Today (February 15) marks the fifth anniversary
of the passing of Harlem rapper, Lamont "Big L" Coleman.
Coleman was shot nine times in the face and chest
in 1999 in Harlem, just three blocks from his home.
Known throughout the rap world for his innovative
rhymes and collaborations with DJ Premier and his Diggin In The Crates crew,
Coleman had launched his own label, Flamboyant, shortly before his was gunned
down.
The rapper’s posthumous release, The Big Picture,
reached gold selling status.
"He was about to do it," D.I.T.C. member
O.C. told AllHipHop.com. "I look at it like it was a reason, it was God’s
plan. We might not like it, but it was God’s plan. He’s still alive. Maybe not
physically, but spiritually on that strength. It’s a big void to be filled without
his voice."
The group is contemplating a reunion album that
would be dedicated to Coleman’s memory.
"It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t make
one," fellow D.I.T.C. member A.G. said. "The last time we did an album,
the one on Tommy Boy was the first time we did a project without him. That’s
when we came up with the tribute song with me, Finesse, and O."
The group will reunite this Thursday (February
19) in Manhattan, to celebrate Lord Finesse’s birthday as part of S.O.B.’s and
AllHipHop.com’s ongoing Plain Rap series.
Fat Joe, Brand Nubian, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kool DJ
Red Alert and others are slated to appear and Sway from the Wake Up Show/MTV
fame will host the festivities.
