Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous is Big L's debut album and the only album released during his lifetime. It was released on March 28, 1995, through Columbia Records and is now widely regarded as one of the defining underground hip-hop albums of the 1990s. Although it received critical acclaim for its lyricism, the album achieved only modest commercial success upon release. Born Lamont Coleman in Harlem, New York, Big L first gained recognition through freestyle battles and as a member of the legendary Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.). After being discovered by Lord Finesse, he signed with Columbia Records in 1993 and recorded the album between 1992 and 1994.

The production was primarily handled by D.I.T.C. affiliates including Lord Finesse, Buckwild, Showbiz, and Craig Boogie. Built around classic boom bap drums and soulful samples, the album's stripped-back production provides the perfect backdrop for Big L's intricate rhyme schemes, sharp punchlines, and effortless flow. Guest appearances include Lord Finesse, Grand Daddy I.U., Herb McGruff, Party Arty, as well as early career performances from Jay-Z and Cam'ron. In particular, "Da Graveyard," featuring a young Jay-Z, has become one of the album's most celebrated tracks.

Lyrically, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous explores themes of street life, battle rap, dark humor, and clever wordplay. Big L became known for his multisyllabic rhymes, vivid storytelling, and razor-sharp punchlines, establishing himself as one of the most technically gifted MCs of his generation. Standout tracks such as "Put It On," "M.V.P.," "Danger Zone," "Street Struck," and the title track remain fan favorites. While much of the album showcases his competitive lyrical style, "Street Struck" offers a more reflective perspective, warning about the consequences of life on the streets.

Despite peaking at only No. 149 on the Billboard 200 and No. 22 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the album's reputation has grown significantly over the years. Many fans and critics now rank it alongside East Coast classics such as Nas' Illmatic and Mobb Deep's The Infamous. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless lyricists who followed, and Big L is widely recognized as one of hip-hop's greatest punchline rappers.

Tragically, Big L was shot and killed in Harlem on February 15, 1999, at the age of 24, while working on his second album. The unfinished material was later compiled and released posthumously as The Big Picture (2000). Today, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous stands as a timeless hip-hop classic and a testament to the extraordinary talent of an artist whose career was cut tragically short.
A1Put It On
A2MVP
A3No Endz, No Skinz
A48 Iz Enuff
A5All Black
A6Danger Zone
B1Street Struck
B2Da Graveyard
B3Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
B4I Don't Understand It
B5Fed Up Wit The Bullshit
B6Let 'Em Have It 'L'