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Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999), better known by his stage name Big L, was an American rapper. Big L was born, raised, lived, and fatally shot in the same New York City neighborhood, Harlem, which frequently appeared in his rhymes. He is mostly remembered for his freestyling, storytelling, punchlines, his critically acclaimed debut album Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous, and his murder at the age of 24. Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... For Big L, (born Lamont Coleman), (1974 – 1999), American hip-hop artist Or a number of British radio stations: Wonderful Radio London, the British offshore radio station (1964 - 1967). ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Harlem (disambiguation). ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events of 2008: (EMILY) Me Lesley and MIley are going to China! This article is about the year. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Hip hop music is a style of music which came into existence in the United States during the mid-1970s, and became a large part of modern pop culture during the 1980s. ... In the music industry, a record label can be a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... Sony Music Entertainment is a major global record label controlled by the Sony Corporation. ... Rawkus Records is an American hip hop record label, known for jump-starting the careers of both Mos Def and Talib Kweli. ... Children of the Corn was a hip-hop group formed in the early 1990s consisting of neighborhood friends/Harlem rappers Ma$e (then known as Murda Mase), Big L, Camron (then known as Killa Cam), McGruff, Digga and Bloodshed. ... The Digging in the Crates Crew, also known as the DITC, is a New York-based hip-hop collective. ... Jay-Z (aka the Jigga, HOV and Hova, born Shawn Carter on December 4, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York) is an African American rapper/hip hop artist and record label executive; one of the most popular and successful rappers of the late 1990s and early 2000s. ... Cameron Giles (born February 4, 1976), better known as Camron, is American rapper from Harlem in New York City. ... Mason Durrell Betha (born August 27, 1978 in Jacksonville, Florida),[1] known by stage name Ma$e, is an American rapper, best known as an artist on Sean Diddy Combs hip hop label Bad Boy Records during the late 1990s. ... Kid Capri Kid Capri (real name Anthony Love) is a DJ. He was born in the Bronx, New York City, New York, USA. In the 1970s, Kid Capri began to attend block parties, starting his DJ career at the age of 8. ... Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known by his stage names 2Pac, Makaveli, or simply as Pac, was an American artist renowned for his rap music, movie roles, poetry, and his social activism. ... Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent, and is signed to Imperial Records. ... is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. ... is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events of 2008: (EMILY) Me Lesley and MIley are going to China! This article is about the year. ... For the Okkervil River album, see The Stage Names. ... Rapping is one of the elements of hip hop and the distinguishing feature of hip hop music; it is a form of rhyming lyrics spoken rhythmically over musical instruments, with a musical backdrop of sampling, scratching and mixing by DJs. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... For other uses, see Harlem (disambiguation). ... Freestyle rap is an improvisational form of rapping, performed with few or no previously composed lyrics, which is said to reflect a direct mapping of the mental state and performing situation of the artist. ... Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous is a Big L album released through Sony Records on March 28th, 1995. ...

Biography

Early life

Lamont Coleman was born to Gilda Terry on May 30, 1974, in Harlem, New York. As an adolescent, Lamont listened to the talents of Run-D.M.C., The Cold Crush Brothers, and Big Daddy Kane. He learned to rhyme in the park near his house at 104th West 139th Street where he would spend hours trading rhymes with friends to pass the time. While attending Julia Richmond High School he was given the alias Big L to spite his childhood nickname, Little Lamont. L described his lyrical growth, "I started writing rhymes in 1990 and was in a group called Three The Hard Way, but they wasn't serious so I went solo. Then I started winning rap contests and battling everybody in my 'hood and roastin' em."^[1] The MC kept perfecting his craft, and by the time he was 17 years old, he was fast approaching the line that divides pastime and profession. His lyrics were defined by the world around him and gave insight into fabled Harlem shootouts and legendary Harlem street life. is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Harlem (disambiguation). ... This article is about the state. ... Run-DMC is a famous hip hop crew founded by Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) and includes Joseph Run Simmons and Darryl DMC McDaniels, all from Hollis, Queens. ... The Cold Crush Brothers are a legendary hip hop group that formed in 1978 in the Bronx, New York, the home of hip hop, during its beginning, alongside other hip hop icons such as Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, Grand Wizard Theodore & The Fantastic Five... Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is a record producer/rapper from the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn, New York. ... For other uses, see Harlem (disambiguation). ...

