Big L – "Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous" Review: Harlem’s Greatest MC
- Daniel Rasul
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Quick Verdict
Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous arrived on March 28, 1995, and is Big L’s only proper studio album completed and released during his lifetime — a Harlem street-rap masterpiece that demonstrated a lyrical precision, multisyllabic rhyme density, and comedic timing unlike anything in mid-1990s East Coast rap. Produced by Buckwild, Kid Capri, Showbiz, and others, the album is the definitive document of Harlem’s 139th Street rap scene and the record that established Big L as the most technically gifted lyricist of his generation by the estimation of virtually every MC who encountered him. “Mvp,” “Put It On,” and “Mad Flava” are three of the finest pure lyric performances in 1990s rap. “All Black” is his most formally concentrated verse showcase. Rating: 9/10.
At a Glance
Album Details
Context: Harlem’s Greatest MC
Big L — Lamont Coleman — grew up in Harlem’s 139th Street and came up through Diggin’ in the Crates, the Harlem production and MC collective that included Lord Finesse, Diamond D, Buckwild, and Showbiz & A.G. He signed to Columbia Records and released Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous at twenty years old in 1995. The album’s reception was warm but not commercially overwhelming: its lack of crossover singles and Columbia’s modest promotional investment meant it sold respectably but not explosively. Big L was dropped from Columbia and spent the following years building a reputation through freestyles, mixtapes, and a Rawkus deal he was working toward when he was shot and killed on a Harlem street on February 15, 1999, at twenty-four years old. The album’s posthumous reputation has grown continuously since his death: virtually every major MC who was active in the 1990s — Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas — has named Big L as the most technically gifted lyricist of his era. His multisyllabic rhyme density, comedic timing, and punch-line writing are unmatched in 1990s boom-bap rap. “Put It On” is the album’s defining single. “All Black” contains what many critics consider the densest single verse in the 1990s underground canon. The album’s Jay-Z guest verse on “You’ll Be Alright” is an early look at the rapper who would shortly take over the genre.
Track-by-Track Review (Key Tracks)
Final Verdict and Rating
Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous is the definitive document of Harlem’s greatest MC. Lyrics and flow both score a perfect 10. “All Black” contains one of the densest single verses in 1990s underground rap. Big L’s Kool G Rap guest on “Danger Zone” is one of the most historically resonant generational-passing-of-the-baton moments in rap history. He was murdered at twenty-four. The album is the only complete studio statement we have. 9/10.
Final Rating: 9/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big L the greatest lyricist in rap history?
Big L is widely considered among the top 5 most technically gifted lyricists in rap history. Jay-Z, Eminem, and Nas have all named him as the most technically precise MC of his era. His multisyllabic rhyme density, comedic timing, and punchline writing remain unmatched in 1990s boom-bap rap.
What are the best songs on Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous?
The five essential tracks are: "Put It On," "All Black," "MVP," "8 Iz Enuff," and "Danger Zone." All Black contains what many consider the densest single verse in 1990s underground rap. Danger Zone features Kool G Rap passing the baton to Big L in one of hip-hop's most historically resonant guest appearances.
How did Big L die?
Big L was shot and killed on February 15, 1999, on Lenox Avenue in Harlem, New York. He was twenty-four years old. His murder remains officially unsolved. At the time of his death he had been working toward a deal with Rawkus Records that would have resulted in his second proper album.
What is the rating for Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous?
Rap Reviews Daily rates Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous a 9/10. Lyrics and flow both score a perfect 10. It is the definitive document of Harlem's greatest MC and the only complete studio album he released during his lifetime.
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