Niatia 'Lil Mama' Kirkland
Niatia 'Lil Mama' Kirkland
Niatia Kirkland, better known as Lil Mama, is a multifaceted and dynamic entertainer, singer, rapper, songwriter, actress, and exceptional dancer. Lil Mama is known for her keen spirit, and in addition to her artistic abilities, she is an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur. Born in Harlem, NY, Lil Mama took to music and dance at an early age. Using poetry as a tool of self-expression, she soon found her voice in music. As she continued to grow, she learned how to combine these skills and her dedication over time led her to global success. In 2006, at 17 years old, she signed to Jive Records and soon after joined Avril Lavigne in Grammy-nominated producer Dr. Luke's remix of Lavigne's song "Girlfriend." Her first full-length album "VYP (Voice of the Young People)" was released just over a year later, debuting at number 25 on the Billboard 200, and featuring the hit single "Lip Gloss," making Lil Mama a household name. While continuing to work on her music, 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 broke into acting in a major way, landing the role of the iconic Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes in the VH1 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, starring alongside Keke Palmer and Drew Sidora.
