Lil Kim Defends Rich Homie Quan Amidst His ‘Hip-Hop Honors’ Snafu

It was truly a ladies night Monday (July 11) when Vh1 gave Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Peppa and Missy Elliott the Hollywood treatment during the “Hip-Honors,” and while the live event proved to be an outward expression of gratitude for all they contributed to hip-hop, it was Rich Homie Quan forgetting Biggie’s lyrics that proved to be one of the night’s most memorable.

While Twitter proceeded to drag the “Flex” artist, Kim, who also celebrated her birthday, chose to express a bit of empathy for the Atlanta rapper. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kim chalked up his lackluster performance to the simple notion that hey, sh*t happens.

Spoken like a true giant. I loved you before and I’m gonna love you after Rich Homie. People make mistakes and things happen sometimes that we can’t fix or undo. If you guys only knew the technical difficulties that went on behind the scenes. I would like to thank my friend @richhomiequan for coming through for me at the last minute. It’s all love ?? #Repost @richhomiequan with ??? I assure you that I never intended to disrespect Biggie Smalls. I have long respected his work and his contribution to the rap game.I greatly apologize not only to Biggie Smalls, but also to all of my fans and to New York. The city of New York has been nothing but good to me. I felt honored to stand on stage with artists I grew up listening to.Once on stage I had some technical difficulties and must admit I got nervous.I will forever be sorry to New York, my fans, Biggie Small, Lil Kim, and all the Hip Hop community for my performance. I hope you can accept my apology. To Lil Kim, Thank you for the opportunity. Rich Homie Baby

A photo posted by Lil’ Kim (@lilkimthequeenbee) on Jul 12, 2016 at 3:03pm PDT

Rich Homie Quan was tapped to recite Biggie’s famous lyrics to “Get Money” but didn’t know the words leaving Kim to help out. Twitter was soon in an uproar calling Quan’s performance disrespectful to hip-hop and the memory of the Notorious B.I.G

All of Brooklyn when #RichHomieQuan forgot Biggies lyrics #HipHopHonors pic.twitter.com/rHKD0Q3ujX

— DJ JAYLOVE (@dj_jaylove) July 12, 2016

Food Rules Everything Around me F.R.E.A.M. grits & honey. COLLARD COLLARD GREENS Y’ALL!!! #RichHomieKaraoke

— Blédakiss (@ChefRoble) July 12, 2016

There was Brenda, LaTisha, Bye, Felicia,
Dawn, Palmolive, Joy and Alicia#RichHomieKaraoke pic.twitter.com/mIVjZLklRm

— NUFF$AID (@nuffsaidNY) July 12, 2016

Realizing his mistake touched a sore spot with many, Rich Homie Quan issued a statement Tuesday (July 12) apologizing, and assuring people it was never his intent to disrespect Lil Kim, Biggie or his fans in New York.

I assure you that I never intended to disrespect Biggie Smalls. I have long respected his work and his contribution to the rap game.I greatly apologize not only to Biggie Smalls, but also to all of my fans and to New York. The city of New York has been nothing but good to me. I felt honored to stand on stage with artists I grew up listening to.Once on stage I had some technical difficulties and must admit I got nervous.I will forever be sorry to New York, my fans, Biggie Small, Lil Kim, and all the Hip Hop community for my performance. I hope you can accept my apology. To Lil Kim, Thank you for the opportunity. Rich Homie Baby

A photo posted by That’s👉?™ (@richhomiequan) on Jul 12, 2016 at 2:03pm PDT