Artist: Big L Album: The Big Picture

Year: 2000
Duration: 56:12

Taking a closer look at Big L's The Big Picture Album

Hip-hop music has been a prominent genre in the music industry for many years. It has always been a platform for artists to showcase their talent, creativity, and thought-provoking lyrics. One of the artists that left an indelible mark in the rap world is Big L. In this post, we will be taking a closer look at Big L's The Big Picture album, discussing the brief history of the artist, the genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts and a critique of the album.
Big L was a revered underground rapper from Harlem, New York. He started his career in the mid-90s and gained a lot of respect from hip-hop enthusiasts all over the world. His sudden death in 1999 at the age of 24 shocked not just the music industry but also his fans. The Big Picture, which was released a year after his death, was his second studio album. It was a compilation of his previously unreleased and released songs. The album featured collaborations with various hip-hop artists such as Fat Joe, Kool G Rap, and Tupac Shakur.
The album is a seamless blend of classic boom-bap hip-hop beats and Big L's distinctive flow. The music genre of the album is east coast hip-hop, which is characterized by its gritty lyrics and raw beats. The album explores a range of themes such as street life, relationships, and societal issues. The production of the album was handled by some of the best producers in the game, including DJ Premier, Lord Finesse, and Pete Rock, among others.
The best songs on the album include Ebonics, Flamboyant, and The Heist. Ebonics is a witty and clever song that explores the slang and language used in the streets of Harlem. The song showcases Big L's lyrical prowess and his ability to turn everyday phrases into clever wordplay. Flamboyant is a braggadocious song that sees Big L boasting about his wealth and success. The song's catchy chorus and uptempo beat make it an instant classic. The Heist is a storytelling song that tells the tale of a group of robbers who carry out a heist. The song is notable for its vivid storytelling and suspenseful tone.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way Big L blends genres. He seamlessly incorporates jazz and soul samples into his beats, which adds a layer of depth and complexity to the album. He also experiments with his flow, switching from a slow and deliberate pace to a fast and frenzied one in a matter of seconds.
As much as The Big Picture is an excellent album, it is not without criticism. The album lacks cohesiveness, which can be attributed to the fact that it is a compilation of previously released and unreleased songs. Some of the tracks on the album feel out of place and disrupt the overall flow. Additionally, some of the songs feel dated, mainly due to their heavy reliance on samples and outdated production techniques.
In conclusion, The Big Picture is a testament to Big L's talent, creativity, and impact on the hip-hop scene. The album is an excellent representation of the east coast hip-hop scene of the 90s and proves that Big L was ahead of his time. Despite its flaws, The Big Picture remains a classic album that showcases Big L's unmatched lyricism, raw power, and influence on the rap industry.