Return of the Queen Tour
Return Of The Queen Tour is a headlining tour by American rapper Lil' Kim. The tour, her first since 2010, was launched in support of her promotional singles and to mark her return to the music scene. The tour was first announced in April, 2012. In May, 2012, it was announced that Kim would return to South Africa for 3 dates starting in September. It would mark her second time performing there following her 2011 performance at ZARfest. However, in July, 2012, the company responsible for organising the shows, Hunnypot Entertainment, announced that the dates had been cancelled.
In total the tour had 22 shows around North America and grossed over $6 million.
Background
After the release of her first promotional single, "If You Love Me" in February, 2012, Kim returned to the spotlight with a performance on Rip the Runway, as well as appearances on MTV's RapFix and Sucka Free. On April 22, the first 11 dates of the tour were announced, with the remaining dates added the following month. She announced the tour via Twitter, saying "#TeamLilKim I can't stay on long. Got 2 get back 2 the Studio. Love U guys & can't wait to see U on the Tour !!!!"The tour bus Kim used was designed, printed & installed in less than 30 hours.
Opening Acts & Special Guests
- Drita D’Avanzo from Mob Wives
- Eve, Kelly Rowland, Juelz Santana, Missy Elliott, Mr. Cheeks, Pepa, Cassidy, Fred The Godson, Papoose, Saigon, Babs Bunny, Somaya Reece, Will Traxx,
- Tiff Gabana
- Lynguistic Civilians
- Shawnna
- DJ Todd & Nick Fury
- Naima Adedapo
- DJ Green
- Erica P
- R-Shell, Fieldhouse, Shannon Marie & Prototype XX
- Lil' Mama, Apollonia, Natalie Nunn, Somaya Reece
- MicahTron, Ill Camille, Ginger & Ms. Be, hosted by Somaya Reece
- Da Brat, City High, Natalie Nunn, & from , Shaunie O'Neal, Toni Monroe, Guyana, The Lady of Rage, Kurupt.
Setlist
- "Queen Bitch"
- "Black Friday"
- "Not Tonight "
- "The Jump Off" / "Mo Money Mo Problems"
- "How Many Licks?"
- "Get Money" / "Gettin' Money "
- "It's All About the Benjamins"
- "Quiet Storm "
- "Lighters Up"
- "Let It Go"
- "Big Momma Thang"
- "Magic Stick"
- "Empire State of Mind"
- "Not Tonight"
- "Crush On You"
- "Lady Marmalade"
- "Keys To The City"
- "Whoa"
Special performances
- During the May 18th show at Paradise Theater, Kim brought out Drita D'Avanzo from the show Mob Wives, who rapped Kims verse from "It's All About the Benjamins". Kim also danced alongside Will Traxxx as he performed "Footwork" and brought out Eve and Missy Elliott who performed "Hot Boyz".
- During the May 25th show at Club Adrianna's, Kim brought out Shawnna who performed "Gettin' Some".
- During the May 27th show in Milwaukee, Kim paid tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., whose birthday was earlier that month, by performing his song "One More Chance". She also paid tribute to Lisa Lopes, whose birthday was that day, by playing her verse during the performance of the "Not Tonight" remix.
- After the June 8th performance at LA Pride, Kim was awarded the Key to the City of Los Angeles by West Hollywood Mayor, Jeffrey Prang.
- During the June 13th show at Key Club, Da Brat joined Kim on stage for the Not Tonight. Kim also brought out The Lady of Rage who performed her song Afro Puffs with Kim. She also brought out hip hop group City High who performed "What Would You Do?". Kim also paid tribute to Michael Jackson, performing the dance routines to his songs "Bad" and "Billie Jean". She also brought out Kurupt who performed "Xxplosive".
Tour dates
| Date | City | Country | Venue |
| May 17, 2012 | New Haven | United States | Toad's Place |
| May 18, 2012 | New York City | United States | Paradise Theater |
| May 19, 2012 | Albany | United States | Northern Lights |
| May 22, 2012 | Burlington | United States | Higher Ground |
| May 25, 2012 | Markham | United States | Club Adrianna's |
| May 26, 2012 | Columbus | United States | Alrosa Villa |
| May 27, 2012 | Milwaukee | United States | Riverside Theater |
| May 29, 2012 | Minneapolis | United States | Fine Line Music Cafe |
| June 1, 2012 | Cincinnati | United States | Bogart's |
| June 4, 2012 | Lincoln | United States | Bourbon Theatre |
| June 8, 2012 | Los Angeles | United States | The Factory & ULTRA SUEDE |
| June 9, 2012 | Los Angeles | United States | LA Pride |
| June 11, 2012 | San Francisco | United States | Mezzanine |
| June 13, 2012 | Los Angeles | United States | Key Club |
| June 14, 2012 | San Luis Obispo | United States | Slo Brewing Company |
| June 15, 2012 | Phoenix | United States | Celebrity Theatre |
| June 17, 2012 | Flagstaff | United States | Orpheum Theater |
| June 19, 2012 | Austin | United States | Emo's East |
| June 20, 2012 | Pensacola | United States | Vinyl Music Hall |
| June 21, 2012 | New Orleans | United States | Harrah's Casino |
| June 23, 2012 | Kansas City | United States | Harrah's Casino |
| September 21, 2012 | Washington, D.C. | United States | Love |
;Cancellations and rescheduled shows
- May 13, Pensacola show at Vinyl Musical Hall was changed to June 20.
- May 17, Austin show at Emo's was moved to June 19.
- June 2, Detroit show at The Fillmore was canceled.
- June 8, Agoura Hills show was canceled due to fire hazards.
- June 16, Las Vegas show at Planet Hollywood was canceled.
- June 22, Hammond show at Horseshoe Hammond was canceled.
- June 24, Washington, D.C. show at Ibiza's Nightclub was canceled and changed to September 21 at Love Nightclub.
- September, 6th-8th shows in South Africa were canceled.
Reception
Critical response
The tour received positive reviews.Billboard gave positive review for the second show of the tour, stating "As one of her few hometown shows since a sparsely attended gig at Irving Plaza in June 2010, Lil' Kim proved that she can still sting" though noted "Despite several awkward pauses where she vanished backstage, the Brooklyn native carried the show, working the enraptured audience with a live band in tow." Rashaud Thomas of NBC New York praised the tour, commenting "From the minute she took the stage, the Queens Bee had her court in a trance, rapping along to every one of her hits... After last night’s performance it’s safe to say she’s on the right track."
MTV also gave a good review about the show, saying "Female MCs, take note: The Queen wants her throne back." The Source also wrote an article, saying "Putting to rest the thought that women in Hip-Hop just can't get along, Kim confirmed that she's already got a record in the bag with Eve and Missy and is still working on her documentary and book." Bene Viera from VH1 praised Kim's performance, commenting "The pint-sized beauty’s performance proved one thing–not that anything needed proving–a legend is a legend. The Queen Bee’s return has arrived, and the fans haven’t gone anywhere. Bow down to the throne." while Ernest Hardy of the Los Angeles Times added " the thing that really girds Kim’s voice and persona is a genuine sweetness that humanizes a steely persona."