Big L was gunned down in front of his home on West
139th St. and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 22-year-old rapper was part of the group Diggin' In
The Crates which also includes Fat Joe, O.C., Diamond
D, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz & AG. Big L was also
known for underground hits like "Ebonics" and "Hit 'Em
Up." DITC had recently finished recording sessions for its
debut album, which will be released by Tommy Boy
Records in May.

Tommy Boy said of the rapper's death, "Big L, a talented
artist and a good friend to many, will be missed by the
Tommy Boy staff."

Big L had released one album, 1995's "Lifestylez Ov Da
Poor And Dangerous," which featured the debut of
Cam'ron as Killer Cam (on a song called "Eight Iz Enuff").
The album also featured an appearance by Jay-Z on a
track called "The Graveyard." It also contained hit track, "Put it On".

Big L's death was a
recurring topic at a benefit show
for the Greenwich Village Youth
Council Tuesday night in New
York that featured the Arsonists,
Cibo Matto, Sean Lennon,
Kathleen Hanna, Johnny Temple,
the Rocksteady Crew, Joan Jett,
and others.

-- Midknight - 2/23/99