When it comes to figuring out how did Big L die, the story is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The renowned rapper’s life was abruptly cut short in the prime of his career, leaving fans and the hip hop community in a state of shock and disbelief. This article dives into the details surrounding the untimely death of Big L, his life, his career, and the conjectures that followed his murder.
A Brief Overview of Big L’s Life and Career
Born as Lamont Coleman, Big L was a rising star in the underground hip hop scene. He began his journey in the music industry with the hip hop trio, Three the Hard Way, but gained significant fame through his solo career. His debut album, “Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous,” was well-received by critics and fans alike.
Big L was not just a rapper but also a visionary. In 1998, he established Flamboyant Entertainment, his independent label through which he released the hit single “Ebonics.” Despite his untimely demise, his second studio album, “The Big Picture,” was posthumously released and went on to receive gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The Tragic Incident: What Happened?
Big L’s unexpected death took place on February 15, 1999. The rapper was gunned down on 45 West 139th Street in Harlem, his hometown. The assailant shot him nine times in the face and chest in a drive-by shooting. This incident left fans questioning how did Big L die and what led to such a brutal attack on the rapper.
The Man Behind the Trigger
The person suspected behind rapper Big L’s murder was none other than Gerard Woodley, a childhood friend of the rapper. Woodley and Big L were known to spend considerable time together, often appearing in photos and album covers.
However, their friendship reportedly turned sour due to some undisclosed disputes. It’s believed that younger rapper Big L’s involvement in a Black mafia family that robbed drug dealers could have been a catalyst for the falling out between the two.
The Legal Proceedings
After the fatal shooting, Gerard Woodley was taken into custody, but his arrest didn’t culminate in a conviction. The case against Woodley was dismissed as the Manhattan District Attorney’s office believed they lacked substantial evidence to press charges. The lack of enough witnesses and the absence of incriminating surveillance footage led to Woodley’s release.
A Life Marked by Crime
Woodley, however, had a notorious reputation and a history of violent crimes. His criminal record included six arrests, starting from 1990, involving weapons and murder charges. While he managed to dodge convictions on murder charges, he served time in prison for weapons-related offenses.
The Unexpected Twist
In a twist of fate, Woodley was shot dead almost two decades after Lamon Coleman’s murder. The incident occurred near the very location where Big L was killed. The suspect in Woodley’s murder remains unknown.
The Aftermath of Big L’s Death
Despite the tragic end, young rapper Big L’s legacy lives on in the hip hop community. His music continues to inspire artists, and his contribution to the genre is widely acknowledged. A documentary titled “Street Struck: The Big L Story” is reportedly in the works, promising to shed more light on the rapper’s life and career.
The Conspiracy Theories
In the wake of rapper Big L’s death, the question of how did Big L die sparked numerous conspiracy theories. Some fans speculated that the rapper’s death was a result of a retaliatory act against his brother’s deeds. Another theory suggested that Camron, a contemporary of Big L, attended Woodley’s funeral, sparking speculations about his involvement in the murder.
Conclusion: An Unsolved Mystery
To date, the question of how did Big L die remains an unsolved mystery. The untimely death of the rapper not only left a void in the hip hop scene but also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his murder. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of Big L continues to influence the genre, and the enigma of his death continues to intrigue fans worldwide.
