Big L
Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999), known professionally as Big L, was an American rapper. 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 | |
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Big L in 1998 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lamont Coleman |
| Also known as | L Corleone |
| Born | May 30, 1974 Harlem, New York, United States of America |
| Died | February 15, 1999 (aged 24) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1992–1999 |
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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.'"