Took Us a Break cover

Took Us a Break

Lil' Kim · 2017

2 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A bold blend of gritty lyrics and contemporary beats that showcases Lil' Kim's unapologetic persona and fierce delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Took Us a Break — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and revival, featuring assertive lyrics that reflect on her experiences while embracing a fresh sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

42 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The track blends contemporary beats with Lil' Kim's signature style, but lacks depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

  • The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered synths that create a contemporary R&B backdrop.
  • The song employs a call-and-response structure in the chorus, inviting listener engagement.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 3/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return after years, showcasing enduring influence and independence.
Themes
personal reinvention· gritty street narratives· resilient comeback
Career context
By 2017, Lil' Kim had transitioned to a more independent phase in her career, following a significant hiatus since her last studio album in 2005. 'Took Us a Break' marked her return after years of public challenges and personal reinvention, positioning her as a resilient figure in hip-hop rather than merely a nostalgic one.
Stylistic neighbors
Nicki Minaj· Missy Elliott· Trina

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Took Us a Break

    The chorus shifts from self-reflection to an assertive declaration of taking control over her narrative.

    This transition reinforces her reclaiming agency in an industry that often sidelines women, showcasing both vulnerability and strength.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Took Us a Break 2:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata