Usher’s “Lovers & Friends” Festival was eventful, with many surprising moments that got fans buzzing. Several highlights left fans talking, from Chris Brown’s backstage altercation to Ginuwine’s tumble on stage. SOHH dives into some of the most noteworthy moments at the festival. Chris Brown’s Backstage Altercation During Missy Elliott’s set, Chris Brown got into a […]
The post Top Highlights From Usher’s “Lovers & Friends” Festival appeared first on SOHH.com.
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland created something special with Verzuz. We’ve seen some of the culture’s biggest names go head to head in a battle to see who has the most hits. While some say The Lox vs. Dipset was the best Verzuz. However, Jill Scott vs. Erykah Badu was equally as amazing. Not to mention, Verzuz looked completely different by the time The Lox tore up the stage and had the crowd losing their minds when they went against Dipset. From the looks of it, we might be getting another blockbuster Verzuz matchup.
In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, DJ Envy asked the super producer if a Verzuz between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj was still on the table. Swizz Beatz kept it on the hush-hush but revealed there was something in the works. “I can’t say, I can’t say,” said Swizz. DJ Envy quickly throws in, “So there’s still a possibility?” However, Swizz Beats kept a tight lip saying, “Yeah, I can’t say. I can’t say. But just know if you’re going to wait this long for Verzuz If we gone have you wait this long, it’s definitely going to be worth it.”
Although Swizz Beatz didn’t give a firm yes or no, the possibility of a showdown between the two Iconic MC’s will suffice. The news sent fans into a frenzy wondering how a battle between the two artists will go down. One user commented that Nicki Minaj fans might not be mature enough for a Verzuz battle due to it customarily being about showing love, and respect, and giving our legends their flowers. However, many are just hyped that it’s still on the table, to begin with.
Although, Swizz Beats did say, “If I’m being quiet, things are happening.” Implying that his silence is analogous to a possible Verzuz deal being made. Don’t fret Barbs and Lil Kim fans alike, there’s still hope. Not only that Swizz also mentioned that they needed to take a break from Verzuz. He said, “It was important for us to take a break and organize what we have and actually understand what we have.” While everyone instantly fell in love with Verzuz during the heat of the pandemic, he’s right. Verzuz has come a long way since simply grabbing two icons to hop on IG Live and play their best songs. Can’t be mad for Swizz wanting to perfect the product. Are you excited for this possible showdown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The rap industry has seen a surge of talented and successful female rappers who have made significant contributions to the world of music. These artists have not only changed the game but have also amassed impressive fortunes along the way. In this article, we rank the 20 richest female rappers in 2023, according to Wealthy Gorilla.
Roxanne Shante, a trailblazer for female MCs in the 80s, boasts a net worth of $500,000. As a member of the Juice Crew, she pioneered the art of battling and paved the way for future female rappers.
With a net worth of $500,000, Angel Haze, known for her confessional and brutally honest lyrics, has made a name for herself in the hip-hop scene since her debut in the early 2010s.
Young M.A, an openly gay rapper, has made waves in the industry since her debut in 2016. She boasts a net worth of $2 million, thanks to her hit single “Ooouuu” and subsequent releases.
From her victory on Rap Game to establishing herself as a leading force in the new generation of female rappers, Latto ascended to stardom through her fierce lyricism and infectious singles like “Big Energy.” According to Celebrity Net Worth, the rapper has a net worth of $2 million, making her one of the richest female rappers in 2023.
Breaking out in 2022 with the success of “Munch (Feelin’ U),” Ice Spice catapulted to the top of a rap game through her TikTok-friendly anthems and bubbly persona. Per Celebrity Net Worth, she has a net worth of $2 million as a result of her chart success and her growing celebrity profile.
