Lil' Kim - Hardcore (Coloured Vinyl, 2xLP)

Hard Core, released in 1996, is Lil’ Kim’s groundbreaking debut album and one of the defining records of ’90s hip hop. With production from Puff Daddy and features from The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Lil’ Cease, the album announced Kim as a bold, unapologetic voice in rap. Her explicit lyricism, confident delivery, and commanding presence on tracks like No Time, Crush on You, and Queen Bitch challenged conventions and redefined the role of women in hip hop.

The record’s mix of hardcore street rhymes, club-ready beats, and glamorous swagger helped cement Lil’ Kim’s persona as both fierce and stylish. More than just a debut, Hard Core set new standards for honesty and empowerment in rap, influencing generations of artists who followed. Pressed here on coloured vinyl as a 2xLP set, the album stands as both a collectible piece and a landmark in hip hop history.

Reviews

“Hard Core is a classic debut, with Kim proving herself as one of the fiercest MCs of her generation.” – AllMusic

“Lil’ Kim’s debut shattered barriers, unapologetically mixing sexuality, power, and lyrical skill.” – Rolling Stone

“Hard Core is raw, confident, and game-changing, setting a new standard for women in rap.” – The Guardian

“With Hard Core, Kim showed she could outshine her peers, delivering an album as tough as it is stylish.” – NME