This is just an FYI: this is what Lil’ Kim looks like these days. We haven’t documented Lil’ Kim’s transformation into a cutlet-cheeked cat over the past several years, but I guess it’s worth noting that Kim’s face used to be somewhat normal, back in the day. I think her plastic surgery makeover really began in earnest after she got out of jail… maybe five years ago or so? Anyway, she’s 37 years old and this is what she looks like now. These photos are from Lil’ Kim’s performance at this weekend’s LA Pride Festival – she got a really great reception there, which is nice.

She is known for her dangerous curves, which she often displays in risque attire. And rapper Lil’ Kim once again flaunted her voluptuous figure when she appeared on stage in West Hollywood for the LA Pride Festival tonight.

Wearing an array of eye-popping skimpy outfits, the diminutive singer paraded her ample curves in front of a frenzied audience, shaking her behind and dancing on death-defyingly high heels.

For her first outfit, the Lady Marmalade rapper wore a tight-fitting sequined and beaded gold leotard. With a plunging neck and high-cut bottom half, the outfit made no secret of the 37-year-old’s famous curvy thighs and behind. She completed the outfit with death-defyingly high silver and black heels. For her second costume, the feisty 37-year-old strutted her stuff in black micro shorts, a sparkly silver and black hoodie, shades and another pair of killer heels.

She was accompanied by a handful of dancers dressed ninja-style, wearing black handkerchief scarves covering their faces and holding black fans.

The performance took place in West Hollywood, also known as ‘Boystown’ to locals, as the sun was starting to set around six o’clock last night.

Kim, real name Kimberly Denise Jones, broke into the music business in 1994, as part of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A., which was a protegé of the late American rapper Notorious B.I.G. Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s first and only album was titled Conspiracy, spawned three hit singles, which helped Kim launch her solo career. Over the years, the female rapper from Brooklyn had a string of hits and sold millions of records. The LA Pride Festival continues over the entire weekend.

[From The Mail]

I don’t really know how to feel about Lil’ Kim and her new face and her faltering career. I remember when Kim used to a much bigger star, and she brought an interesting energy to the music industry – she was interesting, you know? She was sexy and unconventional and it feels more and more like “unconventional” isn’t acceptable in the hip-hop world. Unless you count Nicki Minaj, who probably owes Lil’ Kim a great debt. I also think Nicki and Kim might have the same surgeon.

Just for reference, here are some older photos of Lil’ Kim, circa 1999-2002:

And here she is the Pride Festival.

Photos courtesy of WENN.