14. Lil Kim, Hardcore
The album cover and sleeve images of Hardcore grew more young men (and women) up in the 90s than Playboy or Hustler combined. Who didn’t have the images made into a poster and plastered on their bedroom wall? Who wasn’t intrigued by the way she stared into the camera’s lens and invited you into her Brooklyn?
All 4’10” of her oozed sex appeal, but what was most intriguing was the thin line of freaky sophistication that assured you that not just anyone could have her. Her provocative posing was coupled with a level of exclusivity that is lost on this generation of rap sirens. And at the same time, her face screamed “fly girl from around the way” making her also über accessible.