Big L's "The Big Picture: 1974–1999" Album Review

(Original writing date December 5, 2011)

Big L's second album, The Big Picture: 1974–1999, was released on August 1, 2000 on Rawkus Records. Sadly, this album was not released until the untimely death of Big L. It was put together by his manager, Rich King, and his brother, Donald. The main problem with the album is the production; it is sub-par at best. Since L was relatively underground, he did not know the best—or even good—producers and this is easily seen through the album. However, this does not bring the album down too, too much. L's lyrical skill is just outstanding. I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5, and any hip hop fan should give this a listen. Now onto the songs. Nearly every song will be quickly reviewed; not all because some can be repetitive.

The title track contains a live performance of a memorial concert dedicated to L. Followed by that is L's classic "Ebonics" track. It's about the "street talk" around Harlem, and everything about the song is killer: the lyrics, beat, etc. "Size 'Em Up" is the next song, which is above average. Track number three, "Deadly Combination" (featuring 2Pac), is simply amazing. During the East Coast-West Coast rap feud, it is amazing to see something like that go down. Such different styles between the two. It's weird when you first hear it, but it will easily grow on you.

Possibly the greatest—yes, I said greatest—freestyles of all time, " '98 Freestyle," is indescribable. Everyone has to listen to this, as L is a master lyricist on this track. The use of metaphors and one-liners are incredible. "Holdin' It Down" is the next song to follow. Released as the second single from the album, the song features Stan Spit, A.G. (from Showbiz and A.G.), and Miss Jones. A recurring problem (maybe not a problem, but whatever) is that L is SO good that it seems like everyone who raps with him is poor. L's verse simply kills everyone elses, who I don't really prefer to listen to on this song. "The Heist" is exactly what the title implies: a heist. With no chorus or no multiple verses, this song is definitely original. The lyrics show more of L's earlier side: horrorcore. "The Enemy" (featuring Fat Joe) is another great song on the album. The song is about L's personal life, and how he is getting out of the bad lifestyle of Harlem. It's one of my favorite tracks on the whole album. The next song to follow is "Fall Back" (featuring Kool G Rap). The production is not very great: just a simple beat that probably was made in twenty seconds.

The third single to be released from the album was "Flamboyant." The song peaked at number-one in the United States on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks, which is pretty sweet (The Big Picture). On this song, L discusses his "flamboyant lifestyle." It was the only song on the album to be produced by Mike Heron, which is actually not that bad. It's simply, but Heron mixes it up every once in a while to get the job done. Track number 15, "The Heist Revisited," is the same song but with a different beat. The last song on the album, "The Triboro," is simply a tribute to one of the greatest, and most under-rated, hip hop artists of all time.

     Cool facts about the album: it was L's only album to chart outside of the United States. It peaked at number 122 on the UK Albums Chart. (Wikipedia) Also, a memorial/graffiti (not sure what to call it) of The Big Picture's album cover was done near L's hometown and can still be seen.

Works Cited

"The Big Picture – Big L > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles." Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. n.d. Web. 6 December 2011.

Wikipedia contributors. "The Big Picture (Big L album)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 December 2011. Web. 6 December 2011.)