Hardcore Honey: bell hooks Goes on the Down Low with Lil' Kim

In honor of Lil' Kim's birthday today, we're saluting the Queen Bee by re-posting our May 1997 cover story on the rapper by bell hooks. The interview, which happened seven months after the release of Kim's breakout LP, focuses on the double standards that female celebrities embracing their sexuality endure. It doesn't feel like much has changed, either — nearly 20 years later, the questions in this could still be posed to most overtly sexual female performers today.

More dangerous than any words that come out of Lil' Kim's mouth are the forces of repressive puritanical morality that seek to silence her. Before talking to Kim, I spoke with lots of so-called cool folks who were putting her down, calling her a"ho...nothing but a prostitute." Even the dudes who are into her gig — fans of her debut album, Hardcore , and her work with Junior M.A.F.I.A — still see her as another version of"pussy galore": a freak for their pleasure.

LK: O.K., we all had a lot to do with my career; we all have our input. I would say that it was me who just started it, because I would have to do it and feel comfortable, you know what I mean? You can't really just make someone into something and it works all the time; that person has to be a natural.

bh: A lot of people are talking about you as an example of sexy feminism, as a liberated woman. What do you think? Do you think you represent the liberated woman or the sexy girl of men's fantasies? LK: And sometimes it's not just exchanging; sometimes it's just having a sexual orgasm 'cause you love it and you need it.LK: Yeah, I think they're two different things.bh: See to me, one empowers a woman when she can say,"I want it and I'm having it for my pleasure." The other one, when you're having it for something else, that's not about power to me. But tell me why you might think it is.

bh: What do you say to those feminists who would say,"But look at how porn encourages men to hate women, etc., etc."? LK: I do. When I went out on the street, I was having problems with my boyfriend. I mean, guys used to tell me I wasn't shit, I always gotta rely on them, like,"You ain't shit without me. You always goin' to need me." Till this day I need that person, so they say,"You need me. You can't fucking make it without me. You're ugly." You know what I'm saying?"You ain't all that," bababa.

LilKim She needs a redo.. this was classic Kim, but she y’all have a bigger budget and platform now. Give her a iconic spread!

LilKim Happy Birthday, Kim!

LilKim QB278 lilKim Brooklyn

Giver her a new cover 💚

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Honey-Turmeric Pork with Beet and Carrot Salad RecipeA little honey in the marinade helps these cutlets caramelize, guaranteeing they’ll be nicely browned despite the super-short cooking time. RoweRoncy This looks so good! 😍 cabintwelve
Source: bonappetit - 🏆 482. / 51 Read more »

Soundcheck: The 13 Best Music Releases Of The WeekI'm having major FOMO
Source: NylonMag - 🏆 697. / 51 Read more »

Slideshow: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About HoneyHoney's been used to heal wounds, ease allergies and sweeten things up for centuries. What is it? Where does it get these special powers, and can it really do everything it gets credit for? 🍯 Pure honey sugars are not refined sugar but are that polysaccharide type which releases insulin gradually and in appropriate amounts regulates blood sugar and avoids insulin resistance and diabetes. Try to use it instead of refined sugar but in limited doses according to bl suger And sweetens your tea Honey is mentioned in the Holy Quran as a medicine before 1400 years ago.
Source: WebMD - 🏆 709. / 51 Read more »

Gwen Stefani Hires Guillermo as a Dancing Banana In 'Kimmel' Segment: WatchWatch GwenStefani hire Guillermo as a dancing banana in this hilarious Jimmy Kimmel segment: AAP_on_UIC is that you? 😂 I thought it was Guillermo Del Toro and how influential Gwen Stefani was in Hollywood but I was wrong
Source: billboard - 🏆 112. / 63 Read more »

in celebration of lil' kim – rap’s original provocateurAs she drops a new mixtape, we look back on the legacy of the Queen Bee ✨🤩✨✨ LilKim love you boo 😘💨💋 ✨✨
Source: i_D - 🏆 32. / 68 Read more »

Lil' Kim Claims She Canceled 'WWHL' Appearance Because They 'Wanted to Be Messy'“Put some f---ing respect on my name!” says Kim – see how Andy Cohen reacted (via toofab) TooFab Legend since day one TooFab ' Its a big momma thang ' ! TooFab Who is she?🤪
Source: TMZ - 🏆 379. / 59 Read more »