Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil’ Kim will illuminate the Empire State Building on Thursday, Nov. 12, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her double-platinum debut album, “Hard Core.”
The New York City landmark will honor the Brooklyn-born hip-hop star, known as the Queen Bee, with a tower lighting ceremony recognizing her contributions to music, fashion, and popular culture.
Released in 1996, “Hard Core” helped establish Lil’ Kim as one of hip-hop’s most influential female artists. The album, executive produced by The Notorious B.I.G., featured hits including “No Time,” “Crush on You,” and “Big Momma Thang,” cementing her place in rap history.
The celebration will continue Nov. 18 and 19 with “Hard Core Symphony,” a two-night concert event at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.
The performances will feature Lil’ Kim alongside Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra, bringing orchestral arrangements to songs from her debut album and other selections from her catalog. The concerts will mark her first orchestral performances, offering fans another way to experience the music that helped define her career.
Thirty years after its release, “Hard Core” remains an important part of Lil’ Kim’s legacy, influencing generations of women in hip-hop through its unapologetic lyrics, fashion, and approach to female empowerment.
The Empire State Building tribute and Brooklyn concerts will recognize three decades of the album’s influence while celebrating the rapper’s connection to her hometown.
Both Kings Theatre performances are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through the venue’s official box office.
