Diggin
In The Crates member Big L was shot and killed in Harlem NYC.
He was only 24 years old. Police are still investigating a motive
and suspects connected to the killing. According to Officer Theresa
Farello of the New York City Police Department’s Office of Public
Information, police responded to shots fired on the corner of
45 West 139th St. Sunday at 8:30 p.m. When officers arrived at
the scene they found Big L, born Lamont Coleman, "shot numerous
times in the head and chest." He was pronounced dead on the
scene. Big L established himself in the early 90s as a Diggin’
In The Crates member, which included Diamond D, Lord Finesse,
Showbiz & AG and Fat Joe. His on rhyme clique, Children Of
The Corn, boasted such members as rap superstar Mase and Cam’Ron.
L had just released Ebonics, which was a guide to the meanings
of the latest words for those who don’t know, and its b-side Size
Em Up on Flamboyant Records, an independent label. He had just
finished recording an all-star album with Diggin’ In The Crates
to be released by Tommy Boy Records in May. A spokesman for Tommy
Boy calls Big L’s death "tragic." "It’s always
sad when someone young, especially in the prime of their career
is killed," said a publicist. "It looked like ’99 was
going to be a great year for Big L." I hope that this isn’t
going to be a trend for Hip-Hop in the coming years yall. Let’s
keep it all peace. Look for a tribute to Big L here in Real Audio
in the next couple of days.