Emerging from Harlem, New York in the early to mid-1990s, Coleman became well known amongst underground hip-hop fans for his freestyling ability, and was eventually signed to Columbia Records, where he released his debut album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous in 1995 and is now considered by many fans as a classic album. On February 15, 1999, Coleman was shot nine times and killed by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in his hometown of Harlem.
Noted for his use of wordplay, multiple writers at AllMusic, HipHopDX and The Source have praised Coleman for his lyrical ability, and he has also been described as "one of the most auspicious storytellers in hip hop history." Regarding Coleman's legacy, Nas said on MTV, “He scared me to death. When I heard that on tape, I was scared to death. I said, ’Yo, it’s no way I can compete if this is what I gotta compete with.'
Lamont Coleman was born in Harlem, New York City, on May 30, 1974, the third and youngest child of Gilda Terry (d. 2008) and Charles Davis. Davis left the family while Coleman was a child. His two older siblings, Donald Coleman and Leroy Phinazee (d.2002), were the children of Gilda and a man named Mr. Phinazee. Coleman received the nicknames "Little L" and "'mont 'mont" as a child. At the age of 12, Coleman became a big hip hop fan and started freestyling with other people in his neighborhood. He founded a group known as Three the Hard Way in 1990, but it was quickly broken up due to a lack of enthusiasm amongst the members. It consisted of Coleman, Doc Reem, and Rodney. No projects were released, and after Rodney left, the group was renamed Two Hard Motherfuckers. Around this time, people started to refer to Coleman as "Big L". In the summer of 1990, Coleman met Lord Finesse at an autograph session in a record shop on 125th Street. After he did a freestyle, Finesse and Coleman exchanged numbers.
Coleman attended Julia Richman High School. While in high school, Coleman freestyle battled in his hometown; in his last interview, he stated, "in the beginning, all I ever saw me doing was battling everybody on the street corners, rhyming in the hallways, beating on the wall, rhyming to my friends. Every now and then, a house party, grab the mic, a block party, grab the mic." He graduated in 1992.
On February 15, 1999, Big L was killed at 45 West 139th Street in his native Harlem after being shot nine times in the face and chest in a drive-by shooting. Gerard Woodley, one of Big L's childhood friends, was arrested three months later for the crime. "It's a good possibility it was retaliation for something Big L's brother did, or Woodley believed he had done," said a spokesperson for the New York City Police Department. Woodley was later controversially released, and the murder case remains unsolved.
Big L is buried at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey.
On June 24, 2016 at 139th St. and Lenox Avenue, Woodley, 46, was shot in the head and later died at Harlem Hospital.
Coleman is often credited in helping to create the horrorcore genre of hip hop with his 1992 song "Devil Son." However, not all his songs fall into this genre, for example, in the song "Street Struck" Coleman discusses the difficulties of growing up in the ghetto and describes the consequences of living a life of crime. Idris Goodwin of The Boston Globe wrote that "[Big L had an] impressive command of the English language", with his song "Ebonics" being the best example of this.
He was notable for using a rap style called "compounding". Coleman also used metaphors in his rhymes. M.F. DiBella of Allmusic stated Coleman was "a master of the lyrical stickup undressing his competition with kinetic metaphors and a brash comedic repertoire". On the review of The Big Picture, she adds "the Harlem MC as a master of the punch line and a vicious storyteller with a razor blade-under-the-tongue flow." Trent Fitzgerald of Allmusic said "a lyrically ferocious MC with raps deadlier than a snakebite and mannerisms cooler than the uptown pimp he claimed to be on records.
Games
Big L Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tight broads watchin
The Guru, the great 'Dat X, and Big L
Flamboyant for life
Check it, a year ago I did a show for some dough
Puffed a bag of hydro then broke out on the low
And on my way out, it was a female on my trail
I asked honey her name, she replied, "Monique"
Soft and sweet, from her head to feet, hotter than heat
Jump in the passenger seat, let's go get somethin to eat
She said I was that Roc-a-Fella she'd been dyin to meet
I tried to hit it first night, she said she wasn't a freak
Yeah right - it's all good, so I waited a week
Then one night to my crib she decided to creep
Knocked on a nigga door and woke me outta my sleep
I let her in before you know it we was doin our thang
I drove her home, and said tomorrow give me a ring
It was about a month later when she gave me a call
with some bogus ass story that was off the wall
Claimin she's pregnant with my child, I think that's quite foul
How is that? I wore a Lifestyle
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
I'm in the breed of the bad guy
Get caught in a mad lie, come in your crib mad high
Think about me with the smile on your face
Think about me with my hand on your waist
and think about me with your hair in your face
Even caught a case fuckin witchu
Had said some ol' slick shit, that had forced me to hit you
Had you set up livin swell, how you gon' fuck my man L
like we don't cross paths in these New York streets?
