Miley Cyrus channels Lil' Kim in explicit MTV costume

Miley Cyrus has courted controversy once again with her choice of Halloween costume, dressing up in rapper Lil' Kim's infamous breast-exposing purple ensemble from the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.

The hip-hop star made heads turn on the red carpet at the event 14 years ago when she turned up in a catsuit which revealed her left breast, with only a tiny piece of material hiding her nipple.

Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Cyrus ensured she would be centre of attention on Halloween (31Oct13) by opting for the same look.

The singer uploaded a snap of her channelling Lil' Kim, including exposed breast and a purple wig, on Twitter.com on Wednesday (30Oct13), sparking her rap idol to tweet her back.

She writes, "Awwww. Look at my baby mileycyrus tonight!!! Looking GORGEOUS!!! I wish I was there to squeeze your boob :) :) Love U so much !!!! #mytwin."

The imitation comes after Cyrus spoke of her love for the rapper, saying, "In my past life, I feel like that was me. I feel like Lil Kim is who I am on the inside. She just makes me happy... I just love her. And I can't help that I love her."