Big L

Big L
Big L in 1998
Big L in 1998
Background information
Birth nameLamont Coleman
Also known asL Corleone
Born(1974-05-30)May 30, 1974
New York City, U.S.
DiedFebruary 15, 1999(1999-02-15) (aged 24)
New York City, U.S.
GenresEast Coast hip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record executive
  • record producer
Years active1992–1999
Labels

Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999), known professionally as Big L, was an American rapper.[1] Emerging from Harlem in New York City in 1992, Big L became known among underground hip-hop fans for his freestyling ability. He was eventually signed to Columbia Records, where, in 1995, he released his debut album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous. On February 15, 1999, he was fatally shot nine times in a drive-by shooting in Harlem.

Big L was noted for his use of wordplay, and writers at AllMusic, HipHopDX and The Source have praised him for his lyrical ability.[2][3] Henry Adaso described him as "one of the most talented poets in hip-hop history."[4]

In an interview with Funkmaster Flex, Nas claimed Big L "scared me to death. When I heard [his performance at the Apollo Theater] on tape, I was scared to death. I said, 'Yo, it's no way I can compete if this is what I gotta compete with.'"[5]

  1. ^ "Today in hip hop history: Big L was shot and killed 22 years ago". The Source. February 15, 2021. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  2. ^ "The Source: Top 50 Lyricists [Magazine Scans]". Genius. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  3. ^ Henry Adaso. "10 Great Rappers Who Died Too Young". About.com Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 5, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference mtv.com was invoked but never defined (see the help page).