Happy Birthday, Lil’ Kim! Why Hip-Hop’s Queen B Remains the Ultimate Trendsetter

Pop culture has never seen anyone quite like Lil’ Kim. In the ’90s, the hip-hop icon became infamous for her brazen lyrics and unapologetically sexy persona. Much of that attention may have been focused on how much skin she revealed, but two decades later, there’s no denying her status as a fashion game changer. Flamboyant, luxury-obsessed, and intentionally over-the-top, the Queen B tackled outlandish trends with enthusiasm. And now, her classic wardrobe is serving as a source of inspiration for everyone from Rihanna to the Kardashian-Jenner clan. On the occasion of her birthday (though, like a true diva, she’s allowed her actual age to remain ambiguous), here’s a look back at her vibrant style, and seven current trends she helped to popularize.