Foxy Brown, a prominent figure in 90s hip-hop, has a net worth of $3 million. Her collaborations with Jay-Z and Nas solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
Known for her innovative style and controversial persona, Azealia Banks has accumulated a net worth of $3 million throughout her career, with hits like “212” and “Anna Wintour,” placing her at 17th on the list of the richest female rappers.
As the first solo female rapper to release a platinum-selling album, Da Brat holds a net worth of $3 million. Her career took off in the 90s, and she remains a respected figure in the industry.
With a net worth of $4 million, Remy Ma is a Grammy-nominated rapper who gained recognition as a member of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad before launching her solo career.
Trina, dubbed “The Diamond Princess,” has a net worth of $6 million. The rapper has been a mainstay in the industry since the late 90s and has released six studio albums to date.
As a pioneer for female rappers in the late 80s and early 90s, MC Lyte has a net worth of $8 million. She has consistently released music and served as a role model for future generations of female MCs.
With a net worth of $10 million, rapper and actress Eve rose to prominence as a member of the Ruff Ryders crew in the late 90s, eventually transitioning to a successful acting career.
DJ Spinderella, a member of the influential female rap group Salt-N-Pepa, holds a net worth of $10 million. Her skills as a DJ and rapper have made her an integral part of the group’s success.
Megan Thee Stallion is a chart-topping superstar who cemented “Hot Girl Summer” into the lexicon of pop culture. Meg’s net worth sits at $12 million in 2023, thanks to numerous partnerships and an impressive catalog.
British rapper M.I.A., known for her unique blend of electronic, hip-hop, and world music, has a net worth of $14 million. With hits like “Paper Planes” and “Bad Girls,” she has gained international acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Cheryl James, better known as Salt of the groundbreaking rap group Salt-N-Pepa, has a net worth of $14 million. She and her bandmates paved the way for future female rappers and have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, known for her catchy hits like “Fancy” and “Black Widow,” boasts a net worth of $6 million, making her currently 13th on the richest female rappers list.
Sandra Denton, also known as Pepa from the legendary group Salt-N-Pepa, boasts a net worth of $15 million. As one of the first all-female rap groups, they broke barriers and continue to inspire new generations of artists.
With a net worth of $18 million, Lil Kim has been a prominent figure in the rap industry since her debut in the mid-90s. Her provocative lyrics and fashion sense have made her an icon in the world of hip-hop, making her fourth in the richest female rappers list.
Missy Elliott, a pioneer in both music and fashion, has a net worth of $50 million. Her innovative music videos and unique style have left a lasting impact on the industry and garnered her numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards.
Queen Latifah, with a net worth of $60 million, is not only a legendary rapper but also a successful actress and television producer. Since her debut in the late 80s, she has continuously broken barriers and remains a respected figure in the industry.
Cardi B, the outspoken and charismatic rapper, has quickly risen to fame with a net worth of $80 million. She broke onto the scene with her chart-topping hit “Bodak Yellow” and has since released her Grammy-winning album Invasion of Privacy.
Topping the list with a net worth of $150 million, Nicki Minaj has dominated the rap scene since her debut in 2009. With multiple chart-topping hits, numerous awards, and a devoted fan base, she has solidified her status as the current queen of female rap and why she tops the list of the richest female rappers.
These 23 talented and successful female rappers have broken barriers, inspired new generations of artists, and left their mark on the music industry. Their net worths serve as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and impact on the world of hip-hop.
LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells” festival is set to return this year with a boost from a $15 million investment led by Paramount Global. The news comes on the heels of the rap legend’s hosting gig at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. Paramount Global has announced a $15 million investment in LL Cool […]
The post LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells” Festival Secures $15M Investment Led By Paramount Global appeared first on SOHH.com.
Decades after Lil’ Kim‘s reported IRS issues, it seems she has settled, according to documents from Radar Online.
As HipHopDX notes the exact details or date of the money being released weren’t revealed, they did state that $1.38 million of tax debt came from Lil’ Kim — which had been building up since 2003 through various incidents.
