The Notorious KIM

Since the release of her debut album, Hardcore, a few years ago, former Junior M.A.F.I.A member and Notorious B.I.G. protegie Kimberly Jones has been brewing up a storm all on her own.

Together with Foxy Brown she caused outrage and not a little excitement by showing that women could be every bit as nasty and sexually manipulative as their male counterparts in the rap community. Since then, she seems to have pursued the commendable idea that if your sex is gonna be exploited, you should make sure you bag the cash.

The Notorious KIM, though, does not fully capture her raw appeal.

Kim's lyrics were always sexually explicit, but here she descends into cheap pornographic talk that is going nowhere. Lacking the customary potent beats behind them, some of these tracks are immediately revealed as little more than cheap attempts to shock.

This is a real shame for Lil' Kim is a high class rapper, and can write an excellent lyric. Here, she only shines occasionally. 'Revolution' is a slow-beat, tight rap with guest vocals from Grace Jones and Lil' Cease. 'Don't Mess With Me' is another straight rap that works well.

Respect the woman, but let this album pass you by.