Big L

Lamont Coleman, known professionally as Big L, was an American rapper. Emerging from Harlem in New York City in 1992, Coleman became known among underground hip-hop fans for his freestyling ability. He was eventually signed to Columbia Records, where, in 1995, he released his debut album, Lifestylez ov da Poor& Dangerous. On February 15, 1999, Coleman was shot nine times in his East Harlem neighborhood and later died from his injuries.