The voice, the punchlines, the wordplay — Big L was one of the most gifted MCs to ever bless a mic, and now, almost 25 years after his untimely passing, his legacy is about to be reintroduced to a new generation with the respect it always deserved.
This week, Big L’s estate dropped an announcement that has hip-hop heads everywhere buzzing: a new posthumous album titled "Harlem’s Finest: Rise of the Forgotten King" is coming Summer 2025, released in collaboration with Nas' Mass Appeal label.
“Big L has a long history with Nas as they were both signed to Columbia in 1992,” reads the official IG statement from the estate. “This is a full circle moment and we are excited for y’all to hear what we’ve been working on.”
If you’re not familiar with Big L, here's what you need to know: Born Lamont Coleman and raised in Harlem, New York, Big L was a lyrical heavyweight known for his razor-sharp punchlines, battle-tested delivery, and clever wordplay. He was a founding member of the Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.), alongside legends like Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, Buckwild, and Diamond D. His 1995 debut album, Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous, is considered a street classic and has influenced generations of MCs, including the likes of Jay-Z, who once called L one of the best he ever battled.
Tragically, Big L’s rise was cut short when he was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting on February 15, 1999 — just blocks from his home in Harlem. He was only 24 years old. The case remains unsolved. Though his life was brief, his impact on the culture has been anything but.
This new project isn’t just another rehash of unfinished tracks — it’s a carefully curated album meant to honor L’s vision and correct past wrongs. Over the years, many unofficial or incomplete Big L songs have circulated online, some without proper mixing, sample clearance, or producer credit. The estate, with help from the Mass Appeal team, is aiming to fix that.
“We will be re-releasing the best versions of these songs, rare freestyles, and a few surprises...”
And they’re not just making this for the fans — they’re making it with them. The estate is calling on supporters to drop comments and let them know what they’d love to hear on the project. Freestyles from Stretch & Bobbito? The elusive "Deadly Combination" sessions? Something new from the vault? It’s your chance to help shape what might be one of the most important posthumous hip-hop releases of the decade.
Titled "Harlem’s Finest: Rise of the Forgotten King", this LP isn’t just about music — it’s a reclamation of legacy. Big L wasn’t just a “what could’ve been.” He was already that MC — ahead of his time, respected by legends, and feared on every corner of the battle scene.
With Mass Appeal’s track record (think Magic, KD, Hip Hop 50), this project feels like it’s in the right hands. And with Nas involved, the energy of ’90s New York — gritty, sharp, poetic — is guaranteed to be in full effect.
Harlem’s King never left. But in 2025, he’s officially back.
Mass Appeal Announces 7 Upcoming Albums From Nas, Big L, Raekwon & More
What do you want to hear on the album? Let us know in the comments.
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