Rapper Lil Kim has reportedly left Atlantic Records, the label she's released her last three albums through.

According to Billboard.com, the rapper plans to release her forthcoming new solo record independently, but she is not upset with her former label.

In an interview on DJ Kay Slay's Sirius Satellite Radio show "Streetsweeper Radio" last week, Kim told the DJ that she's been afraid to release her music independent for several years, but after learning the business over the years, she's now more comfortable in doing so.

While her immediate plans are not clear, Billboard said that Kim is rumored to join Imperial Records, the indie branch of Capitol Music Group.

Her forthcoming album is tentatively set for release in April or May 2008.

The new album will be her first since being released from prison in July of 2006, following 2005's The Naked Truth.

Most recently, Lil Kim released her first mixtape with G-Unit's DJ Whoo Kid, titled Ms. G.O.A.T., the first new music from the rapper in two years.