In 1999, Lamont Coleman better known as Big L was shot nine times and murdered, for reasons still up for debate. Not only did this event take the life of a promising rapper, but it also left his final album unfinished. The album was left in good hands though, with producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Lord Finesse and Showbiz. Multiple all star guest appearances were on the album as well, including Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, and the late 2Pac. The LP did surprisingly go gold, most likely fueled on his death. But how is the finished product?
The Big Picture (Intro)
The intro is a live recording of L on stage, with the man introducing him taking an odd shot at LL Cool J. But anyhow, it's a nice tribute to him.
Ebonics
That's just the way that i talk yo
Sampling, It Ain't Hard to Tell, L breaks down street slang. One of his most famous tracks. Still holds up, even though some of the lines are dated. He never drifts off topic.
Size 'Em Up
Yo I shoulda been out, I'm deadly when I pull the pen out. Keep frontin' i'ma try ya chin out. I knocked a lot of men out, leave 'em on the floor spitting phlegm out. It's either that or i'ma squeeze the gat and pop ten out
The opening of this track is amazing work by L. The rest of the entry follows up just as strong with shout outs to lost MCs Biggie Smalls and 2Pac.
Deadly Combination feat. 2Pac
Speaking of, Makaveli himself has a verse here. I can't say i've seen too many rappers get verses from deceased MCs on their studio albums (except Nas's God's Son) but it's alright. Not their best but it's posthumous work.
98 Freestyle
Yo Fuck all that glamours and glitz, i plan to get rich. I'm New York and never was a fan of the Knicks If you're and L Fan you probably know every line of this by heart by now. What else is there to say? It's an all time great freestyle.
Holdin' It Down feat. AG, Miss Jones, and Stan Spit
Some what of a step down from the past few tracks. This Stan Spit fellow is kinda eh...AG holds up fine though. Miss Jones is solid, I always liked her voice.
The Heist
It's not a tale of complexity but it doesn't need to be. Decent story telling and it delivers on it's purpose.
The Enemy feat. Fat Joe
I believe this is also on D.I.T.C's album. It doesn't matter either way. Primo delivers a great beat, L holds it down. Fat Joe's mildly irritating in it.
Fall Back feat. Kool G Rap
Legend G Rap steps into L's memorial and unfortunately the hook he drops is a bit of a miss. Verses I don't mind though.
Flamboyant
We bust until ya whole team ghost
Similar to Size 'em Up in a less violent manner. Great entry, one of his most notable songs. However..the beat is really not fitting. I've found some far better remixes with better instrumentals. Shame the verses had to suffer for it.
Casualties of a Dice Game
Me and my man was cruisin' through the streets and everything was flowin' nice
Now this is story telling at it's finest. Slick Rick would tip his hat (or Eye patch) in honor of this. The beat is very suspenseful in this as well, James Bond like.
Platinum Plus feat. Big Daddy Kane
Premier back on the table mixing it up, random interjection of Jay-Z. Who's not on the album despite being close with Lamont...hmm..different thoughts. Big L drops a solid, and offensive verse and Kane does what he does best.
Who You Slidin' Wit? Feat. Stan Spit
Mr. Spit, I would not like to hear you again. Especially not on a Big L album.
Games feat. Guru and Sadat X
Fitting the other half of Gang Starr hopped on the project. Bit of a let down overall though.
The Heist Revisited
Just a remixed version of the Heist. Let's just move along.
The Triboro feat. Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and O.C.
I don't dislike Fat Joe, well I do a little. But he is not really good on this album, at all. Remy's passable, O.C. and L just hold this up on their own.
The Highlights:
Ebonics
Size 'Em Up
Platinum Plus
The Lowlight:
Who You Slidin' Wit?
The Gem:
Casualties of a Dice Game
Is it Worth a Purchase?
I'm fairly certain his debut Lifestylez, is out of print. So you may want to go for this. There's a few missteps but it's an album of great punchlines and a celebration of Big L's life. Similar to Endangered Species for Big Pun. Just a shame he didn't get to finish this himself.
Overall Grade: B
Until Next Time, One Love.
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