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Lil Mama

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on October 4, 1989, in Harlem, New York City, Niatia Jessica Kirkland—professionally known as Lil Mama—faced a difficult childhood marked by personal and financial struggles. These challenges, however, became a catalyst for her artistic development. She began channeling her emotions into dance and poetry from a young age, which later evolved into a passion for rap during her pre-teen years. Her early poetry became the foundation of her lyrics when she transitioned into rapping.

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Coming from a musically inclined family—her father ran a local record label and her mother was a singer—Lil Mama was exposed to music early on. This familial influence helped her understand and appreciate the nuances of the industry. Eventually, she dropped out of school to pursue a full-time career in music.

Breakthrough and Notable Works

In 2008, at the age of 18, Lil Mama released her debut album, Voice of the Young People. Known for its dance-friendly tracks and emotive lyrics, the album featured viral hits such as “Lip Gloss,” “G-Slide (Tour Bus),” and “Shawty Get Loose,” a collaboration with Chris Brown and T-Pain. That same year, she joined MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew as a judge, a position she held for seven seasons.

One of her most talked-about releases is the song and accompanying video for “Sausage.” Although controversial, the video generated significant attention, accumulating millions of views within its first week. While industry sources indicate it gained viral popularity, there is no record of it topping the Billboard Music Charts upon release, as previously claimed.

Collaborations and Career Highlights

Lil Mama has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists over the years, including Chris Brown, Avril Lavigne, and Rihanna. These partnerships have contributed to expanding her musical repertoire and maintaining her visibility in the industry. She is currently represented by Sunni Gyrl, a management company headed by hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 4 Oct, 1989
Age: 30 yrs
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: New York City
Gender: Female
Description: American rapper from New York
Twitter Id: Lilmama
Net Worth 2021: 6 million
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Last Modified: Mar 8 2025
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