Hardcore rapper Lil' Kim grew up on the streets of Brooklyn and got her musical start rapping as part of the late Notorious B.I.G.?s rap collective Junior M.A.F.I.A., in which she was the lone female member. Her thugged-out Betty Boop delivery on tracks such as "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money" helped propel Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s 1995 debut, Conspiracy, into the top 10 on the Billboard 200, and established Kim as Bonnie to Biggie's Clyde.

In 1996, Kim began a solo career, releasing her debut album, Hard Core, in 1996. Produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs, the album featured explicit lyrics and hard rhythms, breaking new ground for female rappers. Hard Core eventually reached No. 11 on the pop charts thanks to the hit single "No Time."

Lil' Kim's released Notorious K.I.M. in late June 2000. In 2001, Lil' Kim teamed with Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, and Missy Elliot for the blockbuster remake of "Lady Marmalade," found on the soundtrack to the hit film, Moulin Rouge. The track's success led to Kim winning her first-ever Grammy Award, for "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals."

Alongside her musical career, Kim has served as spokes model for MAC Viva Glam Lipstick, and she has also expanded her talents into the acting world, with parts in She's All That and the 2002 comedy Juwanna Mann.

In 2003, Lil? Kim returned with La Bella Mafia, which was produced by Timbaland, EZ Elpee, and Swizz Beatz, among others, and featured collaborations with Missy Elliott, Styles P, Governor, Twista and Mashonda Tifere. She also contributed to the remake of ?Cell Block Tango? on the Chicago soundtrack with Queen Latifah and Macy Gray.

- from Rollingstone.com