Because of the crossover appeal of this album, Lil' Kim's `The Notorious KIM' may disappoint some of her long time fans. Although her lyrics are more or less the same, this time around she experiments with different music types and beats.

I knew this album was going to be different as soon as I heard Track #2 `Custom Made (Give it to you)' where she uses a sample from a old classic house jam "French Kiss." The Latino groove `No Matter What They Say' Track #9 is also refreshing because it is different from the last album.

Over all, it comes a long way from her first album, `Hard Core' but which direction she's heading? I don't know. But in a world of `sound alike-carbon copy' rap groups, it is nice to hear something different.

Even though her album name `The Notorious KIM' pays tribute to her once partner in crime B.I.G., Lil Kim seems to model herself as another Madonna (ex- the blond hair and Track #18 are definitely Madonna) she is trying for diva status.

If you think different is good, then get this album!

PS. For all the fellas- the inside cover is ALL THAT!

I bought "Notorious K.I.M" a little late because I heard a lot of word of mouth that it is a horrible album. I didn't really believe it because "Hardcore" is very tight, I didn't see how Kim could slip. Let me tell you, Kim didn't just slip, "Notorious K.I.M" is an utter wipeout and I really should have spent my cash on Foxy's very hot "Broken Silence."
The reason why "Notorious K.I.M" is such a bad album is because Kim's rhymes are just plain weak. "I heard Cease and Puff callin like the Holy Tabernacle. I'll be - down in a minute, I'm drinkin a Snapple" That's not even the worst line she spits on the album either. Like please Kim, hire someone to write your next album because your rhymes are just painful.
The beats on "Notorious K.I.M" aren't that bad but they are far from great. Kim doesn't take advantage of some of the great beats because she always throws a very lame hook into every song. One of those chorus' that isn't catchy or just plain annoying... that or Kim samples the late and great Biggie.
This is a rap album for people that don't know better. There are way tighter albums out right now and there is no excuse to buy this album. The songs that actually work are wack and too poppy. Teach Kim a lesson and stay far away from this CD then maybe her next album will be decent. Easily one of the worst rap albums I've ever bought, right next to Queen Pen "Conversations."

I've never seen a female rapper who elicited such a variety of responses...from mad love to, well, just plain disgust. Let's get to the music:

Redman and Cee-Lo shine on 'Lil Drummer Boy', which is a great listen, lyrically. The next song is a favorite called 'Give It To You' because the beat is just sick! The constant moaning may offend some though - like I said, not for everyone. Perhaps the edited version is cleaner (and worth the buy since the music is GREAT!)

We continue through two more great cuts, one in which she slays her competition and the next where she gives the fellas a taste of their own, um, a...medicine. Definitely not for the faint at heart. The album gets mediocre until the title track in which Kim does well doing some more verbal battles, dissing Foxy Brown and Bad Boy (for real, he's a bad boy) rapper, Shyne.

On 'QB Part II' we honestly could have done w/out Puff's verse. (Sorry!) It just sounds to thin here. Next is an overly vulgar cut called 'She Don't Love You' - just skip it. Then, 'Don't Mess With Me' is where the album picks up again, followed by the Junior Mafia BANGER, 'Do What You Like' which is one of my favorites. Remember 1995's 'Player's Anthem'? It has that kinda feel. "Grab your .... if you love hip hop..." Then, the rest of the album is tight till the end.

I just read that Nelly (Country Grammer) is REALLY FEELING this album. (Entertainment Weekly) So am I. If you can't get past hating Lil Kim, just pass on it because she's still talking about the same stuff she did on "Hardcore" (1996), except she rocks versace "and you know [she] ain't paid for it." (I love that line, you go Kim!) Musically, you will bob your head and get your dance on, because the beats are really good. This will be a favorite for a while, and my most satisfying buy in a long time!

Knyte (Trust Me!)

P.S...my favorite cuts are: "Give It To You", "Right Now" (MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE), "Don't Mess With Me" and "No Matter What They Say".

Others I listen to are: "Lil Drummer Boy", (Track #4), "Notorious K.I.M", "I'm Human","Who's Number One?" and "Off The Wall" (Good old-school breakdance track)

Oh, and I can't stand "How Many Licks"... (Sorry!)

This is an awesome cd! The only reason people think it sucks is because it's not really Lil' Kim's style. Almost every song on here is hot, it's a really good mix of songs that have an old school vibe to them and some songs that are more pop-like but they're all awesome and Kim's flow is just as amazing as in Hardcore, it's just Notorious K.I.M. is more pop than Hardcore was. Buy this album you won't regret it!

This new album from Lil Kim takes her to another level for 2000. Every track here has something different and the beats on all of them are tight. It makes it hard to get bored with this album easily. People who weren't fans before might be converted after hearing this. Eminem might have to watch out on the charts by next week. I wasn't that big of a fan until I heard this cd. Why is this cd so tight?

best tracks:

1)LIL Drummer Boy: this song has a deep marching beat and is about Lil Kim being on trial for a crime she didn't commit. Redman plays the judge and Cee-lo her attorney. They flip it in the end....like a intro to the cd. (**)2)Custom made: This song takes a sample from the song "French Kiss" by Lil Louis and has a strange beat. The beginning goes from fast to slow...and then when the beat kicks in it's over......tight!. About saying everything she does or gets is original(custom made). (**)3)Who's number one: This is one of my favorite songs on the album. They will be playing this song a lot even if it doesn't make it as a single. It has a hard, bouncy beat and Kim flows on this. (reminds me of biggie) Other good tracks: Single black female, No matter what they say, How many licks, I'm human, Aunt dot, Do what u like, queen B part 2, right now. (**)17)Hold on: Deepest song on the album. Kim and Mary keep you holding on and in this Kim talks about some personal stuff I didn't know. Tight song. Overall this whole album is tight and no song really sounds alike. Compared to her last album she grew a lot and talks about a lot more than just sex. After appearing on so many other groups and artists albums she finally drops it on us. After pushing it back several times. Was it worth the wait? One listen and you will see that all that time in the studio paid off. Fans and Non-Fans will be surprised at this. get it!