Lil’ Kim recently shared a heartfelt memory of the Notorious B.I.G., reflecting on a moment that combined generosity, humor, and the challenges of young celebrity life.
The hip hop icon fondly remembered how Biggie, who couldn’t drive himself, pitched in to help her buy her first car. Fans of rap and hip hop culture got a glimpse of a side of Biggie that is rarely discussed: his thoughtfulness off the stage.
During a guest appearance on Nick Cannon’s Big Drive, Lil’ Kim opened up about her early years in music, her debut album Hard Core, and her close connection with the late rapper.
Lil’ Kim recalls how Notorious B.I.G. helped her buy a car
The conversation highlighted how Biggie’s support went beyond music, extending into personal milestones that shaped Kim’s life and career. It’s a reminder of the human side of hip hop legends that fans often don’t see.
The story of how Biggie helped Lil’ Kim acquire her first car is a mix of practicality and affection. Despite owning multiple luxury cars, Biggie was not licensed to drive. When Kim bought a Lexus LS following her 1994 debut, Biggie contributed financially, encouraging her to take ownership of a new chapter in her life while also sharing in a playful sense of responsibility.
Lil’ Kim recounted on Big Drive how Biggie’s driving attempts once caused panic among the Junior M.A.F.I.A. crew. “The first time he tried to drive everybody in the car. The whole Junior M.A.F.I.A. was like jumping and running out the car 'cause they crashed,” she said. “And they was like, 'Biggie Smalls tried to kill us.'”
Because Biggie couldn’t drive himself, he sometimes had to book a chauffeur to spend time with Kim. That didn’t stop him from helping her financially. Kim shared, “So, he was like, 'I'm tired of this. You have to get a car.' … He was like, 'You got money, girl. You being cheap. Buy a car.'” The gesture showed Biggie’s care and generosity, something Kim treasures to this day.
The Lexus she bought later inspired a lyric in Biggie’s 1997 single “Hypnotize,” specifically referencing the Lexus LX four and a half. Kim also shared a deeply personal memory, revealing that she drove her car in the funeral procession when Biggie passed away, connecting the car to a poignant moment in hip-hop history.
Beyond the car story, Kim praised Biggie’s impact on her life, calling him “the greatest ever” and expressing disbelief at their closeness. “I used to have to pinch myself like, ‘He's really my friend. He's really my lover at the time. He's really everything to me, and he's also my favorite artist,” she said.
Kim also clarified inaccuracies from Biggie’s 2009 biopic Notorious, revealing that the real story of their meeting will be shared in her upcoming autobiographical film. “It’s one hundred percent in the works,” she confirmed, teasing fans who have long wanted an inside look at their legendary relationship.
This reflection shows a softer side of hip hop history, highlighting moments of love, mentorship, and trust in an era defined by rap rivalry and larger-than-life personalities. Fans can look forward to a more intimate portrayal of Lil’ Kim and Biggie’s bond in her film, capturing the humanity behind the music legends.