The Big Picture is the second 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 and Big L's Flamboyant Entertainment. 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.
Commercial performance The album sold 72,549 copies in its first week, debuting and peaking at number 13 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in October 2000. To date, it is Big L's best selling album.
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. It has been regarded as 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.
Louis Alfred III — mixing Big Daddy Kane — performer Big L — executive producer, performer Bob Brown — engineer Ron Browz — producer Rob Dinero — composer, engineer DJ Premier — executive producer, producer Fat Joe — performer 2Pac — performer, writer Mike Heron — executive producer, producer Kool G Rap — performer Lord Finesse — executive producer, mixing, producer Eric Lynch — engineer Miss Jones — performer Pete Rock — producer Sadat X — performer Shomari — producer Duncan Stanbury — mastering Max Vargas — engineer Carlisle Young — mixing YSAE — producer
Charts Weekly charts Chart (2000)PeakpositionUK Albums (The Official Charts Company) 122
Year-end chart Chart (2000)PeakpositionUS Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 89
Certifications
Release history Region Date Label Format Catalog United States August 1, 2000 Rawkus CD 26136 Cassette tape LP
References
External links The Big Picture at Allmusic The Big Picture 1974–1999 at Discogs