This debate topic went up first a year and a half ago, November 15 2021. Let’s revisit the topic, and then we’ll discuss it on HipHop-Album-Debate, “The Podcast,” Episode 63. Sounds like the play?
In the mid-90s, Lil Kim and Foxy Brown put on for the Big Apple when they released their debuts, Hard Core and Ill Na Na, respectively. Their styles commanded attention. The two lovely ladies once graced the cover of The Source magazine and laced Total’s “No One Else (Puff Daddy Remix),” one of the dope remixes in the 90s. Unfortunately, they haven’t had the friendliest relationship in recent years. Nevertheless, we’re going to take it back to a more peaceful time among the two.
Hard Core and Ill Na Na were released one week apart in November 1996. However, the former came first. During the 90s, a rapper would typically name an album and create around it. Hard Core fitted the bill from the title to the cover. Kim didn’t mind owning her sexuality nor the journey.
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“I used to be scared of the d**k,” Kim raps in “Big Momma Thang.”
“Now, I throw lips to the s**t/Handle it like a real b***h/Heather Hunter, Janet Jack-me/Take it in the butt, yah, yazz wha.”
Kim’s sexuality went to a whole new level in “Dreams,” a track that consists of Kim fantasizing about sleeping with notable R&B artists of the era.
The album was promoted by singles such as “No Time,” “Crush On You (Remix),” and “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix).”
Hard Core debuted at the number 11 spot. It was certified double-platinum.
Though Ill Na Na was similar to Hard Core in sexual reference, there were some differences. Foxy’s was more mafia–themed. In addition to more commercialized. At the time, she was signed to Def Jam, which I’m sure they were behind the commercialization for marketing purposes. I think that’s why label-mate, Method Man can be heard spitting just the chorus on the title-track.
And, I’m sure Foxy had no clearance issues on the “Foxy’s Bells” joint, which samples LL Cool J –another label-mate.
For the record, the radio-friendly cuts weren’t a minus. I enjoyed “Get Me Home” and “I’ll Be.”
Ill Na Na debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200. It was certified Platinum.
There’s much comparison between the two albums. There were a lot of similarities, but again, there were differences. Kim’s delivery was more edgier, which was admired. However, Foxy had the joints that catered to a wider audience.
Again, the two legends haven’t been on the best of terms throughout the years. It’s sad, because that wasn’t always the case.
“Waitin’ for Kim album to drop, knowin’ it’s tight.” Foxy raps on “Ill Na Na.” Hopefully, the ladies can get back to that point.
Lil’ Kim’s ‘Hard Core’ or Foxy Brown’s ‘Ill Na Na’?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Foxy Brown – ILL Na Na – 56%
Lil Kim – Hardcore – 44%
