The Notorious K.I.M.

While too sample heavy and relying on too many guest stars, The Notorious K.I.M. is still a solid retro-hip-hop album. Lil’ Kim is just as nasty and bitchy as ever, but there’s a new somber and reflective attitude accompanying most of the songs. While “How Many Licks” is hilarious vulgar and disgusting, “I’m Human” tries to hit at a deeper and more revealing level. This contrasts with a majority of the album, even the album artwork, which is garish and gaudy. With the fake blonde hair, fake blue eyes and oversized breasts, Lil’ Kim is either parodying mainstream female sexuality or embracing it and willfully becoming a caricature. Either way, it’s best to just enjoy the ride. Any album that features a guest spot from Grace Jones can’t be all bad, right?

DOWNLOAD: “How Many Licks,” “Right Now,” “No Matter What They Say”