Well here we go again, another artist dropping there album before their incarceration in the hopes that fans don't forget about them while they're away. I believe the true test of an artist is how they function when they're back is against the wall. Can they take their hardships & heartache & turn it into to a great work of art or let it consume them and leave fans with a mediocre product. Well with Lil' Kim's 4th album, The Naked Truth, she has definitely created something to keep fans happy until her release.

As twisted as it may seem the greatest thing any music artist can do is suffer. It is through that suffering that most artists create there greatest work. That suffering has given Lil' Kim something to talk about, lyrically this is her best effort to date. She raps about her troubles with the law and people she has beef with but also stays true to form with a couple of freak-a-licious tracks. Guest appearances include The Game [on chorus duty], Bun B, Twista, Snoop Dogg & T.I.

Production on the album is also top notch. The album touches on the various styles of hip hop, east, west & south along with a couple of reggae inspired tracks. Flow-wise Lil' Kim is as close to perfect as she has ever been. The beat never overpowers her vocals & her vocals actually make some of the simpler beats better. Stand out tracks include the blazing hot ''Lighters Up'', ''Durty'' & ''We Don't Give A'' w/ Bun B & Twista.

Overall a great album & her best release since her debut Hard Core. So if your a lover of hip hop than you gotta add this one to your collection, it's a must have.

[My only problem with the album is not the music at all but the artist herself. I think she has gone a little too far with the plastic surgery. When she first came on the scene she had that ''cute girl next door who's a freak'' appeal. But now she doesn't even look the same & in some photos I wouldn't even recognize her if her name wasn't under her picture. I hear how plastic surgery can become addictive, so I hope she is happy with how she looks & stays away from the knife.]

SonicAmp Rating: 9/10