Lilβ Kim recently appeared on an interview with Hollywood Unlocked where she once again proclaimed her disappointment with the 2009 B.I.G. biopic, Notorious.
Her disdain is pointed to actress Naturi Naughton who portrayed the Queen Bee in the film. Naturi originally rose to fame as apart of the band, 3LW, then later for her lead role on the hit tv show, Power.
During the interview, Lilβ Kim stated that she was never a fan of Naturi playing her in the film and has always made that clear.
βIβm going to touch on this briefly βcause I think everybody already knows my answer to this, but I hated everything about that movie. I hated it. Wasnβt involved in it. I actually had to get my lawyers involved in which I ended up getting a check from it β that was the only reason why, whatever. But it was greenlit and shot without my permission. Everybody knows this already. We talked about it.β
Kim said that her disappointment mostly was due to the fact that Naturi had nothing in common with the rapper.
βHow do you even pick somebody [Naughton] β because Iβm sorry. That wasnβt β¦ I was not OK with that β¦ I would have never picked her. Never, ever, ever. She has nothing in common with me. Nothing. We have nothing in common. No, seriously β¦ And I donβt like the way sheβs been disrespectful about it because I wasnβt even basically blaming her. But she did a whole documentary coming at me. Iβm like, βWhat the heck is this?'β
Kim continued by adding that if Naturi only took the role for money then leave it at that.
βSo basically, youβre doing it without my stamp of approval. So youβre doing it for a check or youβre doing it to come up. Thatβs fine. But donβt make it seem like Iβm hating on you because I donβt want you to do it β¦ All of that talk she did on the documentary, I felt it was very disrespectful.β
The documentary Lilβ Kim is referring to is an episode of TV Oneβs Uncensored. The episode debuted in April and discussed Naughtonβs thoughts on Kimβs criticism.
βI would never take on a role of real person that is alive and well and not try to speak with them and reach out,β she said.
βLetβs clear the record. At the time, there was a manger who was managing Kim. I called, I left multiple voicemails β¦Β I was at the production office in Brooklyn, Kim comes off the elevator, I happen to be there for rehearsal. Huge, beautiful fur. I was like, βOh my gosh, the queen is here.β She walks right by me with her crew. She goes into the directorβs office. They close the door.β
She continued by saying that the she hoped the Lilβ Kim and her manager were not fighting about her role.
βAll I hear is, βWhat the fβk?!β Theyβre arguing. Theyβre yelling and Iβm like, βI hope this is not about me.β But it was. I guess there was some miscommunication about the casting process. But again, Iβm just an actress. I was just hired to do a part. So I was hoping and praying. I reached out via phone. I was there, that time in person.β
Naturi also added that she has nothing but respect for Lilβ Kim and has always considered her a pioneer of female rap artistry.
βTo this day, I have nothing but love and respect for Lil Kim. she really is what spawned the careers of Nicki Minajs and Cardi B. They just took from that book and did it now. No disrespect to any of these artists. But please give her her just due. So for me, I have nothing but love and respect. And I hope that she knows I was honored to play her. And I hope one day she can see that and really know that.β
Naturi took to Instagram to respond with a simple caption of Biggie lyrics.
βIn the words of #BiggieSmalls β¦ βMO MONEY, MO PROBLEMSβ