As Lil Kim’s perjury trial continued today (March 7) in New York City, another rapper testified that Hot 97 instigated the ordeal by booking Kim and her rivals for interviews on the same day.
Antoine “Banger” Spain was part of Lil’ Kim’s entourage that left Hot 97 on February 5, 2001 after an on-air interview at the radio station, moments before rappers Capone-N-Noreaga were scheduled to appear.
“I just couldn’t believe [Hot 97] would do that,” Spain testified.
“There was like heat between us.” Spain told jurors that a shootout ensued on the sidewalk as Kim and her entourage left the building and encountered Capone-N-Noreaga.
Spain said the feud began due to a remark made by Lil’ Kim’s foe, Foxy Brown, in a collaboration with Capone-N-Noreaga. Brown called Kim “lame” on the song.
Lil’ Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, is facing perjury and
conspiracy charges for lying to a grand jury under oath about the shooting incident to protect the alleged gunmen— her manager, Damion Butler, and a close friend, Suif Jackson. Kim stated that she didn’t see Butler at the radio station and claimed she couldn’t identify Jackson in a photo.
Prosecutors called upon Spain and Lil’ Cease, both former members of Junior M.A.F.I.A. with Lil Kim, to testify that they saw Butler and Jackson at the radio station with her.
Kim has pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Kim’s lawyer, Mel Sachs has maintained his client’s innocence, stating that Kim never deliberately lied about the shootout.
Spain’s recollection of the incident was similar to that of Capone,
who testified last Thursday (March3). Both rappers recalled someone saying, “It could go down now.” Spain said an unknown man began shooting and he hid with Lil’ Kim in a limousine.
“It was crazy,” said Spain. “I was just ducking.”
