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.
Size 'Em Up
Big L Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I love the streets
So I know ya ain't think I was comin' with some fruitcake shit
Ya know me better than that
Ayo, I shoulda been out
I'm deadly when I pull the pin out
Keep frontin', I'ma try yo' chin out
I left 'em on the floor spittin' phlegm out
It's either that or I'ma squeeze the gat and pop ten out
You see ?codione?, ice spinnin', jigged out, white linen
And if a bitch don't like me she must like women
Every time I come around you see your wife grinnin'
Don't be mad 'cause yo' career's in the ninth innin'
It's over now, nigga, leave the game
I'm from the danger zone where emcees get slain
We're thugs that never hesitate to squeeze the flame
We're niggaz be takin' drugs just to ease the pain
Hustlers flip cokey, 48 Hours like Nick Nolte
When I was OT your bitch rode me
First day home I dived in it
Left her thighs dented
Now that bitch be pagin' me every five minutes
Emcees I squash and disgrace, it's all about the Benjis
So why your bills got Washington's face?
A lot of cats be frontin'
Made singles wit' a fifty on top
L tryin' to have the city on lock
Peace to Biggie and Pac 'cause they really were hot
Rap game, heavy hitters, it's a shame they no longer wit' us
Niggaz want to be L, ladies want to see L
If I go to jail you'll wear a shirt sayin' "Free L!"
What
Word up man, them niggaz is hungry
They ready to bite a nigga arm off
All my wolves in the house, are you live or what?
See, Harlem 'bout to get it, all eyes on us
Only ghetto niggaz shine, who gon' rise wit' us?
And the first cat who act, we gon' size 'em up
Ayo, I hear a lot of bitch in your talk
See a lot of switch in your walk
Only thugs get rich in New York
Time is runnin' out
Niggaz like,"L, when you comin' out?"
Because they sick of all this drag queen shit
Your wife's missin', I'm the nigga she was last seen wit'
Me and Ron hit it up on some tag team shit
A buncha niggaz got smoked for the cash
Used to ride Greyhounds wit' dime holes and stuff the coke in they ass
Crazy beef's got provoked in the past, lot of wigs got split
A lot of innocent kids got hit
Harlem World be the place of my borough, believe me son
We breed the smoothest niggaz on the face of the earth
Mics I steadily smoke, rhymes cleverly wrote
As long as I can rock a crowd I'ma never be broke
Some hoes treated me like a bum nerve when I was unheard
Now I'm icey, I ain't gotta say one word, you dumb bird
I push whips while you walk all day
And I hate when strange niggaz want to talk all day
Clown ass shit, hate to be around that shit
You don't know me, just say whatsup, gimme a pound, that's it
When I was at the steak house, pullin' cake out
You was at some cheap Chinese shit gettin' take out
How you make out, you took the fake route, you oughta break out
You couldn't get a bitch before you put your tape out
What
Fuckin' punks
Niggaz like you will get robbed everyday
Yeah
Flamboyant Entertainment
Big L, Rondell
You know how we do
One time
Can't forget my partner
Big brother, Big Lee, holdin' it down
The overseer
Flamboyant
Big L's "Size 'Em Up" is a fierce and unapologetic rap song that celebrates street culture and toughness. The song begins with Big L asserting his love for the streets and his determination to keep his lyrics real and hard-hitting. He then goes on to describe his reputation as a dangerous rapper, who can knock out his rivals and leave them spitting phlegm out. The song is full of violent imagery, with Big L bragging about squeezing gats and popping ten out, while thugs never hesitate to pull the trigger. Throughout the song, Big L asserts his dominance and superiority, claiming that he's the only one who can rock the crowd and make money in the rap game.
"Size 'Em Up" was released in 2000 as part of Big L's posthumous album "The Big Picture", which featured previously unreleased tracks and collaborations. The song was produced by Ron Browz and is known for its catchy chorus and aggressive beat. Big L's flow is also exceptional, with his rhymes coming in fast and furious, showing off his lyrical prowess.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey yo, the streets love me, man
Big L is highly respected and loved by his community.
And I love the streets
Big L enjoys the life and culture of the streets.
So I know ya ain't think I was comin' with some fruitcake shit
Big L is assuring his audience that he's not bringing any weak or soft content.
Ya know me better than that
Big L believes his audience knows him well enough to expect a good performance.
Ayo, I shoulda been out
Big L regrets not having the chance to shine in the rap game for a longer time.
I'm deadly when I pull the pin out
Big L is a skilled and dangerous rapper.
Keep frontin', I'ma try yo' chin out
Big L is not afraid to physically confront someone who is disrespecting him.
I knocked a lot of men out
Big L has won many physical fights.
I left 'em on the floor spittin' phlegm out
Big L's punches cause his opponents to cough up spit and mucus.
It's either that or I'ma squeeze the gat and pop ten out
Big L is willing to use a gun if someone pushes him too far.
You see ?codione?, ice spinnin', jigged out, white linen
Big L is wearing expensive clothing and jewelry.
And if a bitch don't like me she must like women
Women who don't like Big L prefer other women.
Every time I come around you see your wife grinnin'
Women are attracted to Big L.
Don't be mad 'cause yo' career's in the ninth innin'
Big L believes that his peers' careers are ending while his is still successful.
It's over now, nigga, leave the game
Big L thinks that some rappers need to retire and stop making music.
I'm from the danger zone where emcees get slain
Big L is from a place where rappers are in danger.
We're thugs that never hesitate to squeeze the flame
Big L and his crew are willing to use guns without hesitation.
We're niggaz be takin' drugs just to ease the pain
Big L knows that some people's lives are very difficult and they need to use drugs to escape reality.