In December of 2014, the IRS filed a lien against her for $127,000 since she hadn’t paid taxes since 2010. A few years later, in 2018, the rapper reportedly filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which allows people to catch up on their debts.
For exact numbers, Lil’ Kim had $2,573,300 in assets (which included a Bentley and a Mercedes, jewelry, furniture, electronics, clothing, and her three entertainment companies.) She owed about $4 million in liabilities. Her back taxes totaled $1.8 million, per the publication. She originally tried to pay back $5,500 every month and almost sold her home, but that request was denied.
By the summer of 2019, Lil’ Kim’s bankruptcy case was granted to be dismissed. “I remain committed to saving my home and reorganizing my debts,” she wrote in the filing. It also noted that she had borrowed $25,000 from Missy Elliott, according to Finurah.
Now, she is completely cleared of all past debts and able to keep moving forward.
Lil Kim was born Kimberly Denise Jones in Brooklyn, New York City. She is widely regarded as the original ‘Queen of Rap’ after her successful and trailblazing career in the ’90s and early 2000s. Kim would freestyle rap around New York City, citing influences from MC Lyte and Lady of Rage.
Fellow Brooklyn rapper, the late Notorious B.I.G., would discover her and assist with the start of a rap career. She has released five solo studio albums and one joint album with Junior M.A.F.I.A. Her albums Hard Core and The Notorious K.I.M. have both been certified 5X platinum by the RIAA. La Bella Mafia and The Naked Truth have also achieved double platinum status. These are some of her best songs from when she was at the top of the rap game.
“No Time” was released as Lil Kim’s debut single in 1996 and served as the first from her introductory album Hard Core. The song peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the Top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. “No Time” topped the US Rap Songs for nine weeks. Additionally, the single was certified Gold by the RIAA. Diddy and Steven ‘Stevie J’ Jordan produced the song. The two producers sampled Vicki Anderson’s “Message from the Soul Sisters” and Lyn Collins’s “Take Me Just As I Am” for the song. “No Time” was Lil Kim’s first chart-topping hit record.
This record is another single from Lil Kim’s debut Hard Core album. The remix was released in 1997 and featured Da Brat, Left Eye (TLC), Missy Elliott, and Angie Martinez. It peaked at No. 2 on the US Rap Charts and six on the US Songs Charts. Armando Colon and Rashad Smith produced the song. It was featured on the Nothing to Lose soundtrack and contained samples of “Ladies’ Night” by Kool & the Gang. The song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for selling a million units.
“Lady Marmalade” was officially a second No. 1 song for Lil Kim. The song served as part of the soundtrack to the musical film Moulin Rouge! It also features vocals from Christina Aguilera, Mya, and Pink. “Lady Marmalade” spent five weeks at the top of the US Billboard chart after a slow climb to No. 1. Additionally, the song topped the charts in Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Australia. It achieved platinum status in these countries as well. “Lady Marmalade” serves as Lil Kim’s longest No. 1 song.
“Magic Stick” was from the album La Bella Mafia. It features vocals from fellow New Yorker Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Lil’ Kim earned another No. 1 rap song with “Magic Stick.” The song also peaked at No. 2 on the US Singles Chart. Carlos “Fantom of the Beat” Evans produced the hit record. It was intended to be on 50 Cent’s magnum opus, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” but couldn’t make the cut because Lil Kim submitted her verse late. The single was a massive success despite not having an accompanying visual.
Scott Storch produced “Lighters Up” and sampled elements of Damian Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock.” MTV named the song Best Brooklyn Anthem in 2013. Lil Kim released the single on her fourth album, The Naked Truth. The song peaked at nine on the Rap Albums Chart and 31 on the US Singles Chart.
