Lil' Kim Fashion Photos

Lil Kim Fashion Transformation

In 1996, Kimberly Jones stepped onto the hip-hop scene as a protégé of the late Notorious B.I. G., and was an immediate success. Jones then used fashion to stay in the spotlight, creating that outrageously-dressed character -- Lil' Kim.

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Before fame struck for Kim as a member of Biggie's Junior M.A.F.I.A., she struggled with a difficult youth. This early photo shows her cute brand of beauty, even though she was in a troubled state.

Michael Ochs Archive, Getty Images

After Lil' Kim's solo debut 'Hardcore' (1996) held the #1 spot on the Billboard Rap Chart for nine weeks, this sexy ghetto diva's shocking self-presentation began to explode. Kim won an award at the 1998 Lady of Soul awards for her creative efforts.

Jim Smeal, WireImage.com

Diddy, then known as "Puff Daddy," appeared to be trying to escape a genie stripper gone mad as he endured the embrace of Lil' Kim in 1999. As the boss of Biggie's label, their relationship was important to securing her spot in the limelight.

Jim Spellman, WireImage.com

Lil Kim posed for pics in this infamous purple outfit before the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, when soon...

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Diana Ross bounced her bare boob on live television for millions to see. Kim was asking for it in that outfit. She got the kind of attention she was looking for, using crazy clothes as her ultimate tool. Could she keep up this act for long?

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Candy-colored looks from head to toe showing off her tiny body seemed to keep the paparazzi and public interested during Lil' Kim's early career. Even though the studs on that bikini look like a terrible skin disease.

Ron Galella, WireImage.com

A cutie who is classy, yet trashy and sexy, Lil' Kim was one of the first fashion icons to embody the phrase "ghettofabulous." Who else would match pasties, feathers and lace?

Colin Bell, Retna

Before Janet Jackson's Nipplegate, Lil' Kim let it all hang out in this plastic space age ensemble in 2000. Where was the FCC then?

Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com

Maybe somebody called them, because for the 2001 MTV Movie Awards, Kim kept her nipples strategically covered up. Unfortunately for the rest of us, she left the rest of her newly surgically-enhanced breasts woefully exposed.

Barry King, WireImage.com