Design Challenge: Lil’ Kim - Hardcore (1996)
Hot damn, h*e! Here we go again! It’s the final week of Women’s History Month and our design challenge and this time around we’re taking on the Queen Bee Lil’ Kim and her 1996 debut album Hardcore.
Atlantic
Lil’ Kim’s debut album Hardcore is a groundbreaking work that solidified the tiny artist as a force in hip hop. it was the first album by a female rapper to go Platinum! it wasn’t just a commercial success; it also pushed boundaries with its explicit lyrics and unapologetic portrayal of female sexuality, challenging societal norms and paving the way fir future generations of female rappers. The cover art, featuring Kim in a provocative pose with a sultry expression, became iconic and sparked controversy, but it also cemented her image as a fearless trailblazer in a male-dominated genre.
“Crush On You,” one of the album’s standout tracks, features a memorable sample from Jeff Lorber Fusion’s “Rain dance” and showcases Lil’ Kim’s lyrical prowess and commanding presence on the mic. Hardcore remains a timeless classic, continuing to inspire everyone from Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion to Glorilla and empower listeners to embrace their authenticity and bold expression. For this challenge, we were tasked with imagining a metropolitan apartment with a living room inspired by the album. We started with a bang and this hot pink velvet tufted chair.
Etsy
For additional seating, we included the Lazar daybed in brown leather by CB2 paired with the softest sheepskin rug we’ve ever seen!
For additional home decor we went with this radiant rose quartz coffee table which sits low to the ground…just like Kimberly!
Etsy
For additional flooring we decided on this understated Ivory and Natural rug by Ruggable.
Here’s how the rest of the project turned out…
So how did we do? Have a suggestion for our next design project or need help bringing your own inspiration to life? Drop us a line at sacredandlit@gmail.com.
Credits:
Pink chair: Etsy
LazarBrown Leather and Beige Performance Fabric Daybed: CB2
Laine Ivory & Natural Rug: Ruggable
Art Print: Steven Meisel (b.1954), madonna, New York, 1992. Archival Pigment Print
Art Print: Grace Jones “Pull Up to the Bumper” Poster art from Etsy
Goddess Head Planter: Etsy
Curtains: Target