“It’s All About the Benjamins” originally debuted on DJ Clue’s Holiday Holdup mixtape and subsequently on Diddy’s debut No Way Out album. The LOX members Jadakiss and Sheek Louch provided vocals for the song. The remix included Lil Kim, Notorious B.I.G., and Missy Elliott’s addition. The single peaked at No. 1 on the US Rap Charts and No. 17 on the US Singles Chart. Additionally, the RIAA certified the record gold for half a million units sold in the United States.
The accompanying visuals won a Viewer’s Choice Award at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. “It’s All About the Benjamins” samples the song “I Did It for Love,” performed by Love Unlimited and written by Linda Laurie and Terry Etlinger. The verse performed by Notorious B.I.G. contains a sample from The Jackson 5 song “It’s Great to Be Here.”
“Money, Power, Respect” is a certified classic rap record from the legendary New York trio, the LOX. The group comprises hip-hop veterans Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch. The song features Lil Kim in the chorus and DMX in the last verse. The LOX released the song as the second single from their debut album of the same name. The record saw success on the charts peaking at No. 1 on the US Rap Charts and No. 17 on the US Singles Chart. “Money, Power, Respect” was also certified gold by the RIAA. Hitmen members D-Dot and Amen-Ra produced the song.
This was another feature for Lil Kim. The song was a single from southern rap veteran Trick Daddy’s Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets album. “Sugar” also features vocals from Ludacris and CeeLo Green. Ludacris’ vocals were left out of the video because he was absent during the official video shoot. However, he is on the official audio. The song peaked at No. 12 on the US Rap Charts and No. 20 on the Singles Chart.
This time, Lil Kim jumped on Keyshia Cole’s single “Let It Go” from the Just Be You album. The song peaked at No. 1 on the R&B and Hip-Hop Chart and No. 7 on the US Singles Chart. The RIAA certified “Let it Go” platinum. Additional vocals are provided by Missy Elliott. The song features samples from “Juicy Fruit” by Mtume and “Don’t Stop the Music” by Yarbrough and Peoples.
“Hit Em with da Hee” is a record from Missy Elliott’s debut album Supa Dupa Fly. It was the last record to be released from the album and it peaked at number 61 on the Billboard R&B and Hip-hop Chart. Lil’ Kim delivers a guest verse on the song.
Kimberly Denise Jones, famously known as Lil Kim, has undergone numerous noticeable transformations throughout her musical career. She has allegedly undergone surgery, and fans claimed it could be true because of how she changed. Despite all the rumors, the “No Matter What They Say” hitmaker still exudes unwavering confidence in all aspects of her entertainment career and personal life.
The rapper burst onto the scene during Hip Hop’s Golden Era and amassed great success. She has also demonstrated some notable transformations throughout her career. Clearly, her music and fashion style successes have superseded her controversial physical appearance. A noteworthy fact is that Lil Kim’s fashion has just been as iconic as her music. She is known for her daring and revealing outfits, often featuring sequins, fur, and feathers. Her fashion choices inspire generations of women in rap and help to redefine hip-hop.
Kim has been in the music business for over two decades and is known for her provocative outfits and aggressive music style. Over the years, she has undergone a significant transformation in her appearance and style. In the 90s, she established her iconic stature by working with high-profile peers like Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliott. She was also rumored to have an affair with Tupac Shakur, but she denied these claims.
In 1993, Kim met the Notorious B.I.G. at a rap battle. The two became close and began a romantic relationship. Biggie took Lil Kim under his wing and introduced her to Junior M.A.F.I.A., a rap group he was part of. Soon, Kim joined the group, boosting her iconic music career to the next level. Gaining momentum, Kim’s big break came in 1996 when she released her debut album, Hard Core. The album was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies and reaching No. 11 on the Billboard 200. It featured production from some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Sean “Puffy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, and The Trackmasters.
The 2000s saw an experienced Kim continue to solidify her status as a hip-hop icon. Her music continued to evolve, and she released several successful albums, including The Notorious K.I.M. and La Bella Mafia. She also collaborated with other big names in the industry, such as 50 Cent, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott. However, despite facing some setbacks, such as a brief stint in prison in 2005, Lil Kim’s music remained popular and influential.
