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Tom Weber
Saint Paul, Minn.

Commentary: Don't blame Lil' Kim for her new look

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While Beyonce was getting accolades for her latest work, Lemonade, this week, another musician was getting a very different response to her own appearance.

Rapper and songwriter Lil' Kim posted a series of selfies on Instagram last weekend that shows her with very light skin and a blond wig, prompting questions like "Is Lil Kim white now?"

Miami Heat!!! ???

A photo posted by Lil' Kim (@lilkimthequeenbee) on Apr 24, 2016 at 3:11pm PDT

Patience Zalanga is a photographer in Minneapolis who has spent a lot of time in recent years documenting the Black Lives Matter and other racial equity movements, including protests and the demonstrations last winter at the Fourth Precinct police station in north Minneapolis.

She wrote a commentary for the British newspaper the Guardian, noting:

"After what looks like extensive cosmetic surgery to her facial features, lighter skin, and a straight blonde weave, she barely resembles the only woman to ever outrap Biggie on a track. The notorious K.I.M. looks white. "

She later wrote:

"I found myself oddly defensive of Lil' Kim's decision to alter her appearance. While not exactly endorsing her look, I could certainly understand it."

Zalanga discussed her commentary with MPR's Tom Weber.