Big L

Biography

Lamont Coleman, 30 May 1974, New York City, New York, USA, d. 15 February 1999, Harlem, New York City, New York, USA. This highly respected Harlem-based MC had his life cut tragically short just when it appeared his legendary underground status was about to translate into the mainstream. Coleman first came to the attention of the rap world in the early 90s as part of Harlem’s leading crew, D.I.T.C. (Diggin’ In The Crates). In 1992 he made his recording debut on Lord Finesse’s ‘Yes You May’, appeared on Diamond D’s Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop, and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. His 1995 debut, Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous, included several of his underground hits but failed to establish him as a commercial force outside of Harlem. Undeterred, Big L set up his own Flamboyant Entertainment label (named after his manifesto, ‘flamboyant for life’) as an alternative to what he felt was...

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