Lil' Kim: Hardcore (1996). The Queen Bee Takes Her Throne.

The crew reviews Lil' Kim's debut album Hardcore. The highly anticipated debut came on the heels of her being a focal point of Junior M.A.F.I.A's debut the previous year. Unleashing a torrid assult of hardcore lyrics mixed with sexually explicit scenarios and lines that could rival any of her male counterparts, her style helped to open the door for the following generation of female rappers who would follow her lead of shock value of sexual liberation that would soon become the norm when once thought to be taboo. Backed by three popular singles and critical acclaim, it has sold five million albums worldwide.

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Show Notes

Hot 97: Lil' Kim's Hardcore 25 Years Later

https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/lil-kims-hard-core-25-years-later

The Ringer: How Lil' Kim's "Hard Core" Changed Rap

https://www.theringer.com/2021/5/27/22456125/how-lil-kims-hard-core-changed-rap

Albumism: Lil' Kim's 'Hardcore' and Foxy Brown's 'Ill Na Na' Turn 25 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-lil-kim-hard-core-and-foxy-brown-ill-na-na

NME: A timely reminder that Lil' Kim's 'Hard Core' Is The Greatest Rap Record Ever

https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lil-kim-hardcore-the-greatest-rap-album-of-all-time-2552745