Hustlers flip cokey, 48 Hours like Nick Nolte
Big L and his crew sell cocaine.
When I was OT your bitch rode me
Big L slept with someone else's girlfriend when he was out of town.
First day home I dived in it
Big L slept with someone else's girlfriend shortly after returning from a trip.
Left her thighs dented
Big L had rough sex with this woman.
Now that bitch be pagin' me every five minutes
This woman is now very interested in Big L and wants to contact him frequently.
Emcees I squash and disgrace, it's all about the Benjis
Big L humbles and defeats other rappers while making money.
So why your bills got Washington's face?
Big L is asking why his competition's money is only in one dollar bills.
A lot of cats be frontin'
Many rappers pretend to be wealthy and successful when they are not.
Made singles wit' a fifty on top
Some rappers added fake money to their album covers to pretend that they were making more money.
L tryin' to have the city on lock
Big L is trying to become a dominant rapper in his city.
Peace to Biggie and Pac 'cause they really were hot
Big L pays tribute to the legendary rappers who died before him.
Rap game, heavy hitters, it's a shame they no longer wit' us
Many great rappers have died and Big L is sad about it.
Niggaz want to be L, ladies want to see L
Big L is very popular and many people admire him.
If I go to jail you'll wear a shirt sayin' "Free L!"
Big L has loyal fans who will support him if he gets arrested.
Word up man, them niggaz is hungry
Big L knows that some rappers are very eager to become famous.
They ready to bite a nigga arm off
Some rappers are willing to harm or sabotage others to become successful.
All my wolves in the house, are you live or what?
Big L is speaking to his crew and asking if they are ready and energetic for the moment.
See, Harlem 'bout to get it, all eyes on us
Big L is very confident and proud of his city.
Only ghetto niggaz shine, who gon' rise wit' us?
Big L believes that only those who come from similar backgrounds can be successful with him.
And the first cat who act, we gon' size 'em up
Big L's crew is prepared to confront and evaluate anyone who is making trouble.
Ayo, I hear a lot of bitch in your talk
Big L thinks that someone is speaking in a weak and pathetic way.
See a lot of switch in your walk
Big L notices that someone is acting fake and inconsistent.
Only thugs get rich in New York
Big L thinks that the only way to become successful in New York City is to be tough and dangerous.
Time is runnin' out
Big L is aware that his time in the rap game could be limited.
Niggaz like,"L, when you comin' out?"
Many people are wondering when Big L will release new music.
Because they sick of all this drag queen shit
Big L is not impressed with the recent trends in rap music.
Your wife's missin', I'm the nigga she was last seen wit'
Big L slept with someone else's wife and caused her to leave her husband.
Me and Ron hit it up on some tag team shit
Big L and his friend Ron both slept with this woman.
A buncha niggaz got smoked for the cash
Many people have lost their lives over money.
Used to ride Greyhounds wit' dime holes and stuff the coke in they ass
Big L and his crew used to smuggle drugs by hiding them in women's bodies during long bus rides.
Crazy beef's got provoked in the past, lot of wigs got split
Big L has been involved in dangerous conflicts in the past that led to violence.
A lot of innocent kids got hit
Big L is aware that not everyone involved in street violence deserves to get hurt or die.
Harlem World be the place of my borough, believe me son
Big L is very proud and loyal to his neighborhood.
We breed the smoothest niggaz on the face of the earth
Big L believes that the men from his area are the coolest and most talented in the world.
Mics I steadily smoke, rhymes cleverly wrote
Big L is a gifted lyricist who loves to perform and perfect his craft.
As long as I can rock a crowd I'ma never be broke
Big L knows that his skills as a rapper will always earn him money and support.
Some hoes treated me like a bum nerve when I was unheard
Women did not give much attention to Big L before he became famous.
Now I'm icey, I ain't gotta say one word, you dumb bird
Big L's fame and success speak for themselves and impress women.
I push whips while you walk all day
Big L owns and drives expensive cars while his competitors do not.
And I hate when strange niggaz want to talk all day
Big L is annoyed when people he does not know try to talk to him.
Clown ass shit, hate to be around that shit
Big L does not want to be associated with people who act foolish or ridiculous.
You don't know me, just say whatsup, gimme a pound, that's it
Big L prefers to be acknowledged briefly and respectfully by strangers.
When I was at the steak house, pullin' cake out
Big L likes to celebrate his wealth and success by eating at fancy restaurants.
You was at some cheap Chinese shit gettin' take out
Big L thinks his competition is not successful enough to afford expensive meals.
How you make out, you took the fake route, you oughta break out
Big L thinks that those who fake their success will not achieve anything significant.
You couldn't get a bitch before you put your tape out
Some rappers are not attractive or successful enough to get women before they start making music.
Fuckin' punks
Big L cannot stand weak and disrespectful people.
Niggaz like you will get robbed everyday
Big L thinks that people who act like punks will become victims of crime or robbery regularly.
Yeah
Big L ends his song confidently and simply.
Flamboyant Entertainment
This is the name of Big L's entertainment company.
Big L, Rondell
These are the names of Big L and his friend Ron.
You know how we do
Big L and his crew are confident and successful.
One time
This phrase is often used in rap music to create a transition or break between verses or topics.
Can't forget my partner
Big L gives credit and recognition to his friend who helped him in his endeavors.
Big brother, Big Lee, holdin' it down
Big Lee is Big L's older friend who supports and helps him.
The overseer
This is a nickname or title for someone in charge of a group or organization.
Flamboyant
This is the label or brand name created by Big L and his partners.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LESTER COLEMAN, RONDELL EDWIN TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind