Lil' Kim certainly lives up to her provocative billing on Hard Core. Just a notch or two below other mid-'90s East Coast hardcore rap classics, Hard Core emulates much of the gangsta attitude that had characterized the West Coast rap of the time yet retains an East Coast production style that is built upon sampling rather than G-funk. There's plenty of substance here as well as style, though the Queen Bitch herself gives it to you raw and salaciously like you'd expect, yet also quite wittily and nimbly. It's her wit and nimbleness that truly set her apart from her peers, as few and far between as they may be. After all, there's no shortage of porno rap out there, but few of the niche style's practitioners can earn your respect while still tickling your fancy. Kim is one of those very few, and she showcases her talents throughout Hard Core. The relentless sexuality can be a bit much, even for the most ardent fans of hardcore rap. Even so, it's hard to think of such a categorically dirty rap album that's this accomplished, and it's furthermore refreshing to hear a woman turn the tables for once, particularly so cleverly with such a venerable supporting cast.
Condition: Brand New Factory Sealed
TRACK LISTING
1 Intro in A-Minor 2:14
2 Big Momma Thang 4:17
3 No Time 5:00
4 Spent a Little Doe 5:35
5 Take It! / Lil' Cease and Trife 0:46
6 Crush on You 4:35
7 Drugs 4:20
8 Scheamin' 0:49
9 Queen B@$#H 3:17
10 Dreams 4:39
11 M.A.F.I.A. Land 4:37
12 We Don't Need It 4:10
13 Not Tonight 4:31
14 Player Haters 0:53
15 **** You 2:53
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