Like most music icons, Lil Kim’s fashion sense continued to turn heads. She was known for her daring and provocative outfits, often pushing boundaries with bold choices. Although she faced some criticism for her fashion choices, Lil Kim remained unapologetic and true to herself. This signature “gangster” attitude only added to her appeal.
Additionally, her personal life has not been without its controversies. In 2005, she was convicted of perjury and sentenced to a year and a day in prison for lying to a grand jury about a shooting that involved her friends. Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown was a six-part docuseries released in 2006 that chronicled the rapper’s final weeks before her prison stint.
In 2011, Lil Kim released her mixtape Black Friday, which reportedly contained diss tracks directed at Nicki Minaj. She also announced that she would release an album entitled Hard Core 2K13, but it ultimately never materialized. In 2013, Kim purportedly underwent a series of plastic surgeries that drastically changed her appearance. This led to much speculation and criticism. She denied having any major procedures and attributed her new look to makeup and weight loss.
More recently, Kim’s looks have continued to evolve, and she has maintained her status as a style icon. Furthermore, the rapper sparked debates about her outfit at the 2019 BET Awards. Her stunning makeup perfectly complemented her outfits, and her fans couldn’t get enough. Her performance was also well received.
Over the years, Lil Kim’s fashion style has continued to be a standout feature. In 2019, Cardi B paid homage to Lil Kim’s iconic 1999 MTV Video Music Awards outfit by wearing a similar purple jumpsuit to the event. Other celebrities have commented on Lil Kim’s legacy in the music industry. Missy Elliott praised Lil Kim as a “pioneer” and “icon” in a 2019 tweet. Fellow rapper Trina has cited Lil Kim as one of her biggest influences.
Kim has also faced controversies in recent years. The most famed one was the beef she had with Nicki Minaj. In the rap game, respect and appreciation are highly coveted by pioneers. However, Kim did not take lightly the disrespect she felt she received from Nicki. In an interview on Real 92.3 in 2018, she bashed Nicki for being selfish and not recognizing her contributions to her influence.
Many celebrities have taken to social media to express their thoughts on Lil Kim’s transformation. In a tweet from October 2022, singer Lizzo wrote, “Lil Kim has been an icon for years. Her music, her style, her confidence – she’s everything. I love seeing her still slayin’ in 2022.” Similarly, actress Halle Berry tweeted in June 2022, “Lil Kim’s transformation over the years has been nothing short of amazing. She’s still got it, and I’m here for it!” In another tweet, rapper Trina wrote, “I can’t wait to see the legendary Lil Kim. She’s a trendsetter and a true icon in the game.” Lil Kim is still slayin’ in 2023, and we can’t wait to see what she brings next.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Notorious B.I.G. released his second album, Life After Death. The double LP was released posthumously by Bad Boy Records. Biggie, who was killed two weeks prior to its release, was nominated for three Grammy’s for this project: Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance for “Hypnotize” and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Mo Money Mo Problems.”
Featuring artists like 112, Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Ma$e, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Too $hort and R. Kelly, along with tracks like “Kick In The Door,” “What’s Beef,” “Notorious Thugs,” “Ten Crack Commandments” and “Sky’s The Limit,” it can be said that Life After Death is one of the greatest rap albums of all time. The album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the US Top R&B/Hip Hop chart. It went diamond (that’s 10,000,000 copies sold) in the United States alone, double platinum in Canada, and platinum in the UK. Life After Death has also made appearances on top music charts across the globe. The album has been ranked by countless publications as one of the top rap and Hip-Hop albums of all time (The Source ranked it as #8 in 2005).
Salute to Diddy and the rest of the Bad Bot family for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Notorious B.I.G. Dropped His Posthumous ‘Life After Death’ LP 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.
