HARD CORE SYMPHONY to Bring Lil' Kim's Debut Album to Kings Theatre
Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra will join the Brooklyn native for her first-ever orchestral show.
Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum hip-hop artist Lil' Kim will return to the stage for Hard Core Symphony, a one-night-only concert experience celebrating the legacy of her double-platinum debut album, Hard Core. The Queen of Rap will bring the iconic album to life in a reimagined way, joined by Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra for a live orchestral performance at Kings Theatre in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York on November 19.
The album, originally released in 1996, marked her solo introduction into the industry, crystallizing her as a fearless artist and cultural icon. Executive produced by The Notorious B.I.G, the multi-platinum album known for its raw lyrics, bold themes, and boundary pushing style is what cemented Lil' Kim's place in history, earning her the title of The Queen of Rap.
For one night, Lil' Kim will bring her flow and stage presence to a live orchestra. Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra is an all-Black orchestral ensemble known for its blend of hip-hop and R&B coupled with sophisticated live instrumentation. The performance will bridge hip-hop and R&B music, transforming some of Lil' Kim's most celebrated songs for a symphonic experience.
Fans can expect an evening of orchestral renditions of some of the album's most iconic anthems including 'Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix),' 'Big Momma Thang,' 'Crush On You,' and 'No Time,' alongside her signature stage presence, energy and fashion.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the elegance of the evening in formal black-tie attire.
Produced by GPK Entertainment, Hard Core Symphony will be an immersive experience celebrating one of hip-hop's defining albums and the artist who helped shape the culture.
Tickets are available now here.
About Lil' Kim
Born Kimberly Denise Jones, Lil' Kim is a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum rapper, singer, actress, and fashion icon. Her debut studio album Hard Core was certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and spawned three consecutive No. 1 rap hits: 'No Time,' 'Not Tonight (Ladies Night remix),' and 'Crush on You,' making Kim the first female rapper with three consecutive number one singles on Billboard's Rap songs chart. Her following albums, The Notorious K.I.M. (2000) and La Bella Mafia (2003), were certified Platinum, making her one of the only female rappers to have at least three consecutive Platinum albums. She also scored a #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit with 2001's 'Lady Marmalade,' featuring Christina Aguilera, Pink, & Mýa.
As an actress, Lil' Kim has appeared on television shows such as Moesha, The Game, and her own reality series Countdown to Lockdown, which, at the time, had the highest-rated premiere in BET's history. She appeared in her first major film, She's All That, starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and the late Paul Walker, which reached #1 at the box office during its first week of release. She then went on to appear in Zoolander, Juwanna Man, Gang of Roses and You Got Served. In 2009, Lil' Kim competed on ABC's Dancing with the Stars during its eighth season.
In 2015, Lil' Kim performed at the BET Awards with Puff Daddy and the Bad Boy Family for the Bad Boy reunion performance, including a rendition of 'It's All About the Benjamins.' In 2016, she released her mixtape #LILKIMSEASON, which included the single '#MINES,' featuring Kevin Gates, earning her a nomination for best female rap artist at the BET Awards that year. In May 2016, she performed two nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the Bad Boy Reunion Tour, and was honored later that year at VH1 Hip Hop Honors.
In 2017, Kim began working on her fifth album, releasing promotional singles 'Took Us A Break' in November 2017 and 'Spicy' featuring Fabolous in March 2018. In June 2018, Lil' Kim received a proclamation from the New York City Council's Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus (BLAC) as part of African-American Music Appreciation Month for her contribution to hip hop. She released the single 'Nasty One' in July 2018, followed by 'Go Awff' in April 2019. Her album '9' was released in October 2019.
About GPK Entertainment
The creators of the show, GPK Entertainment and Pryme Nights, have over 15 years collectively producing and marketing special events, concerts and festivals with a profound list of award-winning artists in hip hop and R&B. The team has achieved success in several top markets creating an elite, memorable experience for attendees. With continued hard work, dedication, and integrity, the two entities will offer more high profile urban and mainstream events in the upcoming months.
About Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra
Thee Phantom & the Illharmonic Orchestra combines strings, horns, woodwinds and a pianist with a soul songstress, a party-rocking DJ and a fire-breathing MC. Fronted by husband-and-wife duo Phantom & Phoenix, The Illharmonic combines the raw energy and passion of hip-hop with the sounds of live orchestral accompaniment. The ensemble has toured the world for over 25 years as headliners and has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Apollo, The Kimmel Center and more.
