The 19 Best Lil Kim Songs

Whether the rap girls are replicating her now-iconic promo poster, sampling one of her deep cuts, or paying homage to her most memorable fashion moments, Lil Kim is widely regarded as one of the most influential Brooklyn rappers of all time.

Her debut album, Hard Core, is a crucial part of why that is. A timeless classic that helped redefine the sound of women in hip-hop in the mid-‘90s. Hard Core showcased the Brooklyn MC’s non-stop barrage of aggressive rhymes, provocative imagery, and sexually suggestive lyrics that challenged rap’s expectations of women. She showed that women could be just as explicit and bold as their male counterparts and still be successful in the industry, helping her become the celebrated female rapper she is.

With five albums in total — and a handful of notable features and successful singles — there’s no denying the impact Kim has had on rap, and in honor of that we’re highlighting the 19 best Lil Kim songs across her catalog. From the sexually boastful “Big Momma Thang” to the party anthem “The Jump Off,” these are the 19 best songs by Lil Kim.

19.“Can't Fuck With Queen Bee” feat. Shelene & Governor (2003)

“From Hard Core to Notorious y'all Study My Flow” — being the queen requires a lot of confidence, which Kimberly Denise Jones isn’t lacking. On “Can’t Fuck With Queen Bee,” Lil Kim calls out any haters who’ve doubted her, and raps about her current and future success in the rap game. Appearing on her third studio album La Bella Mafia, the song samples Deniece Williams' 1976 hit "Free.”

18.“Shut Up Bitch” (2005)

With fame comes increased visibility and even more haters. In 2005, Kim was sentenced to a year in prison for perjury. In a direct response to gossip blogs and radio personalities who had spread rumors and spoke ill about her, "Shut Up Bitch" was released to promote her fourth studio album The Naked Truth. Throughout each verse, Kim's demeanor is calm as opposed to her signature aggressive style. It’s her honesty and versatile flow that allows her to rise above the public scrutiny.

17.“Came Back for You” (2003)

It’s quite a flex to say you gave Kanye his first Grammy nomination. On “Came Back for You,” Kim gives attention to her supporters on the chorus, and lyrically destroys her rap contemporaries Eve and Foxy Brown. “Come back to the light ma, I started the shit / How soon we forget I'm the heart of the shit / So keep your tacky ways and go back to your stripper days / As long as I'm around, you gon' bow down,” Kim raps. The Brooklyn raptress remains possessive over her queen title, and demands respect from those who came on the rap scene after her.

16.“Black Friday” (2011)

When Nicki Minaj came on the rap scene, it wasn’t clear whether she was paying homage or disrespecting Kim. As a result, the two female rappers never saw eye to eye. While Nicki was preparing to release her debut album Pink Friday, Kim dropped Black Friday, with the project’s title track serving as a diss directed at the then up-and-coming rapper. Rapping over Pharoahe Monch’s legendary “Simon Says,” Kim demonstrates superior lyricism as she attacks the Queens rapper for copying her style, resulting in one of rap’s most underrated diss tracks.

15.“Not Tonight” (1996)

Kim perfected pussy rap. Produced by a young Jermaine Dupri, “Not Tonight” was featured on Kim’s debut album Hard Core. The overtly sexual song's main message is about prioritizing the Brooklyn emcee’s pleasure through oral sex. The track demonstrates her skill as a powerful storyteller, with Kim leading listeners on a series of unsatisfactory sexual encounters. With lyrical content that can be considered pornographic in nature, she doesn’t shy away from stating exactly what she desires in the bedroom.

14.“Suck My Dick” (2000)

Kim's performance on "Suck My Dick" challenges hip-hop's gender expectations and misogynistic practices and beliefs. Released on her second album Notorious K.I.M., this track further proves she is as gangsta as they come, with the rapper even rhetorically asking listeners, “What bitch you know can thug it like this?” Her cadence is gritty and lyrics unfiltered as she flips the script, talking to men in the same disrespectful manner they do to women.

13.“Aunt Dot” feat. Lil' Shanice (2000)

The Notorious K.I.M.’s “Aunt Dot” resonated with Kim’s fans so much that almost 25 years later, they are still waiting on a part two. As Kim tells a story about betrayal, jealousy, and revenge, Biggie references are sprinkled throughout the engaging, action-packed narrative, along with witty metaphors (and a feature from Lil’ Shanice aka Kim in an altered pitch).

12.“Dreams” (1996)

Kim was often inspired by her mentor and collaborator, the late Notorious B.I.G. Her version of his controversial "Just Playing," “Dreams” revolves around Kim's sexual fantasies and dreams as she fangirls over ‘90s male R&B singers. It’s Kim’s delivery and clever way of referencing a number of R&B artists and groups that make the track captivating and influential, with Nicki Minaj, Teyana Taylor, and Tory Lanez having released their own versions of “Dreams.”

