In 1993, Big L submitted a four track cassette tape to Columbia Records, who soon after signed him to their company. He founded Harlem centered rap group Children of the Corn with fellow aspiring MC's Killa Cam, Murda Mase, Bloodshed and Herb McGruff when Bloodshed died in a car accident in 1997, the group later disbanded. The group consisted of Lord Finesse, Diamond D, O.C., Fat Joe, Buckwild, Showbiz and A.G. Around this time, L joined Lord Finesse's Bronx-based hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.).
#BIG L PUT IT ON PROFESSIONAL#
As of August 2000, the album had sold 200,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.īig L began writing rhymes in 1990 and his first professional appearance came on the B-side of "Party Over Here" by Lord Finesse in 1992.
Upon its release, the album received positive reviews from music critics, earning praise for Big L's lyricism and wordplay, and is now considered by many fans as a classic album. Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous spawned three singles: " Put It On", " M.V.P.", and "No Endz, No Skinz", the first two both peaked within the top 25 on the US Hot Rap Tracks and Hot Dance Singles Sales. The album debuted at number 149 on the US Billboard 200 and number 22 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, but did not chart internationally. Production was handled by Buckwild, Lord Finesse, Showbiz and Craig Boogie. Recording sessions took place primarily at Powerplay Studios in Queens, New York in mid-to-late 1994. Released Maon Columbia Records, it is Big L's only album to be released during his lifetime. Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous is the debut studio album by American hip hop artist Big L.