Big L’s posthumous album features an all-star cast: JAY-Z, Nas, Mac Miller and more

Big L’s posthumous album “Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King” includes works by Jay-Z, Nas, Mac Miller, Method Man and others.

This Friday, Big L returns to the spotlight with Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King, a posthumous album featuring a lineup that spans generations of hip-hop including JAY-Z, Nas, Mac Miller, Method Man, Joe Budden and Joey Bada$$.

The fifth studio album from the late Harlem emcee, who was slain in 1999, will be released on Friday (October 31) via Mass Appeal Records.

The album combines unreleased verses with new production and guest appearances from long-time collaborators and young voices in the genre.

Showbiz and Herb McGruff also contributed, completing a project that connects past and present.

Big L’s official Instagram account shared a heartfelt message on Wednesday (October 29), thanking his supporters for immortalizing his name.

“Thank you to every Big L fan who has kept his name alive all these years. Over the past 20 years, his music has had over 100 million views and streams, most of which were released without his brother @bigdon4 knowing how to find it, track it, or monetize it. Some of the labels, artwork, and videos he and Big L’s half-sister Tyece never saw coming.”

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A post shared by Big L(Lamont Coleman)1974-1999 (@bigl_139)

The album’s lead single, “U Ain’t Gotta Chance,” was released on October 15 and features fresh lyrics from Nas and vocals from Big L, taken from his 1997 Tim Westwood jam.

The song is a preview of the album’s approach – retaining Big L’s sound while pairing it with contemporary production and artists.

This is the “Put It On” lyricist’s fourth posthumous release, and his influence remains deeply entrenched in hip-hop circles.

Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King will be available to stream on all major streaming platforms starting Friday, October 31st.

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