But that's good, cause he's my man and we both shine
and to say we don't love these hoes is a old line
Honey just save some space in it so you can hold mine
Her whole spine be twisted;
things she did and how she kissed it
I kinda missed it, think back on how we dissed it
Now we two-fisted, she ain't never resisted
Left it red and blistered, shakin
I could slam it if it wasn't NO money makin
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Word up games, these girls nowadays they play many
Techniques for gettin your loot, they got plenty
Suck the skin off your dick, just for some ice and shit
In the beginning they're polite, actin all nice and shit
But honey got plans to be pushin your Land
When she got you - she goes and fucks your man
Understand? You gotta lay down the law
A lot of broads is fraud, they'll set you up Baby Pah
Some'll try to get you stuck up, some'll fake pregnancy
Most are after the dough, and the fame basically
Yo you can't make a hoe a housewife kid
Pick the wrong chick - could be a lifetime bid
A lot of cats be beefin over these honies
Not me I keep it movin they ain't getitn jack from me
Mack these freaks for your own enjoyment
And one love to L we gon' stay Flamboyant
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Heh, word up
Yo son you better watch these little fast-ass
little fancy-pants bitches with the thongs
Heh, that's my word
Yo, rest in peace to my man Big L, uhh
Peace to the God Sadat X
Guru, GangStarr, uhh
Hold it down
The song "Games" by Big L is all about the different ways women can deceive and manipulate men for their own gain. The first verse tells a story of a woman who follows Big L to his car after a show, and they end up dating for a while. However, she later claims to be pregnant with his child to get money from him. The second verse talks about a woman who cheats on Big L with his friend, showing the "games" that women can play with relationships. The overall message of the song is to be careful with women, as many are not to be trusted.
The lyrics in this song show how Big L views women and relationships. He seems to be skeptical of women and their intentions and believes that they will do anything to get what they want, including lying and cheating. However, his trust issues seem to stem from personal experience, as the lyrics suggest that he has been deceived by women in the past.
Overall, "Games" is a cautionary tale about the risks that come with dating and trusting women. Big L seems to be warning his male audience to be careful and to not let themselves fall for women who are playing "games".
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah yeah, watch us turn it up for y'all
Get ready for the show!
Tight broads watchin
There are attractive women in the audience.
The Guru, the great 'Dat X, and Big L
The three rappers on stage.
Flamboyant for life
We represent our rap crew, Flamboyant Entertainment, always.
Check it, a year ago I did a show for some dough
I performed a concert for money.
Puffed a bag of hydro then broke out on the low
I smoked some weed and left discretely.
And on my way out, it was a female on my trail
A woman followed me.
who followed me from the stage to the Benz SL
She followed me to my car, a Benz.
I asked honey her name, she replied, 'Monique'
I introduced myself and she told me her name.
Soft and sweet, from her head to feet, hotter than heat
She was attractive.
Jump in the passenger seat, let's go get somethin to eat
Let's go grab some food together.
She said I was that Roc-a-Fella she'd been dyin to meet
She was a big fan of my music.
I tried to hit it first night, she said she wasn't a freak
I wanted to have sex with her that night.
Yeah right - it's all good, so I waited a week
But I respected her decision and waited.
Then one night to my crib she decided to creep
She came to my house late one night.
Knocked on a nigga door and woke me outta my sleep
She knocked on my door and woke me up.
I let her in before you know it we was doin our thang
We had sex.
I drove her home, and said tomorrow give me a ring
I dropped her off and asked her to call me the next day.
It was about a month later when she gave me a call
A month went by and she called me.
with some bogus ass story that was off the wall
She told me a crazy lie.
Claimin she's pregnant with my child, I think that's quite foul
She said she was pregnant with my baby, which I didn't believe.
