Photo credit: Lil’ Kim/Instagram
Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil’ Kim will light up the Empire State Building on November 12, 2026, as she celebrates the legacy of her groundbreaking debut album, Hard Core. The New York City tribute will honor the album’s impact on hip-hop and its influence on music and culture.
The Brooklyn-born artist will also mark the milestone with two exclusive orchestral performances at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on November 18 and 19. The concerts will feature Lil’ Kim alongside Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra for her first-ever orchestral performance.
Lil’ Kim to receive Empire State Building tribute
The Empire State Building will recognize Lil’ Kim’s contributions to hip-hop with a special tower lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 12. The rapper will officially flip the switch, illuminating the iconic New York City landmark.
The celebration honors Hard Core, her double-platinum debut album released in 1996. The project introduced Lil’ Kim as a solo artist and helped establish her reputation for bold lyrics, fearless expression and distinctive fashion.
The tribute also recognizes her lasting influence on hip-hop and popular culture. Known as the Queen Bee, Lil’ Kim remains an influential figure in the genre, particularly for her contributions to women’s representation in rap.
‘Hard Core Symphony’ adds a second Brooklyn performance
Lil’ Kim will continue the celebration with Hard Core Symphony, a two-night concert experience at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.
Originally planned as a one-night event, organizers added a second performance after the November 19 show sold out within four days. The additional date gives more fans an opportunity to attend the orchestral tribute.
For the performances, Lil’ Kim will collaborate with Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra. The all-Black orchestral ensemble is known for combining hip-hop and R&B with live orchestral instrumentation.
Together, they will reinterpret some of the rapper’s best-known songs through orchestral arrangements. The performances will bring together hip-hop, R&B and classical music in a live concert setting.
Fans can expect orchestral versions of classic hits
The concerts will feature selections from Hard Core and other highlights from Lil’ Kim’s music career.
Among the songs expected to receive orchestral treatments are:
- “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)”
- “Big Momma Thang”
- “Crush on You”
- “No Time”
Fans can also expect Lil’ Kim’s signature stage presence, fashion and energetic performance style throughout the two evenings.
Organizers are encouraging guests to wear formal black-tie attire for the occasion. Produced by GPK Entertainment, the event aims to celebrate one of hip-hop’s defining albums through an elevated orchestral experience.
‘Hard Core’ cemented Lil’ Kim’s place in hip-hop
Released in 1996, Hard Core marked an important milestone in Lil’ Kim’s career. Executive-produced by The Notorious B.I.G., the album earned double-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Its success produced three consecutive No. 1 rap hits: “No Time,” “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” and “Crush on You.” The achievement made Lil’ Kim the first female rapper to score three consecutive No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Rap Songs chart.
Her subsequent albums, The Notorious K.I.M. (2000) and La Bella Mafia (2003), also earned platinum certifications. She later reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Lady Marmalade,” alongside Christina Aguilera, P!nk and Mýa.
Beyond music, Lil’ Kim has appeared in television productions, films and reality programming. Her screen credits include Moesha, The Game, She’s All That, Zoolander and You Got Served. She also competed on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars in 2009.
How to get tickets and media credentials
Tickets for Hard Core Symphony are available through the event’s official ticketing platform. Fans interested in attending can check the Kings Theatre website for ticket availability and event details.
Media professionals interested in covering the performances can also submit applications through the event’s media credential application. All credential requests are subject to approval.
With the Empire State Building tribute and two orchestral performances, Lil’ Kim’s Hard Core celebration will recognize the legacy of an album that helped shape her career and left a lasting mark on hip-hop.
Source: GPK Entertainment press release, November 11, 2026.
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