It has been 25 years since we tragically lost the iconic rapper Big L. On February 15, 1999, this New York City native was senselessly shot nine times in a drive-by shooting while he was simply walking around his neighborhood in Harlem. The talented artist, whose real name was Lamont Coleman, was pronounced dead on the spot. Shockingly, the suspected killer, Gerard Woodley, was later shot and killed near his own home in Harlem. Woodley was accused of taking the life of Big L but was never convicted. It is truly heartbreaking that Big L’s life was cut short at the young age of 24.
Big L, a highly respected underground lyricist from New York City in the 1990s, gained recognition with his professional debut on Lord Finesse’s “Yes You May (Remix)” in 1992. He quickly signed to Columbia Records and collaborated with Showbiz & A.G. on their album Runaway Slave, contributing to the track “Represent.” Additionally, he joined the Diggin’ in the Crates (DITC) crew alongside Finesse, O.C., Diamond D, Fat Joe, Buckwild, Showbiz, and A.G. In the same year, Big L formed the Harlem-based group Children of the Corn with Cam’ron, Ma$e, Bloodshed, and McGruff.
In 1993, Big L released his debut solo single “Devil’s Son,” which showcased his unique horrorcore style, a rare subgenre in Hip-Hop at the time. He followed up with the singles “Clinic” and “Put It On” before finally dropping his debut album, Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous, in 1995. This 12-track project featured collaborations with Kid Capri, Lord Finesse, JAY-Z, and more.
After parting ways with Columbia Records, Big L established his own label, Flamboyant Records, and began working on his second LP, The Big Picture. Tragically, just before his untimely death, he was reportedly in talks to sign with Roc-a-Fella Records, owned by JAY-Z and Dame Dash. The Big Picture was eventually released posthumously in 2000, more than a year after his passing.
Let’s take a moment to revisit Big L’s debut album and some of his best music videos, honoring his legacy. Rest in Peace, Big L.