Lil' Kim

My fan mail is what keeps me going.

A lot of people let me down... A lot of people I thought were my friends turned on me.

I'm a girly girl. I'm strong, but I'm very timid. Very dainty.

I've always expressed my love for fashion through my music.

I love doing things people don't expect.

I haven't had sex in eight months. To be honest, I now prefer to go bowling.

The artist I wanna be like is Michael Jackson. I'll get the house with the roller coaster and the rides and a disco, and I'll invite all my friends and just stay at home.

Today begins a new saga in my life which I expect to strengthen me and allow me time for reflection... I plan to write music while in prison, read and pray regularly and will come out a stronger, more confident woman.

When you are a real artist who is serious about your craft, you love good music. Period.

I want all my friends, family and fans to know that I am in good spirits and I will be fine.

All my life, men have told me I wasn't pretty enough - even the men I was dating. And I'd be like, 'Well, why are you with me, then?' It's always been men putting me down just like my dad. To this day when someone says I'm cute, I can't see it. I don't see it no matter what anybody says.

I like to live righteous. And I just want everyone to know I'm not trying to get out of anything.

I think people have a misconception of me, period. My life has been a whirlwind sometimes, but it's different to what people think. I definitely feel like there's a misconception about me and who I am.

One thing about me is that I'm very much like the Black Madonna. I love to reinvent myself and that's because I am a very free person.

The one thing I do like is lotion and moisture on my hands and face. I love to have my face moisturized. I like different ones. I like Natura Bisse.

I respect everybody, but at the same time, I carry myself with an aura that demands respect, too.

I am blessed to have so many great things in my life - family, friends and God. All will be in my thoughts daily.

The streets made me. They stay at me. There's nothing that's gonna take away from my legacy. I'm sorry. It is what it is. I'm dying this way. With the crown on my head, nobody can take nothing away from me. It is what it is. I am who I am. Bottom line.

But this is Miami, you can't come to Miami and not show any skin. You gotta show something. If you're all covered up in this heat, you're gonna make me pass out out just to look at you. It's sweaty in Miami-but the diamonds will keep me cool.

I like bowling. I suck at it, but I like it. You know what's so funny? I have days when I'm absolutely great at doing it, and then I have days when I just don't understand it.

I know I always say my occupation is not dancing, but dancing is in my heart, dancing makes me feel good.

I really want people to understand that nobody is perfect and that things happen in life beyond our control.

I have low self-esteem and I always have. Guys always cheated on me with women who were European-looking. You know, the long-hair type. Really beautiful women that left me thinking, 'How I can I compete with that?' Being a regular black girl wasn't good enough.

I love to reinvent myself, and that's because I am a very free person. I do what I feel, and I love who I am.

I love spending time with my dog, my niece and my family. I'm very family-oriented.

Like, I get along with everybody. I respect everybody, but at the same time, I carry myself with an aura that demands respect, too.

Money talks. This is the thing, at the end of the day, I do what I have to do, and I'mma keep doing what I have to do.

It was a very emotional dinner... Everyone shared personal stories about her and gave her words of encouragement and inspiration. Everyone tried to remain positive.

Lil' Kim is my stage name and a character I use when I'm out working my livelihood.