D.I.T.C.

When Big L was still in high school he caught the attention of Bloods in the back of a New York record store. Finesse along with Joe "Diamond D" Kirkland and Rodney "Showbiz" Lemay, were the founders of the D.I.T.C. clique. L’s first professional appearance came on the B-side of “Party Over Here” by Lord Finesse in 1992, the song was called “Yes, You May” remix. Soon L officially became a part of the DITC crew which featured some of the best New York producers, deejays, and emcees on the mic, members came from several boroughs bringing to life the true sounds of New York hip-hop. The members of DITC included; O.C., Lord Finesse, Diamond D, Showbiz, A.G., Fat Joe, Buckwild, and Big L. His early successes in DITC lead to his signing with Columbia in 1992. Astoundingly, all it took was a four song demo tape showcasing tracks such as the horror-core establisher “Devil’s Son” and of course the “Yes, You May” remix. He regularly appeared on the fellow DITC members albums, and also contributed to the works of Success - N - Effect. He appeared with the group regularly, notably on their single "Dignified Soldiers" and their later self-titled LP release, sometimes known as Worldwide. The Diggin in the Crates Crew, also known as the DITC, is a New York-based hip-hop collective, deriving its name from a popular DJ sampling practice. ... Lord Finesse is a Hip hop artist and producer, hailing from The Bronx, New York, best known as the leader of the D.I.T.C. rap crew. ... The Digging in the Crates Crew, also known as the DITC, is a New York-based hip-hop collective. ... The Digging in the Crates Crew, also known as the DITC, is a New York-based hip-hop collective. ... Oc or OC may refer to: Root of the name for the ancient region of Languedoc. ... Lord Finesse is a Hip hop artist and producer, hailing from The Bronx, New York, best known as the leader of the D.I.T.C. rap crew. ... Diamond D (real name, Joseph Kirkland) is a hip-hop record producer and remixer from The Bronx, New York City. ... Showbiz is the debut album by English rock band Muse, first released 4 October 1999 by Mushroom Records. ... Showbiz and A.G. is a hip hop duo from The Bronx. ... Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent, and is signed to Imperial Records. ... Buckwild is a popular Hip hop producer hailing from The Bronx, New York. ... The Digging in the Crates Crew, also known as the DITC, is a New York-based hip-hop collective. ... A gramophone record, (also phonograph record - often simply record) is an analog sound recording medium: a flat disc rotating at a constant angular velocity, with inscribed spiral grooves in which a stylus or needle rides. ...

Later career

From 1997 to 1999, Big L worked on his second album The Big Picture. It was released worldwide at the summer of 2000 to critical acclaim. Two singles, "Ebonics" and "Flamboyant", both reached number one in the charts. The album featured cameos from Fat Joe, Tupac Shakur, and Big Daddy Kane among other emcees. The Big Picture was certified platinum in 2001. Jay-Z has said that Big L was set to sign with his Roc-A-Fella label, but died the week before.^[2] The two had mutual respect for each other, dating back to a dueling freestyle session on the radio and Jay-Z's appearance on Big L's first album. The Big Picture can refer to: A Big Picture, a communication tool used internally or externally within organisations with complex messages. ... Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent, and is signed to Imperial Records. ... Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known by his stage names 2Pac, Makaveli, or simply as Pac, was an American artist renowned for his rap music, movie roles, poetry, and his social activism. ... Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is a record producer/rapper from the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn, New York. ... Jay-Z (aka the Jigga, HOV and Hova, born Shawn Carter on December 4, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York) is an African American rapper/hip hop artist and record label executive; one of the most popular and successful rappers of the late 1990s and early 2000s. ... Roc-A-Fella Records, one of the largest United States hip hop/rap record labels, was co-founded in New York City by hip hop mogul Damon Dash and now multi-platinum rapper Jay-Z in 1995. ...

