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{{Infobox album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Albums --> {{Infobox album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Albums -->
| Name = Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous | Name = Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous
| Type = studio | Type = studio
| Artist = ] | Artist = ]
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| Label = ] | Label = ]
| Producer = ], Craig Boogie, ], ], ] | Producer = ], Craig Boogie, ], ], ]
| This album = '''''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'''''<br>(1995) | This album = '''''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'''''<br>(1995)
| Next album = '']''<br>(2000) | Next album = '']''<br>(2000)
| Misc = {{Singles | Misc = {{Singles
| Name = Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous | Name = Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous
| Type = studio | Type = studio
| Single 1 = ] | Single 1 = ]
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}} }}


'''''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous''''' is the debut album by American ] artist ], released March 28, 1995 on ]. Recording sessions took place primarily at Powerplay Studios in Queens, New York from 1993 to 1994. Production was handled by ], Craig Boogie, ], ], and ]. After being discovered by Lord Finesse in 1990, Big L signed a deal with Columbia Records, and he started to work on the album. '''''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous''''' is the debut album by American ] artist ], released March 28, 1995 on ]. Recording sessions took place primarily at Powerplay Studios in Queens, New York from 1993 to 1994. Production was handled by ], Craig Boogie, ], ], and ]. After being discovered by Lord Finesse in 1990, Big L signed a deal with Columbia Records, and he started to work on the album.


The album debuted at number 149 on the US ] and number 22 on ], but did not chart internationally. ''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' spawned three singles: "]", "]", and "]", the first two both peaked within the top 25 on the US ] and ]. Upon its release, the album received average reviews from music critics, earning praise for Big L's lyrics, but not for the production. As of August 2000, the album has sold 200,000 copies, according to ]. The album debuted at number 149 on the US ] and number 22 on ], but did not chart internationally. ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' spawned three singles: "]", "]", and "]", the first two both peaked within the top 25 on the US ] and ]. Upon its release, the album received average reviews from music critics, earning praise for Big L's lyrics, but not for the production. As of August 2000, the album has sold 200,000 copies, according to ].


== Background == == Background ==
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== Recording and production == == Recording and production ==
Recording for ''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' mainly took place at Powerplay Studios (]);<ref name=lpdiscogs>{{cite web|title=Big L - Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous (Vinyl, LP, Album) at Discogs|url=http://www.discogs.com/Big-L-Lifestylez-Ov-Da-Poor-Dangerous/release/1145483|work=]|publisher=Zinc Media|accessdate=April 29, 2011}}</ref> the songs "]" and "Danger Zone" were recorded at Unique Studios (])<ref name=lpdiscogs /> and the songs "]" and "Street Struck" were recorded at Chung King Studios (New York City, New York).<ref name=lpdiscogs /> James Niedermeyer worked with ] on the album and heavily influenced the lyrics on songs such as "Danger Zone" and "All Black". Recording for ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' mainly took place at Powerplay Studios (]);<ref name=lpdiscogs>{{cite web|title=Big L - Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous (Vinyl, LP, Album) at Discogs|url=http://www.discogs.com/Big-L-Lifestylez-Ov-Da-Poor-Dangerous/release/1145483|work=]|publisher=Zinc Media|accessdate=April 29, 2011}}</ref> the songs "]" and "Danger Zone" were recorded at Unique Studios (])<ref name=lpdiscogs /> and the songs "]" and "Street Struck" were recorded at Chung King Studios (New York City, New York).<ref name=lpdiscogs /> James Niedermeyer worked with ] on the album and heavily influenced the lyrics on songs such as "Danger Zone" and "All Black".


''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' was produced by mainly members of Big L's group, ]: ], ] (who produced most of the album), and Showbiz. Craig Boogie as well as ] (who was often referred to as an honorary member of D.I.T.C.<ref name=dxinter />) also helped with the production of the album. The album also features guest appearances from a young ] (credited as Killa Cam on "8 Iz Enuff") and ] (on "Da Graveyard"). ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' was produced by mainly members of Big L's group, ]: ], ] (who produced most of the album), and Showbiz. Craig Boogie as well as ] (who was often referred to as an honorary member of D.I.T.C.<ref name=dxinter />) also helped with the production of the album. The album also features guest appearances from a young ] (credited as Killa Cam on "8 Iz Enuff") and ] (on "Da Graveyard").


