Rapper Lil' Kim faces prison in New York 'gangsta-rap' shooting case

NEW YORK (AFP) — Notoriously saucy "gangsta-rap" artist Lil' Kim was to go on trial for perjury and obstruction of justice in a 2001 case involving a shootout between her entourage and a rival rap group, charges which could land her in jail for up to 45 years if convicted.

Known for her lewd lyrics and a penchant for diamond jewelry, Lil' Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, is accused of lying repeatedly to a grand jury investigating the shooting, allegedly in order to protect members of her group and derail the government's investigation.

Jury selection was completed Monday for the trial, in which Jones's personal assistant Monique Dopwell, known as Mo Betta, faces similar charges.

The case stems from the February 2001 shootout outside a rap music radio station in downtown New York City. According to prosecutors, two members of Jones's group opened fire on ...