#TBT: Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous by Big L- Pie Radio

Join Daisy as she reflects on bangers from the past as a Throwback Thursday. This week’s pick- Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous by Big L.

So, a new regular from me. I have been going back in time recently to listen to music as new music sometimes leaves me a bit disenchanted.

Today’s pick is a classic album I was introduced to about 2 years ago. When I heard the name Big L, I thought I only hope his music is better than his name. I can confirm this is the case.

Sadly, this was his only album, but it acts as a blueprint in hip-hop history.

As one of the most underrated lyricists, Big L covers topics that are still relevant today. One of his key focuses is how young black children should aspire to greatness and not a life on the streets.

My favourite song from the album ‘All Black’, talks about police brutality and corruption, which is sadly, still a major problem.

His fellow New York rappers were in awe of him, with some even being frightened by him and his lyrical flow (Nas being one of them).

Big L was tragically killed at the age of 24 in a drive by shooting, 4 years after his album was released. Although it’s a tragic loss to hip-hop, he has never been forgotten by the greats, and this album is an underrated historical masterpiece that you need to check out.

This record has been sampled by everybody, from Jeru the Damaja, to Ashanti (another TB). Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous is a lyrically educational masterpiece mixed with super funky, New York jazz beats, which (although I was late to listening to) has become one of my favourite hip hop albums of all time.