Pure Hip Hop

Remembering the Harlem Wordsmith: Celebrating the Life and Career of Hip-Hop Legend Big L 

In the heart of the gritty streets of Harlem, where the streets pulse with life and the rhythm of the city resonates in every corner, a young rapper emerged to become one of the most influential and revered lyricists in the history of hip-hop. His name was Lamont Coleman, but the world knew him as Big L. Born and raised in Harlem on May 30, 1974, Big L's story is one of talent, passion, and tragedy that left an indelible mark on the rap world. 

Early Days in Harlem and Children Of The Corn 

Growing up in the harsh streets of Harlem, Big L was exposed to the raw energy and vibrant culture that would later define his unique style as a rapper. He developed a passion for words and rhymes from a young age and began honing his skills in freestyle battles, captivating audiences with his razor-sharp witty punchlines and impressive flow. 

During his teenage years, Big L became a member of the hip-hop collective known as Children Of The Corn, alongside fellow Harlem artists like Cam'ron, Herb McGraff and Ma$e. This group served as a springboard for Big L's career, showcasing his talents to a wider audience and solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the New York rap scene. The group would go on to split with the members going to have illustrious careers in hip-hop.  

The Discovery by Lord Finesse and Rise to Prominence 

Big L's talent didn't go unnoticed, catching the attention of another hip-hop luminary, Lord Finesse. Impressed by the young rapper's lyrical prowess, Finesse took Big L under his wing and mentored him, providing invaluable guidance and support to help him further refine his craft. 

In 1995, Big L released his debut album, "Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous," which showcased his exceptional lyricism and storytelling abilities. The album was met with critical acclaim, and Big L's reputation as one of the most skilled lyricists in the game began to solidify. His unique ability to paint vivid pictures with words, coupled with his smooth delivery and intricate rhyme schemes, set him apart from his peers and earned him a dedicated following. 

D.I.T.C ALL STARS  

Lord Finesse would form all-star group D.I.T.C alongside members O.C, Show Biz & AG, and Diamond-D who would go on to become legends of 90s hip-hop culture, dropping a list of bangers that go down as cult classics. This was a period when Big-L star shone, and he began to establish himself as a top tear lyricist in the game during hip-hop's golden era.  

The Lyricist Extraordinaire 

Big L's lyrical prowess was unparalleled. He possessed an uncanny ability to weave intricate wordplay, metaphors, and punchlines effortlessly. His freestyle performances were nothing short of legendary, leaving audiences in awe of his quick-wittedness and razor-sharp delivery. 

One of Big L's most remarkable attributes was his versatility. He could seamlessly switch between delivering hard-hitting street anthems and thought-provoking storytelling tracks, showcasing a depth and complexity in his artistry that few could match. Songs like "Ebonics" and "Put It On" remain iconic examples of Big L's linguistic dexterity and his ability to innovate within the genre. 

The Tragic End 

Despite the rising success and the adoration of fans and peers, Big L's life was tragically cut short. On February 15, 1999, at the young age of 24, he was gunned down in his Harlem neighborhood. The loss was not only felt by his family and friends but reverberated throughout the hip-hop community. Many mourned the loss of a true wordsmith whose potential was limitless, and his death cast a somber shadow over the world of rap. 

The Big Picture 

Another of Big L's significant contributions to hip-hop was his second and final album, "The Big Picture," released posthumously in 2000. The album was a compilation of unreleased tracks and collaborations, showcasing the vast reservoir of talent that the world had lost. "Ebonics" was one of the standout tracks from the album, where Big L masterfully broke down street slang and created a hip-hop dictionary of sorts. "Flamboyant" and "Platinum Plus" featuring fellow legend, Big Daddy Kane, were other tracks that highlighted Big L's exceptional skill set. 2-Pac also features on the project on a track produced by the legendary DJ Ron-G. 

"The Big Picture" served as a fitting tribute to a life extinguished too soon, and it remains an essential piece of Big L's discography. It allowed fans to continue cherishing his artistry, ensuring that his name and his words would not be forgotten. 

The Legacy of Big L 

Though Big L's time on this earth was brief, his impact on hip-hop was immense and enduring. His legacy lives on through the music he left behind and the influence he had on subsequent generations of artists. In Harlem and beyond, his memory is cherished, and his contributions to the genre are celebrated. 

Big L's influence can be heard in the works of countless modern-day rappers who cite him as a major inspiration. From the punchline-heavy style of Eminem to the gritty storytelling of Nas, Big L's legacy is woven into the fabric of hip-hop history. 

Conclusion 

Big L was more than just a hip-hop legend; he was a true wordsmith whose talent and passion for his craft were evident in every verse he delivered. Born and raised in Harlem, his journey from battling on the streets to becoming a celebrated artist was a testament to his dedication and dedicated commitment to the culture we know and love. 

Though his untimely death left a void in the rap world, Big L's music and legacy continue to inspire new generations of hip-hop artists and fans. As we celebrate the life and career of this Harlem wordsmith, let us remember the impact he had on the genre and the enduring influence of his artistry that will forever echo through the annals of hip-hop history.