Lil' Kim, born Kimberly Denise Jones, has captivated the world not only with her groundbreaking music and fearless style but also with a romantic life that has often unfolded in the public eye. From intense, formative relationships to more recent, publicly speculated romances, her journey through love has been as dynamic and impactful as her career, marked by deep connections and significant milestones.
Her earliest publicly known relationship dates back to her teenage years with Shawn Powell. The two met at the Empire Roller Skating rink in Brooklyn, a formative period for Kim before her rise to superstardom.
The most pivotal and enduring romantic connection in Lil' Kim's life was undeniably with the legendary The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls. Their relationship began in the mid-1990s after Biggie discovered Kim's raw talent freestyling on the streets of Brooklyn. He quickly became her mentor, inviting her to join his group, Junior M.A.F.I.A., and shaping her distinctive flow and lyrical prowess. Their romance blossomed despite Biggie's concurrent relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Jan, and later his marriage to singer Faith Evans in 1994. Lil' Kim often found herself in the complex position of being "the other woman" in Biggie's life.
Their bond was profound, with Kim describing Biggie as her "friend, my lover, my everything," and stating that she felt he was the only man who would ever truly love her. However, their relationship was also notoriously tumultuous and, as Kim herself confirmed in 2017, "very violent," marked by frequent arguments and conflicts. Despite the challenges, their artistic and personal connection was undeniable, influencing much of her early work. The relationship tragically ended with Biggie's untimely death in March 1997, a loss that deeply affected Kim and left a lasting imprint on her life and career.
Following the profound impact of Biggie's passing, Lil' Kim's romantic life continued to draw public interest. Around 2001 to 2003, she was linked to Damion 'World' Hardy, though details of this relationship remain less publicized compared to others.
In 2004, Lil' Kim entered a relationship with prominent music producer Scott Storch, which lasted until 2005. Their romance was significant, with Kim openly expressing deep affection, stating, "I love Scott. I would have married him." She fondly recalled how Storch treated her "like a queen" and appreciated his generosity, though their relationship reportedly ended due to his escalating financial issues and lavish lifestyle, which led to a Bentley he gifted her being repossessed. Storch, too, has spoken highly of Kim, affirming his lasting care for her.
A brief romance with R&B singer Ray J occurred around 2007. While their connection was short-lived, it was publicly noted. Ray J later mentioned having lived with Lil' Kim at one point, indicating a continued, albeit perhaps platonic, connection beyond their brief romantic period.
Between 2005 and 2012, reports also linked Lil' Kim to rapper Maino, though specific details of their relationship timeline are not widely documented.
A significant chapter in Lil' Kim's romantic history began with rapper Mr. Papers, whose real name is Jeremy Neill. Their relationship spanned from 2012 to 2014 and was notably public. During this time, they welcomed their daughter, Royal Reign, born in June 2014, marking a profound personal milestone for Kim. After their initial split, the couple rekindled their romance, dating again from 2020 through part of 2021, showcasing a complex and on-again, off-again dynamic.
In 2016, rumors circulated about a potential romance between Lil' Kim and rapper Desiigner following a joint performance at the BET Awards and cozy social media posts. While never officially confirmed as a full-fledged relationship, the public speculation highlighted her continued presence in the entertainment spotlight.
More recently, Lil' Kim has been linked to younger artists, sparking renewed public interest. In early 2024, she was rumored to be dating rapper Tayy Brown. The relationship garnered attention due to their notable age difference, with Kim being in her late 40s and Brown in his mid-20s. They appeared together on Instagram Live and in a music video for their song "Love For Ya," where Kim openly expressed her feelings, describing their bond as "perfectly matched in the most organic way" and believing it was divinely ordained. This public display suggested a serious and affectionate connection.
Adding to her recent romantic narrative, Lil' Kim was also seen with former NFL star Antonio Brown in July 2024, with reports indicating they "locked lips" during a public outing. This brief but public interaction further fueled speculation about her current dating life.
Lil' Kim's romantic history is a testament to her vibrant personality and enduring appeal. From the intense, transformative love with The Notorious B.I.G. that shaped her early career, to her role as a mother with Mr. Papers, and her more recent, publicly observed connections, her journey through love has been as multifaceted and unapologetic as the Queen Bee herself. While her current relationship status remains fluid and subject to public observation, Lil' Kim continues to navigate her personal life with the same bold confidence that defines her iconic presence in hip-hop.