February 16, 2009 @ 2:34 AM | Written by: Karen Civil
Remembering Big L
Big L was/is a Harlem rapper who had the likes of Jay Z & Nas coming to Harlem to battle him. L’s life was cut short 10 years ago today. He described his lyrical growth, “I started writing rhymes in 1990 and was in a group called Three The Hard Way, but they wasn’t serious so I went solo. Then I started winning rap contests and battling everybody in my ‘hood and roastin’ em.” To celebrate one of the greatest rappers alive some of Harlem’s upcomers took a moment to speak on Big L’s legacy. Make sure you also check out. OnSMASH Presents: A Big L Tribute.
“L was really one of the dudes that put Harlem on the map lyrically in the 90s. Harlem always had a presence but once L started getting his shine people started look in at uptown a little differently. He inspired a lot of us uptown” -Esso
“He’s one of the best and not just from harlem..one of the best period” - Jae Millz
“Big L is hip-hop’s Aquaman. Respected by the bosses, not very well-known to the masses, but indeed a powerful artist in his own right. Unfortunately he became a casualty of hood (specifically Harlem) politics. Wack, but it is what it is… One of the best to ever pick up a pen, and one of my influences…” - Charles Hamilton
“You had to respect L and what he represtened, he was for harlem all day. He inspired all of us outta harlem, he had that wave.” - Max B
“I still remember the first time I heard the record Ebonics by Big L. Before that, I’ve heard a few of his songs and some freestyles here and there but once I listened to that track I became an instant fan. At the time, it just seemed so ahead of it’s time and it really caught my ear. I realized then his time was near and that one day he would be considered one of the greats. Tragically he never got to reach his full potential but I was right. He is a legend now.” - Donny Goines
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OnSMASH Presents: A Big L Tribute | OnSMASH
February 16, 2009 @ 5:40 AM
[...] DOWNLOAD: Big L – Put It On | Big L – Flamboyant | Big L – Devils Son OS BONUS: Max B, Charles Hamilton, ESSO, Donny Goines & Jae Millz Remember Big L [...]
Jay
February 17, 2009 @ 1:02 AM
good article