Album: 9

Introduction
"9" is the fifth studio album launched by American rapper, Lil' Kim, on October 11, 2019, after a considerable fourteen-year hiatus because her previous LP, The Naked Truth (2005). The album received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Lil' Kim's lyricism and storytelling while others felt that her lack of chart success recently contributed to a less impactful reaction to the album.

Background and Production
Lil' Kim initially teased the album in 2018 and released the lead single "Nasty One" on July 11th of the very same year. The album was at first set for a 2019 release on May 17th, accompanying Lil' Kim's birthday, however was later on pressed back to October 11th. "9" features noteworthy cooperations with fellow artists such as Rick Ross, Musiq Soulchild, Rich the Kid and more. It was reported that the album was executive-produced by the music mogul, Puff Daddy (Sean Combs), making Lil' Kim's awaited return even more considerable.

The album's title, "9" holds special significance for Lil' Kim - she cites the significance of the number 9 in her life, including crucial dates and occasions connected to her profession, as well as the nine members of her initial rap group, Junior M.A.F.I.A. Furthermore, the numerology of Lil' Kim's birthdate totals up to the number 9.

Reception and Commercial Performance
Upon its release, "9" gathered combined evaluations from critics. Some applauded Lil' Kim's ability to remain real to her trademark bold design, integrating different components of hip hop, R&B, and reggae in the album. Others were not rather as pleased, mentioning the album's inconsistency, lack of focus, and the weak impact of its songs as factors for its underwhelming reception.

Commercially, "9" did not measure up to the sales that Lil' Kim had as soon as achieved in her peak-- debuting at number 121 on the US Billboard 200 and selling around 8,000 units in its first week. It marked her least expensive first-week sales of any of her studio albums. Nevertheless, it still handled to peak at number 1 on the United States Independent Album Charts, showcasing her long-lasting fan base.

Key Takeaways
While "9" was expected to declare the victorious return of Lil' Kim to the music scene, its blended reception and fairly weak business performance have shown that the landscape of female rap has transformed significantly since her heyday. Nonetheless, "9" also led the way for a number of cooperations and a cementation of her status as one of the pioneers of female rap.

The tracks on the album showcased Lil' Kim's versatility as an artist, with highlights such as "Pray for Me" and "Go Awff" considered as fan favorites. However, the absence of a substantial hit single undeniably affected the album's general success.

In conclusion, "9" provides an interesting take a look at Lil' Kim's development as an artist and her effort to stay relevant in a quickly altering music industry. While the reception of the album might not have been as passionate as the rap artist might have hoped, it still reflects her status as a crucial figure in the history of female rap and showcases her indisputable skill and effect on the category.