The Big Picture (Big L album)

The Big Picture is the second and final studio album by American rapper Big L. The album was slated for a 1999 release, but due to Big L's murder, it was posthumously released on August 1, 2000, on Rawkus Records. It was incomplete at the time of Big L's death, and was posthumously completed by his manager and partner in Flamboyant Entertainment, Rich King. Recording sessions for the album took place primarily at D&D Studios in New York City, New York throughout 1998 and early 1999. It was produced by DJ Premier (who also executive produced the album), Ron Browz, Ron G, Lord Finesse, Pete Rock, Shomari, Mike Heron, Ysae, and Showbiz. The Big Picture features appearances from Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Guru, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, 2Pac, Sadat X, and more. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in October 2000.

It sold 72,549 copies in the first week.

Critical reception

The Big Picture has received critical acclaim. M.F. DiBella of Allmusic gave the album three out of five stars. RapReviews' Steve Juon gave it eight out of ten stars. Rolling Stone gave it three and a half stars out of five. Many say that it is one of the most underrated hip hop albums of all time.

Content

The track "The Enemy", featuring fellow New York rapper Fat Joe, talks about the NYPD in a negative way, "criticizing its provoking and shady ways", according to April Park of the Riverfront Times.

Track listing

Writers by Allmusic.

Personnel

Credits for The Big Picture adapted from Allmusic.

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end chart

Certifications

Release history

References

External links

• The Big Picture at Allmusic
• The Big Picture 1974–1999 at Discogs