When you think gritty you think 90’s East Coast hip-hop, and when you think of that specific genre, one name stand as it’s whole representation: Big L. The accredited inventor of horrorcore rap, L’s style has paved the way for many of today’s most controversial names in rap. He is also one of the least known rhymers that could still contend for the title of “Greatest Of All Time”. As a 19 year old (note it) Lamont Coleman joined the group D.I.T.C. where he created his first hype, as a sidestory Lord Finesse(the “talent manager” of D.I.T.C.) wasn’t even looking for another artist, but once he came upon L spitting rhymes, it was a no-brainer. This album came out in 95, and 4 years later L began to write “The Big Picture” which sadly was released as a posthumous album. L was set to sign to Roc-A-Fella in a week. But instead of living in sorrow of what could have been enjoy the immortal classic from an artist that will never be forgotten.
The Good:(Essentially a track by track write up)
Track #1- Put It On- All rappers pay attention this is a rap intro… I’ve heard my fair share of “Scarface” and “Goodfella” quotes and none of them compare to this track. Kid Capri is the Ol’ Dirty Bastard of D.I.T.C.
Track #2- MVP- This song and most importantly the instrumental takes you back to mid 1990’s Harlem. An appropriately titled track that proves L’s claim as GOAT and MVP.
Track #4- 8 Is Enuff- This is the type of posse cut that was cool to make back in the 90’s. And not surprisingly all these dudes can spit.
Track #5- All Black- This song is “How To Make Death Threats Poetic for Idiots”. More of the same, amazing lyricism over the same beat that you will hear from track to track. “I know a good way to gather your family, and it ain’t a family reunion”
Track #6- Danger Zone- The classic block reppin track, which is illuminated by sadistic yet lovable rhymes.
Track #7- Street Struck- You might be able to take this song seriously, I wasn’t able to. I still admire the lyricism though.
Track #8- Da Graveyard- Another posse cut that goes hard from beginning to end. Maybe the hardest beat off the whole album.
Track #9- Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous- How good does L sound over the door bell sample? Real fucking good. Eugene…Hey Arnold…Harlem…Gerald…Big L?
Track #10- I Don’t Understand It- Imagine if this song was made today, I doubt this would be the same upbeat song. South..Cough..Lil Wayne..Cough..50 cent.
Track #11- Fed Up With The Bullshit- This is the East Coast’s version of “Fuck Tha Police” under a more politically correct name. If nothing else listen to this song for the rant against taxi drivers.
Track #12- Let Em Have It L- And a lyricistic farewell it is. All rappers pay attention this is a rap outro.
This album is the peak of lyricism, maybe other rappers have rhymed better than L, but nobody does it as consistently and as easily. This album would be a fucking classic were it acapella (which it might as well be)… because after the first 20 minutes you’ll start to notice that the beats all sound the same. Probably the only blemish on an otherwise very impressive debut and finale.
0-20: Terrible listening experience
21-40: Maybe one good song
41-60: A few good songs
61-80: Half are good songs, half are weak
81-100: Great listening experience, almost all are great songs
I give this album a 87, if you find a blend version of this album that’s actually good… PLEASE let me know. Were this better produced it may have been the best album ever. But the lyricism itself is something anyone can admire:
http://www.zshare.net/download/11217870539c09/
