Most valuable poet on the M.I.C

The debate over who is the greatest rapper of all time is one which will perhaps never properly be solved. Jay-Z's claims to be the best rapper alive is typical of his braggadocious approach to his life and work, but is as good a claim as any, although many from Eminem to Nas to Rakim may beg to differ. Possibly even less easy to settle is the position in top pound-for-pound lists of those lyricists who have been taken from us all too early and so have no further oppotunity to earn their plaudits. Top of the pops, no doubt, is of course Frank White himself, Biggie Smalls, claimed by many to be the best of all time, period.

My own feeling is that this is probably true, although I also have a sneaking theory that he may have had limits that we never saw exposed because of his untimely demise. Controversial maybe, but an idea I will expound on at some future point. One name which only ever pops up amongst hip-hop heads however, as his fame never went far beyond that genre, is the mighty Big L, and here is as good a place as any to sing his praises. Lamont "Big L" Coleman was shot and killed in Harlem, New York City in February 1999, aged only 24. The reasons for his murder, like so many US street tragedies, has never been solved. But what he left behind by way of his recorded output is testament to the fact that he deserves to be mentioned amongst the most exulted company.

His brilliant debut, 1995's "Lifestyles ov da Poor and Dangerous" is simply brilliant, virtually inventing so-called horrorcore rapping, telling brilliantly dark and humourous stories of life on the streets, often finished with inspired and hilarious punchlines. And if "Born Again" is a sad indictment of the desperation to squeeze dollars out of Biggie's studio offcuts, Big L's posthumous release, 200o's "The Big Picture" fares much better. Still raw, but a blinding reminder of his talents. Big L was a stellar member of the Diggin In The Crates crew, and if you are unfamiliar with his work I urge you to dig it out. Interestingly enough, youtube also reveals some gems, and a fitting reminder of his position amongst rap greats can be seen in a radio battle with his friend but competitor in the rap game, a young Jiggaman himself. Put simply, Big L slays the man famed far and wide for his freestyle skills. Have a listen and then remind yourself that rap has lost a great deal more than just Biggie and Tupac over the years. Rest in peace Big L.