La Bella Mafia
by Lil' Kim
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2003
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Stylus Magazine
    82
    La Bella Mafia is one of the top hip-hop albums of 2003, so far.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Like a prize fighter coming into her own, Lil' Kim finally realizes her true potential on her third Atlantic effort.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    La Bella Mafia affirms Kim's briefly questionable status as a formidable female presence in a man's world and once again turns the often sexist mindset of rap on its head in the process.
  5. Spin
    75
    As up-to-the-minute as the album sounds, Kim herself remains stuck in the past, eulogizing B.I.G. or strapping on the horny scorn she birthed so long ago. [May 2003, p.110]
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  6. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    She proves her talents don't end with porno come-ons. [28 Mar 2003, p.68]
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  7. Dot Music
    70
    Beats-wise, 'La Bella Mafia' is easily the strongest thing she's done, and it seems like Kim has raised her rapping game to match the strength of the music.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2003
55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 51
  3. Negative: 6 out of 51
  1. DaBlackNight
    Jan 8, 2012
    9
    Kim Really Is The Queen B. Her Rhymes On This cd is amazing. The production is really great, it also comes with a stack of lyricalKim Really Is The Queen B. Her Rhymes On This cd is amazing. The production is really great, it also comes with a stack of lyrical superpowers. She sounds more developed into a new style on this album. La Bella Mafia Is One Of The Top Albums Of 2003 Released.… Full Review »
  2. oldskoolHipHop
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    One of her most precious albums, Perfect rhythm and sound. She had so much say in this album and produced and organised 95 percent of theOne of her most precious albums, Perfect rhythm and sound. She had so much say in this album and produced and organised 95 percent of the album. Classic album! She also had no backing from diddy or aanyone else with this. it was all kimmy! Queen bee! Hip Hop's Leading Lady!!… Full Review »
  3. LispectorLTX
    Nov 23, 2017
    10
    I really have to explaim why I rate 10 on this LP? Here we have anthems like "Came Back For You" & "Magic Stick", and at the same time, Lil'I really have to explaim why I rate 10 on this LP? Here we have anthems like "Came Back For You" & "Magic Stick", and at the same time, Lil' Kim had the same excensse as her debut album, "Hard Core". Such an incredible album that deserves a lot of recognition.… Full Review »
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