== Composition == == Composition ==
In a 2010 interview with HipHop DX to commemorate the album's 15th year anniversary and its re-issue by Traffic Entertainment, ] discussed the making of the album.<ref name=dxinter>{{cite web|last=Arnold|first=Paul|title=Lord Finesse Breaks Down Big L's "Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous"|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/editorials/id.1577/title.lord-finesse-breaks-down-big-ls-lifestylez-ov-da-poor-dangerous|publisher=Hip Hop DX|accessdate=April 25, 2011|date=July 30, 2010}}</ref> In a 2010 interview with HipHop DX to commemorate the album's 15th year anniversary and its re-issue by Traffic Entertainment, ] discussed the making of the album.<ref name=dxinter>{{cite web|last=Arnold|first=Paul|title=Lord Finesse Breaks Down Big L's "Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous"|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/editorials/id.1577/title.lord-finesse-breaks-down-big-ls-lifestylez-ov-da-poor-dangerous|publisher=Hip Hop DX|accessdate=April 25, 2011|date=July 30, 2010}}</ref>


Concerning "]", he stated: Concerning "]", he stated:
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== Release and promotion == == Release and promotion ==
''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' was released on March 28, 1995. Prior to the release, ], under ], released a promotional cassette tape in 1994 consisting of four tracks that did not make it to the final album. ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' was released on March 28, 1995. Prior to the release, ], under ], released a promotional cassette tape in 1994 consisting of four tracks that did not make it to the final album.


=== Singles === === Singles ===
''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' released three singles, all of which peaked within the top 25 on ''Billboard'''s ] and ]. The first single to release was "Put It On." It peaked at number 12 on Hot Dance Singles Sales,<ref name="Allmusic singles">{{Cite web | url=http://allmusic.com/artist/big-l-p144340/charts-awards/billboard-singles | title=Big L > Charts & Awards > ''Billboard'' Singles | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> 23 on Hot Rap Tracks,<ref name="Allmusic singles" /> and 81 on ].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://api.billboard.com/apisvc/chart/v1/list?artist=big_l&song=put_it_on&sdate=1995-06-03&edate=1995-06-04&api_key=bvk4re5h37dzvx87h7rf5dqz | title=''Billboard'' Chart Search: 'Put It On{{'-}} | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The second single to be released was "M.V.P.", which peaked at number 15 on Hot Rap Tracks,<ref name="Allmusic singles" /> 25 on Hot Dance Singles Sales, and 56 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://api.billboard.com/apisvc/chart/v1/list?artist=big_l&song=mvp&sdate=1995-09-23&edate=1995-09-24&api_key=bvk4re5h37dzvx87h7rf5dqz | title=''Billboard'' Chart Search: 'M.V.P.{{'-}} | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The third and final single from the album was "No Endz, No Skinz", however, the song did not chart. In addition to the three singles, "Street Struck" was released as a promotional single, but did not chart as well. ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' released three singles, all of which peaked within the top 25 on ''Billboard'''s ] and ]. The first single to release was "Put It On." It peaked at number 12 on Hot Dance Singles Sales,<ref name="Allmusic singles">{{Cite web | url=http://allmusic.com/artist/big-l-p144340/charts-awards/billboard-singles | title=Big L > Charts & Awards > ''Billboard'' Singles | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> 23 on Hot Rap Tracks,<ref name="Allmusic singles" /> and 81 on ].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://api.billboard.com/apisvc/chart/v1/list?artist=big_l&song=put_it_on&sdate=1995-06-03&edate=1995-06-04&api_key=bvk4re5h37dzvx87h7rf5dqz | title=''Billboard'' Chart Search: 'Put It On{{'-}} | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The second single to be released was "M.V.P.", which peaked at number 15 on Hot Rap Tracks,<ref name="Allmusic singles" /> 25 on Hot Dance Singles Sales, and 56 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://api.billboard.com/apisvc/chart/v1/list?artist=big_l&song=mvp&sdate=1995-09-23&edate=1995-09-24&api_key=bvk4re5h37dzvx87h7rf5dqz | title=''Billboard'' Chart Search: 'M.V.P.{{'-}} | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The third and final single from the album was "No Endz, No Skinz", however, the song did not chart. In addition to the three singles, "Street Struck" was released as a promotional single, but did not chart as well.


