Cam'ron Originally Wrote "I Really Mean It" for Rapper Lil' Kim — She Turned It Down, So He Kept a Classic for Himself

Sometimes the best songs end up with the artist who believed in them the most — and that’s exactly what happened with Cam’ron’s iconic track “I Really Mean It.” What many fans don’t know is that the Dipset anthem was originally written with another rap legend in mind: Lil’ Kim.

According to behind-the-scenes revelations, Cam’ron crafted “I Really Mean It” for Lil’ Kim, envisioning the Queen Bee delivering the hard-hitting bars over the now-classic production by Just Blaze. But in a twist of fate, Kim passed on the record — a decision that unknowingly helped cement one of the signature sounds of early-2000s New York hip-hop.

Released as the first track on the second disc of The Diplomats’ 2003 debut album “Diplomatic Immunity,” “I Really Mean It” has since become a defining moment in Dipset’s legacy. The track is celebrated for its gritty energy, lush orchestral beat, and Cam’s unmistakable delivery. It became an anthem for Harlem and a standout in the group's catalog.

The idea of Lil’ Kim rapping “I Really Mean It” is a fascinating “what if” in hip-hop history. Known for her commanding voice and unapologetic presence, Kim could’ve undoubtedly brought her own flavor to the track — but in the end, it may have landed right where it was meant to be.

Cam’ron’s decision to keep the record for himself helped set the tone for Dipset’s dominance and left fans with a timeless classic. And while we’ll never hear Lil’ Kim’s version, the story behind “I Really Mean It” is a reminder of how creative paths can twist unexpectedly — sometimes leading to greatness.

Would it have hit the same with Lil’ Kim? Maybe. But Cam’ron? He really meant it.