Throwback: Lil’ Kim-Lighters Up

Lil Kim’s “Lighters Up” anthem for her hometown of Brooklyn led the hype for her 2005 fourth studio album The Naked Truth. A sample of Ini Kamoze’s “World-A-Reggae” set the rhythm and vibe of the song rife with warnings about the dangers of Brooklyn. Scott Storch produced “Lighters Up” and used Questlove’s drumming from a song that was originally intended for The Roots. There were plans for Lauryn Hill to have a guest appearance but issues with her record company prevented the collaboration. The video is remembered for comedian Katt Williams looking into the camera threatening to smack anyone gossiping about Kim. Mary J. Blige, Freddie Foxx and Maino also appeared in the clip that seemed to have all of Brooklyn on the set that day. “Lighters Up” still is the most popular song from The Naked Truth which was well-received overall. Critics and fans alike accepted the 2000s Kim despite her forever being compared to her groundbreaking Hardcore debut nine years earlier. Lil’ Kim’s fifth album 9 was released in 2019. In 2021, she performed a tribute for Queen Latifah’s BET Lifetime Achievement Award with MC Lyte, Monie Love and Rapsody. Kim’s influence on women in rap and fashion with stylist Misa Hylton is seen and heard among countless rappers like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B who have both acknowledged her as an inspiration. 

 

Lil Kim The Naked Truth