Big L
Big L | |
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Big L in 1995, by Danny Clinch | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lamont Coleman |
| Also known as | L Corleone |
| Born | May 30, 1974 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | February 15, 1999 (aged 24) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | |
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| Years active | 1992–1999 |
| Labels | |
| Signature | |
Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999), known professionally as Big L, was an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. 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 studio album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous. He was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Harlem in 1999.
Big L was noted for his use of wordplay, and writers at AllMusic, HipHopDX, and The Source have praised him for his lyrical ability. Henry Adaso described him as "one of the most talented poets in hip-hop history."
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.'"