How is that? I wore a Lifestyle
I used a condom, so it's unlikely that she's actually pregnant.
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Guys, be cautious with the women you meet.
Watch out for games that these females play
Be aware of the manipulative tactics some women use.
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
Some women are dishonest and unscrupulous.
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
If you're not careful, you could get into trouble.
I'm in the breed of the bad guy
I identify as a tough, unapologetic person.
Get caught in a mad lie, come in your crib mad high
I might confront you if you tell me a lie.
Think about me with the smile on your face
You'll think about me and be happy.
Think about me with my hand on your waist
You'll remember how I touched you.
and think about me with your hair in your face
You'll recall how we messed around together.
Even caught a case fuckin witchu
I got into legal trouble while with you.
Had said some ol' slick shit, that had forced me to hit you
I may have said something mean that provoked me to hit you.
Had you set up livin swell, how you gon' fuck my man L
You betrayed me by having sex with my friend L.
like we don't cross paths in these New York streets?
Don't act like we won't see each other again in New York City.
But that's good, cause he's my man and we both shine
But it's alright since he's my friend and we're successful together.
and to say we don't love these hoes is a old line
Acting like we don't enjoy being with women is a tired cliché.
Honey just save some space in it so you can hold mine
Leave room in your heart for me.
Her whole spine be twisted;
She's wild or unpredictable.
things she did and how she kissed it
I recall the things she did and how she kissed me.
I kinda missed it, think back on how we dissed it
I reminisce about our relationship.
Now we two-fisted, she ain't never resisted
Now we're back together, and she's eager and willing.
Left it red and blistered, shakin
She left me feeling overwhelmed or trembling.
I could slam it if it wasn't NO money makin
I could be more harsh if it didn't affect my income.
Word up games, these girls nowadays they play many
These days, women play many games.
Techniques for gettin your loot, they got plenty
They have many methods for getting your money.
Suck the skin off your dick, just for some ice and shit
They might do anything for a material reward.
In the beginning they're polite, actin all nice and shit
At first, they act friendly and pleasant.
But honey got plans to be pushin your Land
But really, they're scheming to take your money and belongings.
When she got you - she goes and fucks your man
When they win your trust, they might betray you and sleep with your friend or partner.
Understand? You gotta lay down the law
You need to be clear about your expectations and set boundaries.
A lot of broads is fraud, they'll set you up Baby Pah
Many women are dishonest and might plot against you.
Some'll try to get you stuck up, some'll fake pregnancy
Some might try to put you in danger or lie about getting pregnant.
Most are after the dough, and the fame basically
Most women are motivated by money and attention.
Yo you can't make a hoe a housewife kid
You can't turn a promiscuous woman into a committed and loyal partner.
Pick the wrong chick - could be a lifetime bid
Choosing the wrong woman can lead to long-term consequences.
A lot of cats be beefin over these honies
Many guys fight over women.
Not me I keep it movin they ain't getitn jack from me
I don't let women take advantage of me.
Mack these freaks for your own enjoyment
Have fun with these promiscuous women for your own pleasure.
And one love to L we gon' stay Flamboyant
Shoutout to myself and my crew, we'll always represent Flamboyant.
Heh, word up
That's the truth.
Yo son you better watch these little fast-ass
Be careful with these promiscuous women.
little fancy-pants bitches with the thongs
These women who wear thongs might be deceiving.
Heh, that's my word
That's what I'm saying.
Yo, rest in peace to my man Big L, uhh
RIP to my friend Big L.
Peace to the God Sadat X
Shoutout to Sadat X.
Guru, GangStarr, uhh
Shoutout to Guru and Gang Starr.
