Celebrity Lil' Kim on Having to Cancel Her Essence Fest Performance: 'I'm So Disappointed' Despite plans to take the stage with Puff Daddy on Sunday night, Lil' Kim pulls out of the show By Janine Rubenstein Janine Rubenstein Instagram Twitter Janine Rubenstein is Editor-at-Large at PEOPLE and host of PEOPLE Every Day podcast, a daily dose of breaking news, pop culture and heartwarming human interest stories. Formerly Senior Editor of music content, she's also covered crime, human interest and television news throughout her many years with the brand. Prior to PEOPLE she's written for Essence, The Cape Times newspaper and Los Angeles Magazine among others. On-screen Rubenstein can be found featured on shows like Good Morning America and Entertainment Tonight and she routinely hosts PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly's star-studded Red Carpet Live specials. Follow the San Francisco native, Black Barbie collector and proud mom of two on Instagram and Twitter @janinerube People Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 12:01 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty The Bad Boy family will be missing one of its stars this weekend. Lil’ Kim was scheduled to take the stage at this weekend’s Essence Festival, Essence magazine’s annual music and entertainment event held in New Orleans, but her rep issued a statement Friday, announcing the rapper would not be joining Puff Daddy and fellow Bad Boy Records alums on stage due to “unfulfilled business obligations.” “I was looking forward to it,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively of getting to perform for fans at Essence Fest. “I’m so disappointed and sad about that.” In the statement her rep said, “She’s saddened by the news but matters are not within her control.” Despite the cancellation, the rapper and mother of 2-year-old daughter Royal Reign, says she’ll still be performing her hits alongside Puff Daddy during this summer’s acclaimed Bad Boy Reunion Tour. But up next for the rapper is VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens, where she’ll be recognized alongside Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott and Salt-N-Pepa for their groundbreaking contributions to hip hop. RELATED VIDEO: Watch the ESSENCE Festival Livestream! “It’s always a humbling experience and an honor for me,” she says of the upcoming recognition. “I just thank God. I feel blessed to have such longevity and just be a major piece of history in the industry. It’s a great feeling.” And for the Essence Fest fans who are missing out, “Next year would be great,” she says, hinting at a future performance. VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens airs Monday, July 11 at 9 p.m. ET