Lamont Coleman better known as Big L released his debut album in 1995. L's overly violent and graphic lyrics often held him back from breaking out into the mainstream of Hip Hop but he's gained an almost cult like following since then. The album received less than desirable sales but very solid reviews but does L stand the test of time? Well,
Put It On feat. Kid Capri
Ayo, You Better Flee Hops, or Get your Head Flown Three Blocks. L keeps rappers Hearts Pumpin' like Reeboks
The intended radio hit from the album is Put It On. L made it somewhat radio friendly but still using his usual violent nature in his lyrics. Put It On is also one of few tracks by Big L to have a music video. Still holds up. I always wanted to know how the label reacted to this song. This also shows what Lamont was known best for: Punchlines.
My Guns go Boom Boom and yo' guns go Pow Pow
I smash mics like Cornbread you can't kill me I was born dead
M.V.P
One of the other singles was MVP. Simply a brag track but L was always one of the best at making bragging memorable. It's almost like there wasn't a beat he couldn't ride or a song he couldn't make memorable.
No Endz No Skinz
I never loved this track and believe it or not Esco is not swimmin' in the cash so this doesn't really do anything for me. If you're still unsure of the topic,
If you don't have the money, you won't scoop a honey
His verses are at least solid.
8 Iz Enuff feat. Buddah Bless, Herb McGruff, Killa Cam, Mike Boogie, Big Twan, Terra, and Trooper J
This muthafucka went and put eight people on one track before DJ Khaled decided to put 45 dudes with 30 second verses on every track he's ever made, this seemed impossible. Looking back, he just does it how you'd expect him to. Everyone does their thing here, but I feel if it was narrowed down maybe the verses would be more memorable but it's fine.
All Black
I'll Have Your Family Dressed in All Black
Ultra violence personified into one track. L goes off on a killing spree in this. The beat also just strikes you. You know, there were five tracks removed from the album and one being the infamous Devil's Son. My best guess is that was too controversial, but how did this get a pass?
Danger Zone feat. Herb McGruff
I'll even fuck a dead bitch!
Or this!? The fuck?! This takes shit to a whole new level of unsettling lyrics, it's somewhat you need to hear to understand. I fuck wit it though, even if i need to take a shower just to cleanse myself of the filth displayed here.
Street Struck
Before the rap contract, I was sellin crack, Stay strapped with a Mac, I was into all of that
One thing our host usually doesn't do it get personal. He details his upbringing and struggles in his usual brutal manner and it comes together nicely.
Da Graveyard feat. Jay-Z, Lord Finesse, Grand Daddy I.U., Party Arty, Microphone Nut
Now THIS, is the posse cut the album needed. It's almost too hard to pick a best verse but Microphone Nut did surprise me a bit having never heard him. The topic is well murder and killing as you could expect. Also Pre no hyphen Jay-Z appears on here who was once L's little buddy. Also noted by his appearance on '98 Freestyle. L's assumed mentor Lord Finesse also kills this shit.
Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
The title track of the album and often forgotten track as well. Coleman almost comes across as angry at his upbringing and life in Harlem, noted by the outro.
Now what kinda life is that for a child
Now what kinda life is that for a child
Now what kinda life is that for a fucking child
Interesting thing to consider.
I Don't Understand It
There are too many MC's who are overrated, You ask me, they wasn't even supposed to make it
L attacks garbage rappers wondering how they even made it in the game before it was cool, or used to get ahead in the game.
Except here Lamont proves himself as a better rapper than those he mocks. His rhymes could be a tad bit better in this one though.
Fed Up Wit the Bullshit
Big L is pissed at cops roaming his neighborhood and unfairly targeting people he lives by. (This may be more relevant of an album in 2014 than I thought...) I did enjoy this as he shows some versatility in topics instead how he can kill you, even if he is creative in his vast ways to slay a man. Cab Drivers can go fuck themselves too according to L.
Let Em Have it "L"
Facts on tracks I recite well, Everybody wanna be like Mike, but Mike wanna be like L
This is like L's "I'll fuck up anybody track." This is usually the type of material people want/expect from our host and I would've liked him to have a much more memorable ending given his rawness on the mic but it's fine.
The Highlights:
Put It On
All Black
Danger Zone
Da Graveyard
The Lowlight:
No Endz, No Skinz
The Gem:
Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous
Is It Worth a Listen?
I believe this is no longer in print so unless you want a used copy, sorry. However i'd highly recommend hearing this. L's a punchline master and I didn't want to spoil any of that here but I don't know anybody who doesn't like this album. The production is low budget but grimy and L rides every beat perfectly. I only wish maybe he'd be a bit more creative as he seems to at least solid at that, he also later proved himself as a very good story teller and that doesn't really come across here. Feel a A- maybe B+ but a strong one.
Overall Grade: A-
One Love
No comments:
Post a Comment