Big L: Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous (CD)

In 1995, fresh off the success of Nas' landmark debut album Illmatic the year prior, Columbia Records released Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerouz, the first LP by a relatively unknown Harlem MC named Big L. Few at the time would realize that Lifestylez — which was only a modest commercial success at the time — would go on to be considered a true classic of the era, comparable to Illmatic itself.

Armed with a cocky Uptown attitude, a sharp wit and production from the likes of Lord Finesse, Buckwild and Showbiz, Big L established himself as one of New York’s Hip Hop heavyweights with an album that balanced radio appeal with uncompromising hardcore lyricism. From the smooth sounds of “M.V.P.” to raw posse cuts like “8 Iz Enuff” and “Da Graveyard” (which featured a rookie MC from Brooklyn by the name of Jay-Z), Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerouz solidified Big L’s status as a Hip Hop legend despite being the only studio album released prior to his tragic death in 1999.

1. Put It On
2. MVP
3. No Endz, No Skinz
4. 8 Iz Enuff
5. All Black
6. Danger Zone
7. Street Struck
8. Da Graveyard
9. Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
10. I Don't Understand It
11. Fed Up Wit The Bullshit
12. Let 'Em Have It "L"