Latto Declares Lil’ Kim the Ultimate Female Rap Icon

In a recent episode of “GOAT Talk” on Complex, Latto declared Lil’ Kim as the greatest female rapper of all time. The “Big Energy” hitmaker was joined by her sister Brooklyn Nikole as they discussed various topics, including their relationship red flags and Atlanta music staples.

When the conversation turned to the best women in hip-hop, Nikole named her sister as the GOAT, stating, “I’m really going to have to say you. I’m not even being biased. I listen to you the most.” Latto humbly responded, “I am the GOAT, though. I’m my GOAT, and that’s all that matters.”

However, Latto then named her pick for the true GOAT, saying, “But the GOAT is Lil’ Kim, for sure. [She’s a] fashion icon, timeless music, timeless looks. [She’s] going to forever be a staple in not only rap but female rap.” She further praised Kim, saying, “She’s a queen, for real. Like, off-camera, I love that b**ch. I love her, and she’s big mama, too,” referencing Kim’s hit song “Big Momma Thang.”

In July, Latto addressed rumors about her song “Big Mama” being connected to Kim’s classic track. She clarified, “I swear to God, no! [My producers] reminded me of that, and I was like, ‘Oh, s**t. I hope [she] don’t take that as offensive like I’m tryna run off with her swag,'” adding, “But I spell mine [differently]. And Kim [loves] me down.”

Lil’ Kim’s influence can be seen in Latto’s recent album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, which features collaborations with Young Nudy, Coco Jones, Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara, and more. Latto revealed that she drew inspiration from Kim, along with Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, for the album’s aesthetic, while musically incorporating elements of Kelis’ sound with a Southern hip-hop twist.

Chad Mauli

Chad is a professional journalist specializing in Hip-Hop culture and writing music reviews.