Lil' Kim’s Transformations: Then and Now Photos Prove Rapper Changed a Lot

Lil' Kim has been a fixture in the hip-hop world for quite some time, and she has changed a lot over the course of her career. Check out Lil' Kim's then and now photos to see her transformation.

American rapper and reality TV star Lil' Kim, born Kimberly Denise Jones, has undergone significant transformations throughout her career. Through it all, the "No Matter What They Say" hitmaker exudes unwavering confidence.

Because of how her looks have changed over the years, the 47-year-old rapper has been the subject of plastic surgery rumors. But she has remained mum regarding her changing appearance.

LIL' KIM IN THE EARLY YEARS

Not only has Lil' Kim maintained her status as a legendary rapper, but she has also managed to keep her reputation as a style icon intact through the years. She is known for wearing jaw-dropping outfits to award shows and other red carpet events.

Lil' Kim was 20 years old when she was discovered by the late rapper and songwriter Notorious BIG. Before Biggie's untimely death in 1997, they had been dating for some time.

Lil' Kim released her debut album "Hard Core" in 1996, and it has since sold over six million copies worldwide and has been certified double platinum. Besides her music, Lil' Kim became famous in the 1990s thanks to her outlandish fashion choices.

In a short amount of time, Lil' Kim became a fashion icon known for her provocative outfits. One particular look she sported at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards drew the attention of Diana Ross and Mary J. Blige, among others.

Lil' Kim covered her exposed breast with a seashell-shaped pastie while wearing a purple jumpsuit with one sleeve and a pastel wig. To this day, fans have remained mesmerized by her daring appearance on that stage.

When she attended the spring/summer 2001 show for the Versace brand, she wore a blonde wig covered in Versace logos, which is now considered one of her most recognizable looks.

During the same year's Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, she drew the world's attention with her magenta and blonde hair and a lip gloss that shone like a mirror. Lil' Kim flaunted her excessively glamorous appearance with pride.

LIL KIM NOW

More recently, the "How Many Licks?" rapper served another unforgettable outfit at the 2019 BET Awards. She sported a variety of looks, including a blazer dress and rose gold hair.

Along with her bold wardrobe choices, the rapper has undergone a physical transformation that has people talking. The rapper has consistently denied rumors that she had plastic surgery, but she did admit to getting an operation to fix her broken nose.

She went on to say that she didn't care what people thought of her. She insisted that getting her nose fixed wasn't because she didn't like herself. However, she acknowledged that she had done it out of vanity and a desire to be flawless at the time.

While Lil' Kim is reluctant to discuss cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine noticed differences in Lil' Kim's appearance. She speculated that Lil' Kim used chemicals and high-acid creams to lighten her skin.

Levine also believed that Lil' Kim's eyes were altered because they looked more elongated and different than before. She said Kim must have undergone surgery to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue to get her desired eye shape.

But according to Levine, Lil' Kim's jawline was the most striking difference. The rapper may have had Botox injected under her jaw to make her jawline appear more defined. Lil' Kim almost certainly also had cheek filler, Levin said.

Celebrity surgeon Dr. Gary Breslow once warned that Lil' Kim may be addicted to plastic surgery and that if she kept going, she might ruin her face. Breslow added that the rapper might need professional help to treat possible mental health issues.