The Notorious K.I.M. cover

The Notorious K.I.M.

Lil' Kim · 2000

77 min · 18 tracks · contemporary R&B

Bold, brash beats collide with confident, provocative lyrics, showcasing Lil' Kim's unapologetic persona and mastery of East Coast hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lil’ Drummer Boy Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    How Many Licks? — This track features a catchy hook and playful lyrics that explore themes of sexual freedom, showcasing Lil' Kim's blend of confidence and humor.
  • →
    Queen Bitch, Pt. 2 — Serving as both a sequel and a declaration of dominance, this track highlights Lil' Kim's lyrical prowess and her position within the male-dominated rap landscape.
  • →
    No Matter What They Say — This song reflects vulnerability amidst bravado, presenting a more personal side while maintaining an empowering message about resilience against criticism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Lil' Kim's confident style but lacks strong cohesion and depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

  • The production employs heavy bass lines and layered instrumentation, creating a bold sound that complements the provocative lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • bold anthems for empowerment
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • sultry hooks for sing-alongs
  • wave-like pacing for engagement
  • playful irreverence in lyrics

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Lil' Kim's commercial success and reputation in hip-hop.
Themes
female empowerment· Brooklyn confidence· sexual liberation
Career context
Released on June 26, 2000, The Notorious K.I.M. was Lil' Kim's second studio album, following her critically acclaimed debut, Hard Core. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her place in hip-hop as a leading female voice, building on the success of her collaborations with artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy.
Stylistic neighbors
Nicki Minaj· Missy Elliott· Trina

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • No Matter What They Say

    The narrative shifts from external judgment to an introspective reflection on self-worth and confidence.

    This transition not only deepens the emotional impact but also underscores the album’s exploration of identity amid public scrutiny.

Tracklist

  • 1 Lil’ Drummer Boy Start here 4:31
  • 2 Custom Made (Give It to You) 3:06
  • 3 Who’s Number One? 4:13
  • 4 Suck My D**k 4:04
  • 5 Single Black Female 4:14
  • 6 Revolution 4:54
  • 7 How Many Licks? 3:52
  • 8 Notorious Kim 3:40
  • 9 No Matter What They Say 4:43
  • 10 She Don’t Love You 3:31
  • 11 Queen Bitch, Pt. 2 3:57
  • 12 Don’t Mess With Me 4:48
  • 13 Do What You Like 5:16
  • 14 Off the Wall 4:05
  • 15 Right Now 2:32
  • 16 Aunt Dot 5:25
  • 17 Hold On 6:06
  • 18 I’m Human 4:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata