#VitalFactz: Rest In Peace - Big L

19 Years ago today the Hip Hop industry suffered another tragic loss as Uptown Rapper Big L (Born Lamont Coleman), who was also a member of the Hip Hop collective D.I.T.C. (Digging In The Crates) Crew, was gunned down on 139th Street in West Harlem. He was shot 9 times in the face & chest. Several arrests were made but none lead to convictions. His murder remains unsolved. Coleman, who was discovered by Lord Finesse, signed to Columbia Records & released his debut album in 1995 titled Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous. It included the singles Put It On & Street Struck. Sadly, this would be the only album that would be released during his lifespan as it was cut short while he was putting the finishing touches on his second album. His second album The Big Picture was released a year & a half after his death. But despite this tragedy, this album did better than the first album having reached Gold Status. Big L's untimely demise has left a huge void in New York Hip Hop & Hip Hop in general as he is still mourned as much today as he was then. RIP Big L, 05/30/1974 - 02/15/1999. Gone but never forgotten.