Vibe.com, September 12th, 2005
Unsurprisingly, I knew this wouldn't be your run-of-the-mill, talk about your new album type of song and dance – but considering she didn't want to discuss the obvious (her pulling a Martha), our conversation went other places, all the while ignoring the huge elephant that was in the room.
Despite her steely resolve, at times she seemed somewhat despondent – as if her mind were elsewhere, solving some sort of primal dilemma. In some strange way, she'll truly become a hip hop icon in less than a month – which is a sad statement on hip hop culture, when a bid improves your bottom line. But the questions loom, ‘Will she bounce back hotter than ever,’ or ‘Will fickle fans simply forget, and move on?’
Kimberly Jones ponders that and much more with this Vibe.com interview.
I try not to be scared of anything or anyone. But there are times when I am walking down the steps at a show, like ‘I am so scared, I don't want to break my neck in these heels.’
But I am a God fearing person, so I never try to let anything scare me where I loose control, can't function or focus.
What makes your latest set unique?
The Naked Truth is the name of it, and it is what it is… The Naked Truth.
What's your least favorite song to perform?
There's a couple. I don't like to perform "Big Momma Thing," I don't know why; it's just something about it. Everyone loves it, but I just don't like performing it, that and "How Many Licks," since I forget the words. Marc Jacobs, who is a friend of mine, [his] favorite song is "How Many Licks."
What's the hottest line, you've ever spit on wax?
There are a few. There was a line on the Notorious K.I.M, where I say "I got my man's back, like a JanSport knapsack." Umm, "My cooter gets wetter than a shower cap." That's hot, there are a few of them, and a few [lines] from the Benjamin's. On this album (The Naked Truth) there are a lot of lines.
Other than Missy, are there any other female rappers that you're feeling?
I've always liked Lauryn Hill, and what's weird is that with this album, I've been compared to her, and I like that so much better than being compared to other artists. What I like about being compared to her, is that Lauryn is so diverse, and so am I - people are just figuring that out. I'm not just a female rapper - I sing, I chant, I rap, and I am an eclectic artist, not just a rapper.
What were your parent's dreams for you?
My father was so square, I think he wanted me to be a nurse, doctor or a lawyer. My mother wanted me to be whatever I wanted to be.
Are they content or disappointed?
My mother is very happy that I am doing something that I love. I think my father is just going with the flow.
Is there anything too provocative for Lil' Kim?
I mean, I could never perform naked on stage. That's crazy, I can't do that.
But weren't you in the "Get Naked" video with Tommy Lee?
I meant on stage, see… I wasn't naked.
Why doesn't Star Jones like you?
I don't know. I am trying to figure that out. I guess it must feel good to pay less, I don't know. We were at a basketball game. It was the game where her husband proposed to her.
When she walked past me the first time, I felt like she was someone in the industry I would like to know. My seat was near the basketball court. So when you go by, to go to the restroom, I would be the first celebrity you would see.
So she walked past with her husband, I waved to her and said, "Hi Star." She looked me up and down and rolled her eyes and kept walking. I didn't know if maybe she didn't know who I was, or thought I was someone else, or she didn't see me... I made every excuse in the world for her.
After her husband proposed to her, she walks by again holding his hand very tight. Everyone was still clapping when she walked past me. And I am a very bubbly person, especially with celebrity friends, since I don't want them to think I am stuck up, that I am too cool approach.
So I went up to them and said, "Congratulations Star." And she looked me up and down again, and grabbed her husband real hard, and started walking real fast. And I thought, ‘Oh, she must not like me.’
Has she said anything about the song, "Shut Up, Bitch?"
I don't know, I heard she said some words about me, but who cares?
Watching the VMA's I was a bit uncomfortable watching Entourage’s Jeremy Piven speech, what was going through your mind?
I was just like, ‘What was he thinking?’ When we were backstage his speech was somewhat different. He was really nice backstage. I think he got on stage and got nervous, I don't know what happened.
Did you "lower the boom" on him afterward?
No, I am not like that. I mean as long as you don't come past these bounds (referring to her ample bosom). And long as you do nothing too crazy or to my family, I'm good. I am really classy and sophisticated with situations like that.
I don't know what happened. He was really, really nervous but he was really nice, I couldn't put the two together.
What's the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
My ex-boyfriend bought me a car, and in the car he had Marvin Gaye playing. He sent it, since he was in Florida and I was in New York.
Marvin Gaye was singing "I Want You," it was really, really romantic. I thought it was so cute.
Who's the most interesting person in your cell phone?
Jamie Foxx, O.J., (she pauses) I don't want any of my other celebrity friends to get upset if I don't mention them. I have a few celebrity friends, Jamie Foxx is a good friend of mine, Patti LaBelle is like my godmother, Lisa Raye is a good friend. And Christina Milan just became a good friend. That's it.
What was the first designer item you ever purchased?
When I was in the seventh grade, I had a fox coat. I used to buy Gucci sneakers… I would save up $500 just to get the Gucci moccasins, and then worry about how I am going to get home later. Everything was name brand.
So you’ve been fly since the seventh grade?
What was the first thing you bought with your industry money?
I bought a car, a Lexus 450 truck.
Hell nah, are you serious?
Do you think about having children?
In about two years from now… my goal is to have kids soon.
Speaking of kids, is Lil' Shanice (a kid rapper featured on La Bella Mafia and The Notorious K.I.M.) a real person?
She's a real person, she's about 13 year's old now. She's a female rapper that I am developing, and she's so good. She takes direction really well, and she really wants to be a star. I predict three years from know, she will be the biggest female rapper around. When I met her she was six, on the set of the "Money, Power, & Respect" video. She had on these plastic high heels, and a fur – trying to recreate one of my outfits. It was really cute, and she performed the whole Benjamin's song. I was blown away.
If B.I.G. were here, how would things be different?
I don't know, but I know they would be different. Who knows? Maybe I would be in some of the same situations, but I may not be, maybe we would be in them together. Who knows?
He's a real person that was my best friend. I think that he is definitely proud, but at the same time he's probably a little hurt and upset. But I want his soul to be at rest.
Lil' Kim's The Naked Truth album hits stands September 27.
If you could to talk to Lil' Kim before she headed to jail, what would you say or ask? CLICK HERE to post your going away message to Lil' Kim.
Read more vibe.com online exclusives.
