her subsequent albums, The Notorious K.I.M. and La Bella Mafia, received critical acclaim, while her fiery verse in the hit remix “Lady Marmalade” earned her a coveted Grammy.
Lil Kim Net Worth: Personal Journey & Transformation
Lil’ Kim during Fuse and Hot 97 Present Full Frontal Hip Hop with Host Lil’ Kim at Webster Hall in New York, New York, United States. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic)
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage, Lil’ Kim has navigated tumultuous waters with fortitude. Overcoming adversities such as a prison sentence and media scrutiny, Kim has stood steadfast, inspiring many. An ardent advocate for women’s empowerment, Kim has used her platform to inspire. She hopes women will embrace their power and individuality, a theme often reflected in her music.
Beyond The Mic: Philanthropic Pursuits & Ventures
OXON HILL, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 05: Rapper Lil Kim speaks onstage during 2019 Urban One Honors at MGM National Harbor on December 05, 2019 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Lil Kim’s ventures extend beyond the realm of music. Kim is a shrewd businesswoman who has ventured into various fields, including fashion, makeup, and spirits, demonstrating an astute sense of market trends. Moreover, her heart beats as loudly for philanthropy as it does for music. She has been involved in numerous charitable activities, utilizing her fame to champion causes close to her heart. This includes matters concerning houselessness, education, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
To encapsulate, Lil’ Kim’s journey offers an intriguing panorama that marries talent, ambition, and resilience. As she continues to influence the world of music and beyond, one thing remains certain: the Queen Bee still reigns supreme, her legacy etched into the annals of hip-hop history. Her $18 million worth reflects not just her financial prosperity but also her indomitable spirit and ceaseless grit.
Born on this date in 1974, Bedford-Stuyvesant native Lil’ Kim has certainly paved the way for female rappers to gain traction in a highly male-dominated world of hip-hop. Making her name, sound, and style notorious (no pun intended) in her appearance on Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s debut album, Conspiracy.
Backed by hardcore lyrics filled with provocative and liberating content, Kim’s attitude and determination broke down gender barriers (which female rappers currently still face) that excelled her respect in the game.
Kim’s resume includes many Hip Hop greats, timeless tracks, fashion moments, and jaw-dropping lyrics. As the musical heiress of the Notorious B.I.G. legacy, Kim has continued to rep the memory of “the greatest rapper of all time”, even naming her sophomore 2000 release Notorious K.I.M.
Morphing from a femcee from Bed Stuy into the iconic figure she is today is a trail that has only been traced by the likes of Cardi B, Megan The Stallion and today’s entire female rap roster. They all have to salute the Queen B.
The Source Magazine sends a supreme born day shout to the Queen on her Birthday!!
Rest In Peace To Our OG Of Junior Mafia , Official Day 1 Member Of The Group, Legend Of Fulton & St James.. The One That Got B.I.G. Off The Stoop & On Fulton St.. My Brother Chic Delvec @chicodelvec9371 I Love You & Ima Miss You Big Time Bro.. Like This Moment Right Here, Im Glad We As Group Was Able To Give You Ya Flowers Be You Left.. You Know It’s Mafia For Life And We Go Rep You Til We Meet Again Family. Rest Peaceful Delvec 
Prayers And Condolences To The Whole Lyons Family.” 
