Talk with Big L

Big L, born Lamont Coleman on May 30, 1974, was an influential American rapper and songwriter known for his adept lyricism, complex wordplay, and storytelling ability. He emerged from Harlem, New York City, and significantly impacted the hip hop genre despite his short career.

Big L's career began in the early 1990s, and he was a member of the hip hop collective D.I.T.C. (Diggin' in the Crates Crew), which included notable figures such as Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, and Buckwild. He gained critical acclaim with his debut studio album, "Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous," released in 1995. This album featured a mix of dark, hardcore, and humorous content and produced tracks like "Put It On," "M.V.P.," and "No Endz, No Skinz."

Unfortunately, Big L's career was tragically cut short when he was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Harlem on February 15, 1999. Despite his untimely death, Big L's impact on hip hop continued to grow posthumously. A second album, "The Big Picture," featuring tracks with Tupac Shakur, Fat Joe, and Big Daddy Kane, among others, was compiled and released in 2000, receiving critical acclaim and commercial success.

Big L is often remembered for his sharp lyrical skills and is considered a significant influence on many later artists, earning him a venerable status in the history of hip hop.

Big L, whose real name was Lamont Coleman, was born on May 30, 1974, in Harlem, New York City, USA.

Big L, whose real name was Lamont Coleman, released two studio albums during his lifetime:

1. Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous (1995) - This was Big L's debut album. It is celebrated for its complex wordplay and storytelling. The album features notable tracks such as "Put It On," "M.V.P.," and "Street Struck."

2. The Big Picture (2000) - Released posthumously, this album includes features from other prominent artists in the hip-hop community like Fat Joe, Tupac Shakur, and Big Daddy Kane. Hits from this album include "Ebonics," "The Heist," and "Flamboyant."

These albums have both been influential in the hip-hop genre, portraying vivid narratives of urban life and showcasing Big L's skill as a lyricist.

Big L, known for his sharp lyricism and distinctive style in the rap industry, did have some rivalries, though they were not as highly publicized as those of some of his contemporaries. One noted rivalry was with fellow Harlem rapper Mase. This tension stemmed from differences that arose when Mase's career began to take a more mainstream direction, which contrasted with Big L's hardcore, underground style. This led to some diss tracks and lyrical jabs between the two, although it wasn't as extensively covered in the media as other rap rivalries of the time. Overall, Big L was more focused on his craft and his community, using his lyrics often to portray the harsh realities of urban life rather than engage in prolonged public disputes.

Big L was known for his sharp wit and intricate wordplay in his lyrics. Some of his most famous and often quoted lyrics include:

1. From "Ebonics":

   • "I got drug spots from New York to Canada / 'Cause Big L be fuckin' with more keys than a janitor."

2. From "Put it On":

   • "I’m far from a bully and I ain’t a punk / Extremities of life, yo your rhymes are a month."

3. From "M.V.P.":

   • "The crown is still mine cause I drop ill rhymes / A lot of rappers talk that murder shit and couldn't kill time."

4. From "98 Freestyle":

   • "If my girl think I'm loyal then that bitch is a fool / I got joints to make the Devil sign the cross."

5. From "All Black":

   • "Before I leave the house, I'm slizzo; I gotta pack a gat, yo / I dress in all jet black yo."

These lyrics showcase Big L's style, characterized by his aggressive delivery and clever use of metaphors.

Big L, known for his exceptional skill in hip-hop, utilized several distinct techniques in his rapping that made him stand out in the genre:

1. Complex Rhymes: Big L was renowned for his intricate rhyming patterns, often employing multisyllabic rhymes that were both complex and internally cohesive. This means that he would rhyme multiple syllables within a line and across lines, showcasing his ability to manipulate language with ease.

2. Punchlines: One of Big L's most notable techniques was his use of punchlines. His lyrics often featured witty, sharp, and sometimes shocking punchlines that added a strong impact to his verses. These punchlines were clever and memorable, contributing significantly to his reputation as a fierce lyricist.

3. Storytelling: Big L was also an adept storyteller, capable of crafting detailed narratives within his songs. His storytelling ability allowed him to paint vivid pictures of life in Harlem, the struggles, and the street life, all woven seamlessly into his lyrics.

4. Speed and Flow: He had the ability to switch his flow effortlessly and could rap at high speeds without losing clarity or precision. This versatility in flow allowed him to maintain listener interest and demonstrated his technical prowess.

5. Freestyling: Big L was highly skilled in freestyling, which is the art of delivering lyrics spontaneously, often in a battle or live performance setting. His freestyle performances were marked by quick thinking and sharp wit, further establishing his reputation as a formidable MC.

These techniques, combined with his charismatic delivery and profound lyrical content, made Big L a highly influential figure in hip-hop, despite his career being tragically cut short.

Big L, whose real name was Lamont Coleman, was tragically killed on February 15, 1999. He was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in his hometown of Harlem, New York, reportedly over a personal dispute. His death was a significant loss to the hip-hop community, as he was considered one of the most talented and influential rappers of his time.

If you mean whether Big L is considered an afterthought in the context of hip-hop history, the answer would be no. Big L is highly regarded as a significant figure in hip-hop, especially in the 1990s East Coast rap scene. He is celebrated for his skillful wordplay, intricate storytelling, and ability to deliver punchlines. His influence persists in the genre, and he is often cited by other artists and enthusiasts as an important influence and a talented lyricist whose potential was tragically cut short by his untimely death.

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