26 years after his death, Big L returns to the spotlight with the release of his posthumous album Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King on October 31, which features long-awaited collaborations with Nas and JAY-Z and was executive produced by his estate.
The news comes alongside new single “U aint Gotta Opportunity” featuring Nas, which is now available on all major platforms. The single marks the first official preview of the project, which is part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It campaign honoring seven legendary hip-hop artists: Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, De La Soul and Nas, as well as DJ Premier.
Billed as Big L’s final work, the album was produced by the estate of Lamont “Big L” Coleman and associate producers Mike “Heron” Herard and Royce 5’9. Additional contributors are expected to be revealed before the Halloween release.
Before his death in 1999, Big L was days away from signing with Roc-A-Fella Records. At just 24 years old, he’s already recognized as one of hip-hop’s most gifted lyricists, known for his sharp punchlines, street storytelling, and complex rhyme patterns. His 1995 debut, Lifestyles ov da Poor & Dangerous, was produced by Lord Finesse, Showbiz and Buckwild and featured guest appearances from Cam’ron and the then-unknown Jay-Z.
From 1997 to 1999, Big L recorded with Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (DITC), a group that included Fat Joe, Lord Finesse, Showbiz, OC, Diamond D and AG. After leaving Tommy Boy Records, he had been preparing to sign with Roc-A-Fella before he was shot to death in Harlem.
His first posthumous album, The Big Picture, was released in 2000 through Rawkus Records and was certified gold. The project is executive produced by DJ Premier and features appearances from 2Pac, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Guru and Remy Ma, among others. Songs like “Ebonics,” “Deadly Combination” and “Flamboyant” cemented his status as one of hip-hop’s most respected lyricists.
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In an interview with Rolling Stone , Nas reflected on Big L’s impact and what his presence would have meant to the genre had he still been alive.
“Big L was always ahead of his time. I’ve said some quotes about Big L, like he was so good that I had to step up my game. We were both signed to Columbia Records and I thought the world never had a chance to get Big L the way they wanted,” Nas said. “It’s a blessing to have a celebration like this for him, and it’s a reminder that there are different variations of hip-hop, and they’re all terrible, but for lyricists, Big L is the standard. A lot of people are out there rapping safely because Big L isn’t going away.
“There’s a lot of stuff out there today that’s really bad. This album will remind you that it’s not hype, it’s art. That’s what Big L is doing on this album, reminding the world, reminding New York that while you should try and play different styles that are cool, never forget where this s### comes from. The root of this s### is serious talent.”