== Reception == == Reception ==


=== Commercial performance === === Commercial performance ===
''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' debuted at number 149 on the US ]<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=7wsEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Billboard 200 | journal=] | publisher=] | issn=0006-2510 | volume=107 | issue=15 | page=78 | date=April 15, 1995 }}</ref> and number 22 on the US ].<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=7wsEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Billboard Top R&B Albums | journal=] | publisher=] | issn=0006-2510 | volume=107 | issue=15 | page=22 | date=April 15, 1995 }}</ref> The album would not peak any higher. It has sold over 200,000 copies since August 2000.<ref name="vh1-street buzz">{{cite web | url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1122983/20000810/big_l.jhtml | title=Street Buzz, Duets Fuel Sales of Big L's ''The Big Picture'' | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=October 30, 2011 | date=August 11, 2000 | last=Berry | first=Jahna | archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/62oZntdgu | archivedate=October 30, 2011}}</ref> ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' debuted at number 149 on the US ]<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=7wsEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Billboard 200 | journal=] | publisher=] | issn=0006-2510 | volume=107 | issue=15 | page=78 | date=April 15, 1995 }}</ref> and number 22 on the US ].<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=7wsEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Billboard Top R&B Albums | journal=] | publisher=] | issn=0006-2510 | volume=107 | issue=15 | page=22 | date=April 15, 1995 }}</ref> The album would not peak any higher. It has sold over 200,000 copies since August 2000.<ref name="vh1-street buzz">{{cite web | url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1122983/20000810/big_l.jhtml | title=Street Buzz, Duets Fuel Sales of Big L's ''The Big Picture'' | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=October 30, 2011 | date=August 11, 2000 | last=Berry | first=Jahna | archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/62oZntdgu | archivedate=October 30, 2011}}</ref>


=== Critical response === === Critical response ===
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}} }}


''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' received favorable reviews by music critics. It earned a 4 mics rating from The Source, claiming " comes with ill animated lyrics, combined with metaphors that stun; a combo sure to have suckas on the run".<ref name=sreview>{{Cite journal | url= | title=''Lifestylez of da Poor & Dangerous'' Review | journal=] | publisher=Source Publications | location=New York, New York | number=66 | date=March 1995 | issn=1063-2085}}</ref> ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' received favorable reviews by music critics. It earned a 4 mics rating from The Source, claiming " comes with ill animated lyrics, combined with metaphors that stun; a combo sure to have suckas on the run".<ref name=sreview>{{Cite journal | url= | title=''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' Review | journal=] | publisher=Source Publications | location=New York, New York | number=66 | date=March 1995 | issn=1063-2085}}</ref>


M.F. DiBella of Allmusic compliments "L as a master of the lyrical stickup undressing his competition with kinetic metaphors and a brash comedic repertoire," but claimed that production and marketing should have been better.<ref name=amreview>{{cite web|last=DiBella|first=M.F.|title=Review: The Big Picture - Big L|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifestylez-ov-da-poor-and-dangerous-r217577|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=December 4, 2011}}</ref> M.F. DiBella of Allmusic compliments "L as a master of the lyrical stickup undressing his competition with kinetic metaphors and a brash comedic repertoire," but claimed that production and marketing should have been better.<ref name=amreview>{{cite web|last=DiBella|first=M.F.|title=Review: The Big Picture - Big L|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifestylez-ov-da-poor-and-dangerous-r217577|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=December 4, 2011}}</ref>


Steve Juon of RapReviews liked how the album was "jam packed with treats" and complimented how some songs were viewed as "]".<ref name=rrreview>{{cite web|last=Juon|first=Steve|title=Big L :: Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous :: Columbia Records|url=http://rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_bigl.html|publisher=RapReviews|accessdate=April 25, 2011|date=February 18, 2003}}</ref> Steve Juon of RapReviews liked how the album was "jam packed with treats" and complimented how some songs were viewed as "]".<ref name=rrreview>{{cite web|last=Juon|first=Steve|title=Big L :: Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous :: Columbia Records|url=http://rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_bigl.html|publisher=RapReviews|accessdate=April 25, 2011|date=February 18, 2003}}</ref>


