Lil’ Kim released after 10 months behind bars

Published 9:00 pm Monday, July 3, 2006

PHILADELPHIA – Rapper Lil’ Kim celebrated Independence Day one day early with her release from a federal detention center Monday morning after nearly 10 months behind bars.

The singer, who was sent to prison for lying about a shootout outside a New York radio station, walked out of the jail looking glamorous in sunglasses and an all-white, cleavage-baring outfit.

Carrying a balloon and a bouquet of white roses, she waved to dozens of cheering onlookers – some carrying signs that said, “Welcome Home, Queen Bee” – before getting into a silver Rolls-Royce. The car pulled into a nearby parking lot where she re-emerged to greet the throng.

“I love you,” she said, blowing kisses.

Some fans stayed up all night to ensure they made it downtown in time for her 6 a.m. release.

“It was worth it,” said Shakiyla Williams, 16. “She was the same Queen Bee – fabulous.”

The 4-foot-11 entertainer began serving her time in the detention center Sept. 19. She was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, but was released early for good behavior.

From Herald news services