MISSY ELLIOTT - LIL' KIM STILL STRONG AFTER BET DEFEAT

Jailed rapper LIL' KIM's mother insists the star won't be fazed by her failure at the BET Awards on Monday (26JUN06). Lil' Kim was nominated for the Best Female Hip Hop award and was widely regarded favourite for the prize - but lost out to MISSY ELLIOTT. However, RUBY JONES - at the ceremony in Los Angeles on behalf of her daughter, who is currently serving a year behind bars for perjury - says, "She will be out of jail soon and she will get other awards." She added, "Faith has kept us strong during these times," referencing her daughter's trial and subsequent sentencing. Fellow nominee REMY MA meanwhile insists she and Kim were both worthier winners of the prize, sniping, "I am going to call Lil' Kim tonight and tell her we was robbed. "Me, Kim, SHAWNNA, or somebody should've won. Hey, I am just keeping it real."