Murder

On the evening of February 15, 1999, Big L was shot multiple times in the head and chest and killed near his Harlem home. Early indications led many to believe that Coleman was killed because of a debt owed by his older brother, Leroy Phinazee, who was in jail at the time and was therefore inaccessible. It has also been speculated that the murderer mistook Lamont for his brother on the night he was shot. Some time after his release from prison in 2002, Leroy Phinazee was murdered on the same street as his brother after attempting to find out who had shot him.

Legacy

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Big L exemplifies the gritty, punchline heavy battle raps mastered by his mentor, Lord Finesse. The recent trend of New York rappers aiming to “Bring New York Back” (in particular Papoose) with flurries of mixtapes and freestyles, seem to follow in the blueprint that Big L left. Big L is the logical progression of Lord Finesse’s style into the early and late Nineties. As a part of the legendary D.I.T.C. crew, Big L seemed poised to conquer mainstream rap, as rumors of Roc-a-fella signings whirled about before his tragic murder in 1998

The Big Picture

His last recorded release, The Big Picture, was released posthumously on August 2, 2000, and was put together by his manager and partner in Flamboyant Entertainment, Rich King. It contains songs that L had recorded and a cappella recordings that were never used, completed by producers and guest emcees that Big L respected or had worked with previously. The album was certified gold a month later. On the album he has guest features from hip-hop heavyweights such as Fat Joe, Kool G Rap, Tupac Shakur, and Big Daddy Kane along with production by DJ Premier. The album was eventually certified platinum and was critically acclaimed by most reviews. The album was released on Rawkus Records. The Big Picture is the final, and first posthumous album released from slain Harlem rapper Big L. Released on August 1, 2000, its lead single was Holdin It Down featuring Stan Spit and D.I.T.C. member A.G. The album also features the popular single Ebonics, as well... is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Richard Thomas (Rich) King (born April 4, 1969 in Lincoln, Nebraska) is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1st round (14th overall) of the 1991 NBA Draft out of the University of Nebraska. ... This article is about the vocal technique. ... In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. ... Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent, and is signed to Imperial Records. ... Nathaniel Wilson (born July 20, 1968), known by stage name Kool G Rap, is an American hardcore rapper from the Corona section of Queens, New York. ... Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known by his stage names 2Pac, Makaveli, or simply as Pac, was an American artist renowned for his rap music, movie roles, poetry, and his social activism. ... Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is a record producer/rapper from the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn, New York. ... This biographical article or section needs additional references for verification. ... Rawkus Records is an American hip hop record label, known for jump-starting the careers of both Mos Def and Talib Kweli. ...

Tributes

Lamont “Big L” Coleman was equal parts freestyle king, storytelling genius and punch line specialist. And while he was the recipient of more press than Soundscan sales, his reputation far exceeded any Billboard chart position. Sadly, a week before he was reported to sign to then-conglomerate Roc-A-Fella Records, he was brutally gunned down just blocks from his Harlem home. But to those who knew him and knew of him, Big L was more than just a hometown hero, he was a legend in his own right.^[3] In his song "Rewind", Royce da 5'9" tells Big L's story in the third part of the song, in how he (Royce) viewed his music and how it influenced him today. Ryan Montgomery (born July 5, 1977) is an MC known by his stage name Royce da 59. He is known for his early association with Detroit hip hop luminary Eminem and subsequent solo career, during which he has released 3 studio albums as well as mixtapes. ...

Discography

Main article: Big L discography

• 1995: Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
• 2000: The Big Picture

This is the discography of rapper Big L. // Clinic (I Shoulda Worn a Rubber) Aint No Half steppin Freestyle (featuring Lord Finesse) Times Is Hard on the Boulevard Holdin It Down (Original) (featuring A.G. & Party Arty) Devils Son Back Up off Me (featuring N.O.T.S... Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous is a Big L album released through Sony Records on March 28th, 1995. ... The Big Picture is the final, and first posthumous album released from slain Harlem rapper Big L. Released on August 1, 2000, its lead single was Holdin It Down featuring Stan Spit and D.I.T.C. member A.G. The album also features the popular single Ebonics, as well...

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Big L (rapper)

• Big L Online
• Big L on MTV
• Discogs entry
• Mcgruff Official Website

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References