Hold it down
Stay strong.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DERECK MURPHY, KEITH ELAM, LAMONT COLEMAN, LEROY SOUTHWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Limits98
Lyrics
(Intro)
Ey yo, what's up this is Big L, know what I'm saying
Calling to see how that joint, know what I'm saying, came out
Hey yo fellas... Keep our eye open... watch out
Cause females be playing a whole lot of games like these
(Chorus)
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
(Verse 1)
I know this lady by the name of Katie
If you broke, she's shady
You got cash? She's ready to have your baby
The type of female the fellas stress
Stay fresh to death, well dressed
In Chanel, Guess, nothing less
Body got more curves than an S
I smoke her boots like Sess
And I confess the sex was the best (yes)
Within a week she had keys to my res t
And then later my man Squeezer gave her gees to invest
Then one day I overheard her talking to friends
Saying how she didn't like me, all she want is the ends
Yo honey was sheisty
Had me thinking she was wifey, tricking ridiculous
Given her jewels that was icey
I said it's over
And what I gave you, you can have that
It wasn't even her - it was myself I was mad at
Letting that dame use me for my name and my fame
That's lame, but it's a shame how I fell for the game
(Chorus)
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
(Verse 2)
A year ago I did a show for some dough
Puffed a bag of hydro then broke out on the low
And on my way out, it was a female on my trail
Who followed me from the stage to the Benz SL
I asked honey her name, she replied, "Monique"
Soft and sweet, from her head to feet, hotter than heat
Jump in the passenger seat, let's go get somethin to eat
She said I was that Roc-a-Fella she'd been dyin to meet
I tried to hit it first night, she said she wasn't a freak
Yeah right - it's all good, so I waited a week
Then one night to my crib she decided to creep
Knocked on a nigga door and woke me outta my sleep
I let her in before you know it we was doin our thang
I drove her home, and said tomorrow give me a ring
It was about a month later when she gave me a call
With some bogus ass story that was off the wall
Claiming she's pregnant with my child, I think that's quite foul
How is that? I wore a Lifestyle
(Chorus)
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
Aiyyo fellas, you gotta be careful today
Watch out for games that these females play
Cause some break the rules and some don't play fair
You might get caught out there if you're not aware
So watch out fellas... Watch out
You better watch out fellas
Yeah, you better watch out
Watch out fellas... You better watch out
F'real . Yeah
Fabio Qerana
I know this lady by the name of Katie, If you broke, she's shady
You got cash, she's ready to have your baby
The type of female the fellas stress
Stay fresh to death, well dressed
In Chanel, Guess, nothing less
Body got more curves than an S, I smoked the boots like Cess
And I confess the sex was the best (yes)
Within a week she had keys to my res
I done mad her my main squeeze and gave her G's to invest
Then one day I overheard her talking to friends
Saying how she didn't like me, all she want is the ends
Yo honey was sheisty
Had me thinking she was wifey, tricking ridiculous
Given her dues that was icey, I said it's over
And what I gave you, you can have that
It wasn't even her - it was myself I was mad at
Letting that dame use me for my name and my fame
That's lame, but it's a shame how I fell for the game
Fabio Qerana
A year ago I did a show for some dough
Puffed a bag of hydro then broke out on the low
And on my way out, it was a female on my trail
Who followed me from the stage to the Benz SL
I asked honey her name, she replied, "Monique"
Soft and sweet, from her head to feet, hotter than heat
Jump in the passenger seat, let's go get somethin to eat
She said I was that Roc-a-Fella she'd been dyin to meet
I tried to hit it first night, she said she wasn't a freak
Yeah right - it's all good, so I waited a week
Then one night to my crib she decided to creep
Knocked on a nigga door and woke me outta my sleep
I let her in before you know it we was doin our thang
I drove her home, and said tomorrow give me a ring
It was about a month later when she gave me a call
With some bogus ass story that was off the wall
Claimin she's pregnant with my child, I think that's quite foul
How is that? I wore a Lifestyle
DRAGON 777
Big L always hits home
and they say you cant live forever
L was dead before i ever heard his voice but he is as real as anything in this world
C-Bullets The Black Jesus
Facts on both yall comments that's all ima say
Richard Murphy
Amen L Going hard as ever
KingHit
L was dead before i was born but is my favorite emc I have come across
It’s ok I understand
That’s the best comment I’ve ever seen I agree his still alive to me legends never die spirit rhymes on for eternity
rpstephans
This song is a masterpiece. I would've killed to hear a third verse but sometimes less is more.
THE EXACTOR
You'll learn a lot more about the real nature of woemen by simply letting a Big L playlist run all day.
Enjoy Life To The Fullest
Facts 💯💯💯
Chains The Chef
His rhymes are so clean and the coherence is on point, you can forget he is rhyming and just listen to the conversation because he is being as coherent as when you tell a story in a conversation, it amazes me so much
IshOPops
The first verse is a killer. RIP Big L