In this episode, we profile the life and tragic death of Lamont "Big L" Coleman, the Harlem rapper often cited as one of the most underrated lyricists in hip-hop history. We trace his origins as a freestyle battle champion and his rise with the Bronx-based collective Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.).

Join us as we discuss:

• The Lyrical Prodigy: How Big L developed his signature "compounding" rhyme style and horrorcore influence, seen in early tracks like "Devil's Son" and his debut album Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous.

• Harlem Roots: His founding of the group Children of the Corn alongside future stars Killa Cam (Cam'ron) and Murda Mase.

• The Deal That Never Was: The heartbreaking timing of his death, occurring just as he was in the process of signi ...