Niatia Kirkland, professionally known as Lil Mama, is a multifaceted and dynamic entertainer who embodies a wide range of creative pursuits. As a singer, rapper, songwriter, actress, and exceptional dancer, Lil Mama's talents know no bounds. Her remarkable spirit, combined with her artistic abilities, also make her an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur.
Born in Harlem, New York, Lil Mama's early exposure to music and dance laid the foundation for her future success. She found her voice through poetry, which eventually evolved into music. As she continued to grow and hone her skills, her dedication led her to global recognition.
In 2006, at the tender age of 17, Lil Mama signed with Jive Records and shortly after collaborated with Avril Lavigne on the Grammy-nominated remix of Lavigne's song "Girlfriend." Her debut full-length album "VYP (Voice of the Young People)" was released the following year, debuting at number 25 on the Billboard 200 and featuring the hit single "Lip Gloss," cementing her status as a household name.
Simultaneously, Lil Mama brought her dance expertise and charismatic persona to the judge's table on MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" for seven seasons alongside fellow judge JC Chasez and host Mario Lopez.
Lil Mama expanded her acting career, landing the iconic role of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes in the VH1 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, starring alongside Keke Palmer and Drew Sidora. She even joined TLC members Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas and Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins in live performances surrounding the release of the film, including the 2013 American Music Awards. Additionally, she co-stars in director Benny Boom's "48 Hours to Live," a 3D hybrid merging the genres of film noir and dance.
Recently, Lil Mama's groundbreaking music video for her song "Sausage" went viral with 3 million views in its first week, and as of today, has garnered an impressive 9.2 million views. The song appears on her mixtape "Take Me Back," released in December 2015, a nostalgic and upbeat ode to the golden years of hip-hop with a fresh millennial appeal.
Lil Mama is a passionate and well-rounded artist who understands the importance of constantly refining her craft and staying sharp. Her role as the lead in the raw and powerful true story "Hit a Lick" further solidifies her position as a formidable contender in the arts and entertainment arena.
