The Big Picture is the second and final studio (and first posthumous) album by American rapper Big L. The album was slated for a 1999 release, but due to L's murder, the album was posthumously released on August 1, 2000 on Rawkus Records. Recording sessions for the album took place primarily at D&D Studios in New York City, New York during 1997 to 1998. The album was produced by DJ Premier, Ron Browz, Ron G, Lord Finesse, Pete Rock, Shomari, Mike Heron, Ysae, and Showbiz. The album features the popular singles "Ebonics" and "Size 'Em Up" (the latter of which was the last single released while Big L was still alive), as well as the #1 Rap single "Flamboyant". The Big Picture features appearances from Fat Joe, Guru, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane and 2Pac. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in October 2000.[1]
The Big Picture has received generally favorable reviews from music critics. M.F. DiBella of Allmusic gave the album three out of five stars.[3] RapReviews' Steve Juon gave the album eight out of ten stars.[4]Rolling Stone gave the album three and a half stars out of five. Many say that it is one of the most underrated hip hop albums of all time.[5]
Content
"The Enemy", featuring fellow New York rapper Fat Joe, talks about the NYPD in a bad way, "criticizing its provoking and shady ways", according to April Park of the Riverfront Times.[7]