Lil’ Kim is one of our regal honorees at VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens, which airs live July 11 at 9 p.m on VH1. Her impact on rap is truly awe-inspiring. Yes, her songs breathe new life into hip hop, but her style also heavily affects the genre. Lil’ Kim was one of the first female rappers–and artists–to take serious risks with her fashion. She pushes both sexual and political boundaries with every look and certainly paved the way for artists like Lady Gaga to wear whatever the hell they want.
We combed through hundreds of legendary Lil’ Kim outfits and selected the 10 that really epitomize her status as a style icon. From pasties to jumpsuits, let’s hear it for the woman who never apologizes for what she wears.
In this video “From the Vault,” Lil’ Kim talked to MTV News interview in 1999 about telling her story and being a role model to her fans. Watch Lil’ Kim and more queens get honored live at VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens on July 11.
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1 The 1999 MTV Video Music AwardsGetty Images
Pasty-gate. -
2 The 2002 Grammy AwardsGetty Images
Yes, that’s a jeweled bib necklace. And yes, it’s flawless. -
3 The Hard Core promotional photo, 1996The Hit Factory
The photo seen ’round the world. -
4 The 2001 Source Hip-Hop Music AwardsGetty Images
Only a real star can wear stars on her nipples. -
5 The 2003 BET AwardsGetty Images
Beach bum x Lil’ Kim = aqua goddess. -
6 The 2006 MTV Video Music AwardsGetty Images
Take note: If you want to poke fun at your own jail sentence, wear an orange jumpsuit to the biggest music show on television. -
7 The 2000 MTV Video Music AwardsGetty Images
Bondage onesies? Who knew! -
8 The 1998 Soul Train Lady of Soul AwardsGetty Images
The ice queen before Elsa. -
9 New York Fashion Week, 2005Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, eat your heart out. -
10 The 2002 Grammy Awards (again)Getty Images
In the chic race, Lil’ Kim gets first place.