11.“Lighters Up” (2005)

“Lighters Up” is a tribute to Kim's home borough. The song provides insight into what it's like growing up in Brooklyn, and promotes communal unity among urban cities across America. “Lighters Up” showcases Kim’s versatility as a rapper. Produced by Scott Storch, the track has a distinct reggae influence — from its use of a Jamaican dancehall beat to Kim's vocal delivery, which incorporates a patois accent. “Lighters Up” became a hit, peaking at No. 31 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

10."Magic Stick" feat. 50 Cent (2003)

Kim knows full well the power she possesses sexually, and she will never pass up the chance to let it be known to others. On “Magic Stick,” the Brooklynite addresses misogynistic attitudes about Black women’s sexuality, rapping: “Lil Kim not a whore / But I sex a nigga so good, he gotta tell his boys.” Throughout the song, her lyrics are filled with sexual innuendos and celebratory descriptions of explicit sexual acts. In his verse, 50 complements Kim's seductive lyrics, creating a potent combination that made the song a hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

9.“No Matter What They Say” (2000)

The lead single from The Notorious K.I.M., “No Matter What They Say” is arguably one of her most sonically diverse songs. Featuring samples from hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim and Puerto Rican singer Cheo Feliciano, the track is a notable fusion of hip-hop and Latin elements, with one of its most memorable moments being its well-executed beat switch toward the song’s end. Kim's flow remains impressive as she boasts about her wealth, fame, and love for luxury fashion brands. Giving lots of Brooklyn energy, she also expresses her disregard for negative opinions and criticisms.

8."How Many Licks?" (2000)

The catchy chorus and provocative lyrics of "How Many Licks?" made it an instant hit. Released as the second single from The Notorious K.I.M., Kim delivers a series of explicit verses about her sexual gratification. But it’s the chorus that brings everything together, Sisqó transforming an innocent Tootsie Pop slogan into a playful sexual innuendo, resulting in an instantly-memorable hook. The song's tongue-in-cheek tone and uptempo beat made it a popular club anthem, further cementing Kim's status as one of music’s boldest, sex-positive artists.

7.“Not Tonight” (Ladies Night Remix) (1997)

Released in 1997 as the third single from Hard Core, “Not Tonight” (Ladies Night Remix) was a significant moment for women in hip-hop. The song featured several notable female rappers — Da Brat, Missy Elliott, and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes — and demonstrated a collective sisterhood in hip-hop that hasn’t really been replicated since. Featuring samples of Kool & The Gang and Sister Sledge, each rapper showcased their distinct styles and lyrical talents over an infectious hook that still resonates with fans today. The single reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

6.“No Time" feat. Diddy (1996)

Released in 1996 as the lead single from Hard Core, "No Time" helped establish Kim as a prominent female rapper whose aggressive lyrical delivery could compete with her male counterparts. The song's lyrics are a confident declaration of her independence and success in the music industry, with references to her lavish lifestyle, high fashion, and sexual prowess. The track's braggadocious yet smooth mood is accentuated by Diddy's ad-libs and backing vocals. "No Time" was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

5.“Big Momma Thang” feat. Lil Cease and JAY-Z (1996)

From its iconic adlibs (“You got it goin' on, wha wha / Uh, wha wha”) to its raunchy opening line (“I used to be scared of the dick / Now I throw lips to the shit, handle it like a real bitch”), “Big Momma Thang” has become a known fan favorite and remains a staple of Kim's discography. The sex-fueled lyrics focus on Kim's sexual desires, with the rapper displaying her confidence as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The song, which was produced by Stretch Armstrong of the legendary Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Show, is also notable for having a guest appearance by JAY-Z.

4.“Lady Marmalade” feat. Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink (2001)

Kim has proven that she’s a girl’s girl. On “Lady Marmalade,” she teamed up with Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink, and Missy Elliott (as producer alongside Rockwilder) for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. The Labelle remake peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned the Queen Bee a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Throughout Kim's verse, she embodies a hip-hop feminist ethos by encouraging women to maximize their earning potential when interacting with men. She also rejects derogatory labels that are often placed upon women, rapping: “We independent women, some mistake us for whores / I'm sayin', ‘Why spend mine when I can spend yours?’” “Lady Marmalade” was a defining crossover moment for Kim, solidifying her as more than just a rap star.

3.“The Jump Off” feat. Mr. Cheeks (2003)

Considered by many to be Kim’s comeback song, “The Jump Off” was the lead single off her third project La Bella Mafia. The Timbaland-produced beat is heavy and horn-driven, complete with a catchy synth melody and hook that interpolates the Lost Boyz hit, "Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz.” The party anthem achieved commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

2.Queen Bitch” (1996)

"Queen Bitch" is revered as a cult classic and is often regarded as Kim's best work, lyrically. The deep cut proves her ability to blend intricate wordplay and raw lyrics with vivid storytelling. Her delivery is characterized by a distinctive New York accent and her love for all things luxury, adding to the authenticity and rawness of her lyrics as she raps: “I got that bomb ass cock, a good ass shot / With hardcore flows to keep a nigga dick rock / Sippin Ziffendales, up in Chippendales / Shop in Bloomingdales for Prada bags.” Despite being released almost 30 years ago, "Queen Bitch" continues to stand the test of time as a classic example of Kim's pioneering contributions to hip-hop.

1.“Crush On You Remix” feat. Lil Cease (1996)

Released as the second single from Hard Core, the song is known for its catchy chorus and Kim’s sexually-charged first verse. A confident and assertive lyricist, she uses wordplay and clever references throughout her rhymes. Her verse on the track is an embodiment of her iconic hip-hop feminism, with the artist rapping: "Ayo shorty, won't you go get a bag of the lethal / I'll be undressed in the bra all see through / Why you count your jewels thinkin' I'ma cheat you? / The only one thing I wanna do is freak you / Keep your stone sets, I got my own baguettes / And I'll be doin' things that you won't regret / Lil Kim, the Queen Bee, so you best take heed. . ." The music video is also equally iconic, featuring Kim in a variety of colorful outfits and hairstyles, showcasing her timeless sex appeal. "Crush on You" is a classic hip-hop track that has been sampled and remixed numerous times over the years, cementing its place in rap history.

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