Culture

Rapper Big L : Today Marks The 13th Year Anniversary of Rapper’s Death

Lamont Coleman, better known as Big L, was born and raised in Harlem, where he started his rap career with Three The Hard Way.

Published

13 years ago

February 15, 2012

Unheard Voices Staff

Today marks the 13th year anniversary of the death of legendary rapper Big L.

About rapper Big L

Lamont Coleman, better known as Big L, was born and raised in Harlem, where he started his rap career with the group Three The Hard Way.

He was the founder of the group Children of the Corn and was a member of Diggin’ in the Crates Crew before he pursued a solo career.

He released his debut album, Lifestylez of da Poor & Dangerous, in 1995, and was very instrumental in the hip-hop underground scene. In 1998, he started his own label, Flamboyant Entertainment, where he released one of his best singles “Ebonics”.

On February 15, 1999, Coleman was killed by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in his hometown of Harlem. Suspects, including the main suspect Gerald Woodley, were brought in for questioning, but no one was charged or found guilty.

Big L’s second studio album, The Big Picture was put together by Coleman’s manager, Rich King. It was released the following year after his untimely death and certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Definitely a life cut too short. Rest in Peace rapper Big L.

“Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999), known professionally as rapper Big L, was an American rapper and songwriter.

Emerging from Harlem in New York City in the early to mid-1990s, Coleman became well known amongst 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, Coleman was shot nine times by an unknown assailant, in East Harlem, New York, his hometown. He died from his injuries.

Noted for his use of wordplay, multiple writers at AllMusic, HipHopDX and The Source have praised Coleman for his lyrical ability, and he has also been described as “one of the most auspicious storytellers in hip-hop history.”

Regarding Coleman’s legacy in an interview with Funkmaster Flex, Nas claimed “[Coleman] 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.'” — from Wikipedia

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