Lil Kim is back, with no Notorious B.I.G. (rest in peace), no P. Diddy, and no Junior M.A.F.I.A. The “Hollyhood” superstar is set to make noise on her own and with her new crew The Beehive. Sounds promising, right? Heed the warnings of Public Enemy, don’t believe the hype.

“Hold It Now” sets it off like a summer block party, thanks to Havoc (Of Mobb Deep)’s sampling of the Beastie Boys’ “Paul Revere.” “Shake Your Bum Bum” is like a court cause of minor corruption waiting to happen, as pre-teen Lil Shanice proudly brags about “shaking her anus.” “The Jump Off”, produced by Timbaland (wait, didn’t Tim just do “The Jump Off” with Skillz?) and hook by Mr. Cheeks could have anyone on it and be a hit, as Kim’s lyrics are easily and quickly forgettable. “Thug Luv” is left blazing as Twista rapidly rips through Scott Storch’s track, but with the “Queen Bee” slowing it down and throwing it off – it only builds more anticipation for Twista’s next album. “Magic Stick” is another club banger, but due to 50 Cent’s performance not Ms. Jones hypocritical rhymes. She goes from saying “Lil Kim not a whore” to a few bars later letting us know her schedule “when I ain’t shopping spending dudes c-notes, I’m in the crib givin niggas deep throats.” Who can question morals with lines like “guys want to wife me and give me the ring, I’ll do it anywhere, anyhow, I’m down for anything.” “Came Back For You” has her trying to stay atop her throne, hurling disses at Eve, Trina, Foxy Brown, and others. Kanye West comes though with his dark soul production, but at the end of the day though, how serious can you take battle threats from someone who just earlier bragging about making Sprite cans disappear in their mouth.

Maybe she’s been down at the Moulin Rouge, shopping with Christina Aguilera, or in the plastic surgeon’s chair too long. Kim falls off this time around and is not even the star of her own show, relying on guest appearances and producers to keep her alive. Even without listening you’ve heard 90% of this album before, as most of her lines are known quotes from others. With an improved body and repeated tales of sexual skill, you have to start to wonder “maybe hip hop isn’t the right industry for her?”