BIG L : The Definition Of A Emcee

Raised in Harlem's uptown sector "Danger Zone"----139th Street and Lennox Avenue, Big L was faced with the temptation's of the streets. Instead of living the street life he chose rap as a way out. His first ever crack on wax came in 1992's "Yes You May (Remix)." Since then Big L has blessed the mic countless times with lyrics like no other.

In 1993 he signed with Columbia Records and released one of the illest records of underground hip-hop. The record was the vinyl, promo-only "Devil's Son." That song was quickly banned from radio, due to such lyrics as: "I pistol whip the priest every Sunday." With hardcore lyrics made for the fans and not radio, Big L proved himself as one of the kings of the underground. In 1995, still with Columbia, He released his debut album "Lifestylz Ov Da Poor & Dangerous." The album was commercially ignored, but praised by the source who gave it 4 mics. The album was a lyrical masterpiece, and an underground success. That album put on a few now big name rappers, such as Jay-Z, and Cam'ron. After that album was released, L was dropped from Columbia.

Even after being dropped, L was rising in the game. He, along with Show, AG, Buckwild, Lord Finess, Fat Joe, OC, and Diamond, formed the group D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates). They began popping up on mixtapes all around, and Big L was showcasing his lyrical ability on a whole new level. Concerts in Amsterdam, and Japan proved to others that Big L and D.I.T.C. were now worldwide and ready to blow up. Big L was now on the verge of releasing his best work. He got in the studio and recorded "Ebonics" a breakdown of street slang. That single was blowing up the streets, and people were starting to notice L. Unfortunately his success was cut short. Big L was murdered on the very streets where he grew up. He was shot 7 times in the head and chest on February 15, 1999.

In August of 2000 Big L's posthumous, sophmore album "The Big Picture" was released. Half the album was completed before his death, and half after his death. This album recieved more respect in terms of sales, and rotation. The album went gold, and was the first of his albums to do so. Collaberations on the album include Guru, D.I.T.C. and rap vets like Big Daddy Kane and Kool G. Rap as well as the late Tupac Shakur.

Although Big L is no longer with us, His essence is still felt in the rap game, from his smart lyrics, to his deadly metaphors and his freestyling ability, Big L has opened the doors for a wave of rappers such as Mase, Jay-Z, Cam'ron and McGruff. Through his music Big L lives on, and should never be forgotten.

Career

Big L began rhyming in 1990 and his first professional appearance came on the B-side of "Party Over Here" by Lord Finesse in 1992. Around this time, L joined Lord Finesse's Bronx-based hip hop collective Diggin' in the Crates Crew. He founded Harlem rap group Children of the Corn with fellow aspiring MC's Killa Cam, Murda Mase, and Killa Cam's cousin Bloodshed; when the latter died in a car accident in 1997, the group folded.

In 1993 Big L signed to Columbia Records and released his first single, "Devil's Son". His debut solo album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous, was released in March 1995. Two singles were released from the album; both "Put It On", "M.V.P." and "No Endz No Skinz" reached the top twenty-five of Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks. The album itself also reached the Billboard 200, but due to its poor commercial status Big L was dropped from Columbia. From 1997 to 1999, Big L worked on his second album through his own Flamboyant Entertainment label. He released the acclaimed single "Ebonics (Criminal Slang)" in 1998. He also appeared on D.I.T.C.'s first single "Dignified Soldiers" that year.                                                                                                                              The Big Picture (2000)

The Big Picture was released in August 2000 and featured guest appearances by Fat Joe, Guru of Gang Starr, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane among others. Jay-Z has said that Big L was to sign with Roc-A-Fella, but he was murdered the week before.The Big Picture was put together by his manager and partner in Flamboyant Entertainment, Rich King. It contains songs that L had recorded and a cappellarecordings that were never used, completed by producers and guest MC's that Big L respected or had worked with previously. The album was certified gold a month later.

 Big L is no longer with us, His essence is still felt in the rap game, from his smart lyrics, to his deadly metaphors and his freestyling ability, Big L has opened the doors for a wave of rappers such as Mase, Jay-Z, Cam'ron and McGruff. Through his music Big L lives on, and should never be forgotten.

       

Big L died in February 1999 just before his second album was released. On February 15, 1999 Big L was shot nine times involving the head and chest on 45 West 139th Street, just blocks away from his Harlem home. He died from his injuries. He was 24 years old.                                                                                                                                                  Resting In Paradise (R.i.P) Big L