Big L. One of the most underrated rappers of all time but among the greatest lyricists of all time. Coming from the streets of Harlem, brought up by Lord Finesse, and apart of the DITC crew, Big L comes on the rap scene with a bang. Big L’s lyrics are unstoppable. He has a flow hard to be matched. And he raps the truth. But the best part about him is his lyrical genius. This amazing debut of his is proof of that.
Put It On
Big L comes hard on this track! He raps about himself. It’s a great track to begin with. His flow is great and his lyrics even better. With mainly just a steady beat the listener can focus on his lyrics. Big L does, without a doubt, put it on.
“Aiyyo, you betta flee Hobbes, or get your head flown three blocks L keep rapper’s hearts pumpin like Reeboks”
All Black
An ill track. This track showcases some great lyricism. Big L rips it apart. It can be said that it is slightly racist but that’s besides the point. He raps about killing people if you mess with him but the way he says it makes you love the song. One of the best from the album.
“Yo once again it’s the Big L, that kid who got much props from killin corrupt cops, with mother*****in buck shots”
All Endz, No Skinz
One of the best from the album. This song is on point, lyrically and material wise. L raps the truth. It basically says that if you have money all the chicks want to be with you and if you’re poor you don’t get anyone. L flows nicely on this dope track. He manages to twist and turn witty lyrics to get his point across.
“Let me get to the point real quick When ya pockets are thick”
MVP
The best track on the album. Lyricism which is hard to be matched, and a perfect flow to match it. This is L’s greatest song, of all time. This track is all about him being the best. And he certainly proves that. Not many artists can do anything that comes close the this. He is indeed the most valuable poet on the m-i-c.
“A yo spark up the phillies and pass the stout Making quick money grip before your ass is out”
8 Iz Enuff
Big L raps nicely on this track. It probably should have been the introduction track. This is a great song all about himself. He showcases his incredible skills on it. Great lyricism combined with a good beat makes it a deadly track.
“Aiyo, folks who quote what I wrote get choked You better surrender before you get smoked”
I Don’t Understand It
An amazing track. Big L raps about how so many rappers are making it big when they really don’t deserve it. He raps about how untalented MC’s are selling out when there is really nothing to him. He then goes on to rap about those who really rap, and rap truth, don’t even go gold. Too many MC’s take the rap game for granted…
“There are too many MC’s who are overrated You ask me, they wasn’t even supposed to make it”
Fed Up With The Bullsthit
L raps about how he is sick of all the constant bullshitting. He basically talks about how people are being treated like dirt and nothing is done about it. He raps about how ignorant people are and how they can turn a blind eye on the many issues that affect minorities.
“Yo, on the scene is the brother that’s big, I’m not a little kid I’m a nig who don’t dig a mutha*****in pig”
Danger Zone
Big L has an odd flow on this song. But the listener quickly gets used to it. He raps about the streets, the danger zone. This is an extremely vicious song. Violent, but great. He cant be stopped. He raps about how “no man can withstand a hole in his zone” IT also has a bit of Malcolm X sampling.
“The microphone is through when this rap legend grab it Sendin poems to have them faggots diggin hoes like Reverand Swaggart”
Da Graveyard
Big L raps with and unstoppable flow on this track and comes uncontrollably hard. He adds some witty lines to this ill track. He features Lord Finesse, Microphone Nut, Jay-Z and Y.U. They all come correct and manage to all shine on this track, despite L’s great lyrics. An unbelievable track.
“Big L be lightin’ niggas like incense Gettin’ men lynched to win tits”
Let ‘Em Have It “L”
L adopts a style on this track listen to the rest of the album. He slows down the pace but his tongue never tires. He just keeps going on and on. He raps about himself on this track and basically gives it all he has. A dope track.
“Aiyo, folks who quote what I wrote get choked You better surrender before you get smoked”
Street Struck
Just from the beat in the beginning and the title of this track, the listener knows it’s going to be a dangerous one. He raps about the streets and life on it. He has some great, meaningful lyrics on this great track.
“Yo where I’m from it ain’t cookies and cream There’s a lot of peer pressure growin up as a young teen”
Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous
The title of the track basically breaks down the track. He raps about street life and about what happens and how dangerous it is. This is a great track. He raps the truth on this slightly violent song.
“My name is L, and I’m from a part of town where clowns Get beat down and all you hear is gunshot sounds”
There you have it. The classic debut by the late Big L. This album basically secured his spot as one of the greatest lyricists of all time. Big L met his unfortunate end in the streets of Harlem where he was gunned down. Truly living the lifestyle of the poor and dangerous. Amidst all the violence he has managed to stay true to rap despite all the obstacles. Through everything, he has forever left his mark in the rap game. And this classic album proves that…
Rating: 5/5