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Rommel Demano/Getty ImagesFamed rapper Lil’ Kim will celebrate her birthday Monday, the same day that she will be honored at the VHI Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens live event in New York City.
Born Kimberly Denise Jones, Lil’ Kim is one of the preeminent female rappers. She started her career in as part of Junior M.A.F.I.A., the ’90s group formed and mentored by the Notorious B.I.G. She and Biggie were also romantically involved for a time.
With her debut solo album, Hard Core, and following albums, The Notorious K.I.M. and La Bella Mafia, she emerged as the only female rapper, other than Missy Elliott, to notch three platinum albums.
Throughout her career, Kim’s released ten studio albums and a slew of number one hit singles, including “Crush on You,” “Magic Stick” and “No Matter What They Say.” The Queen Bee has also collaborated with numerous artists, including Sisqo, Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliot and 50 Cent.
She has won Grammy, Billboard, MTV and VH1 awards for “Lady Marmalade,” her collaboration withMya, Pink and Christina Aguilera.
Lil’ Kim has also modeled for the likes of cosmetics brand MAC and the fashion line Baby Phat, along with having endorsed the Ciroc vodka brand and her own Queen Bee cocktail in 2012.
Most recently, she caused controversy with social media photos that made her appear as though her skin had been lightened considerably.
On tonight’s VH1 Hip Hop Honors show, Lil’ Kim will be honored along with Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott and Salt-N-Pepa featuring DJ Spinderella.
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