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Lil Kim

Henny Ray Abrams/Getty Images

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Henny Ray Abrams/Getty Images

Lil Kim

Henny Ray Abrams/Getty Images

Think of the top women rappers of our time: Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj. They all showcase signature styles that include multicolored wigs, skyscraping heels and designer logos on everything. But that blend of high fashion, femininity and attitude began before any of them joined the game. It was pioneered in the 1990s by the original queen bee: Lil’ Kim. Ahead of her time, Kim’s ingenuity – and her cementing of the relationship between fashion and hip-hop – has not always been recognized. Host Brittany Luse and fashion journalist Scarlett Newman make the case for why it’s time Lil’ Kim gets the credit she deserves.

This episode was produced by Barton Girdwood and Jessica Mendoza. It was edited by Jessica Placzek. Our executive producer is Veralyn Williams. Our VP of programming is Yolanda Sangweni and our senior VP of programming is Anya Grundmann.