Wardrobe Poppin’ — A Look At Lil Mama’s Style Transformation
Lil Mama has come a long way, and not just as it pertains to her style. The Brooklyn rapper had one of the catchiest tunes around when she released her debut single “Lip Gloss” in 2007. But like many teen artists, she struggled to transition from pop rap star to respected female artist — and that MTV VMA stunt she pulled with Jay Z and Alicia Keys didn’t help either.
Nevertheless, Lil Mama would not be broken by industry doubt. After a killer performance in VH1’s TLC biopic and a follow-up performance as Lil Kim, Lil Mama came to be a respected actress and performer. And her wardrobe grew up with her talent.
In celebration of her 28th birthday today, we’re taking a look back at her style transformation, which we must say, has us excited for what’s to come.
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
Lil Mama arrives at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheater on August 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
2008
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
(EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) BURBANK, CA – JANUARY 12: ***EXCLUSIVE*** Lil Mama backstage during the taping of Randy Jackson Presents “America’s Best Dance Crew” Season 3 in Burbank, CA on January 12, 2009. (Photo by Chris Polk/FilmMagic)
Credit: Chris Polk/FilmMagic
2009
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 28: Lil Mama arrives at the 2009 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on June 28, 2009. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)
Credit: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – JUNE 05: Rapper Lil Mama poses in the press room during the 2011 MTV Movie Awards at Universal Studios’ Gibson Amphitheatre on June 5, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage
2011
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 08: Rapper Lil Mamma attends the Soul Train Awards 2012 at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on November 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic)
Credit: Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic
2012
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Recording Artist Lil’ Mama arrives at the 2013 American Music Awards on November 24, 2013 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Barry King/FilmMagic)
Credit: Barry King/FilmMagic
2013
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 29: Rapper Lil’ Mama attends the 2014 BET Awards at Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE on June 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
2014
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
NEWARK, NJ – MARCH 28: Hip-hop artist Lil’ Mama attends the BET’s ‘Black Girls Rock!’ Red Carpet at NJ Performing Arts Center on March 28, 2015 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)
Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 20: Lil’ Mama attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2014 presented by Sprite at Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on September 20, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Credit: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 28: Lil Mama attends the 2015 BET Awards on June 28, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
2015
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
Credit: Getty
2016
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
attends BET Presents the American Black Film Festival Honors on February 17, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California.
Credit: Getty
2017
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 15: Lil Mama attends the “When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story” New York Premiere at AMC Empire 25 theater on August 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
PASADENA, CA – FEBRUARY 11: Rapper Lil Mama arrives at the 48th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
<> at NeueHouse Hollywood on February 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Credit: Getty
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
Credit: Getty
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
MITCHELLVILLE, MD – AUGUST 14: Actor/Musician Lil Mama attends ‘When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story’ screening at Newton White Mansion on August 14, 2017 in Mitchellville, Maryland. (Photo by Brian Stukes/WireImage)
Credit: Brian Stukes/WireImage
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 22: Niatia ‘Lil Mama” Kirkland attends the Premiere Of TV One’s “When Love Kills” at Harmony Gold on August 22, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)
Credit: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 24: Niatia ‘Lil Mama’ Kirkland attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversation regarding the file ‘When Love Kills’ at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Screening Room on August 24, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/WireImage)
Credit: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images
- Nia Long Isn’t Happy With How The Boston Celtics Handled Ime Udoka’s Cheating Scandal
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
- Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
- Lil Scrappy Opens Up About Bambi’s Steamy Hot Tub Kiss With Benzino During Carlos King Interview
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