==Track listing== ==Track listing==
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| length8 = 5:24 | length8 = 5:24


| title9 = Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous | title9 = Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous
| extra9 = Lord Finesse | extra9 = Lord Finesse
| writer9 = Coleman, Hall | writer9 = Coleman, Hall
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* "8 Iz Enuff" contains a sample of "Soul Travelin" by ], "UFO" by ], as well as "Fuck Compton" by ] * "8 Iz Enuff" contains a sample of "Soul Travelin" by ], "UFO" by ], as well as "Fuck Compton" by ]
* "Da Graveyard" contains a sample of "Represent" by ]. * "Da Graveyard" contains a sample of "Represent" by ].
* "Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous" contains a sample of "You're as Right as Rain" by ] * "Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous" contains a sample of "You're as Right as Rain" by ]
* "Fed Up with the Bullshit" contains a sample of "Between the Sheets" by ] as well as "Ain't No Half Steppin'" by Big Daddy Kane. * "Fed Up with the Bullshit" contains a sample of "Between the Sheets" by ] as well as "Ain't No Half Steppin'" by Big Daddy Kane.
* "Let 'Em Have It 'L{{'"}} contains a sample of "Nautilus" by Bob James. * "Let 'Em Have It 'L{{'"}} contains a sample of "Nautilus" by Bob James.


==Unreleased tracks== ==Unreleased tracks==
A number of tracks did not make the final cut.<ref name=dxinter>{{cite web|last=Arnold|first=Paul|title=Lord Finesse Breaks Down Big L's "Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous"|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/editorials/id.1577/title.lord-finesse-breaks-down-big-ls-lifestylez-ov-da-poor-dangerous|publisher=Hip Hop DX|accessdate=April 25, 2011|date=July 30, 2010}}</ref> A number of tracks did not make the final cut.<ref name=dxinter>{{cite web|last=Arnold|first=Paul|title=Lord Finesse Breaks Down Big L's "Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous"|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/editorials/id.1577/title.lord-finesse-breaks-down-big-ls-lifestylez-ov-da-poor-dangerous|publisher=Hip Hop DX|accessdate=April 25, 2011|date=July 30, 2010}}</ref>


* School Dayz * School Dayz
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==Personnel== ==Personnel==
Credits for ''Lifestylez of da Poor & Dangerous'' adapted from ].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifestylez-ov-da-poor-and-dangerous-r217577/credits | title=''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' > Credits | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> Credits for ''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' adapted from ].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifestylez-ov-da-poor-and-dangerous-r217577/credits | title=''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' > Credits | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref>


{{div col}} {{div col}}
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!Peak<br />position !Peak<br />position
|- |-
! scope="row" | US '']'' ]<ref name=amcharts>{{cite web|title=''Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous'' > Charts & Awards > ''Billboard'' Albums|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifestylez-ov-da-poor-and-dangerous-r217577/charts-awards/billboard-album|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=April 25, 2011}}</ref> ! scope="row" | US '']'' ]<ref name=amcharts>{{cite web|title=''Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous'' > Charts & Awards > ''Billboard'' Albums|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifestylez-ov-da-poor-and-dangerous-r217577/charts-awards/billboard-album|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=April 25, 2011}}</ref>
| align="center" | 149 | align="center" | 149
|- |-
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==External links== ==External links==
{{allmusic|id=r217577|label=Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous}} {{allmusic|id=r217577|label=Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous}}


<!-- Navbox --> <!-- Navbox -->
{{Big L}} {{Big L}}
{{D.I.T.C.}} {{D.I.T.C.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lifestylez ov da Poor and Dangerous}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Lifestyle of the da Poor and Dangerous}}
<!-- Categories --> <!-- Categories -->
] ]

Revision as of 21:46, 27 February 2015

Untitled

Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous is the debut album by American hip hop artist Big L, released March 28, 1995 on Columbia Records. Recording sessions took place primarily at Powerplay Studios in Queens, New York from 1993 to 1994. Production was handled by Buckwild, Craig Boogie, Kid Capri, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz. After being discovered by Lord Finesse in 1990, Big L signed a deal with Columbia Records, and he started to work on the album.

The album debuted at number 149 on the US Billboard 200 and number 22 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, but did not chart internationally. Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous spawned three singles: "Put It On", "M.V.P.", and "No Endz, No Skinz", the first two both peaked within the top 25 on the US Hot Rap Tracks and Hot Dance Singles Sales. Upon its release, the album received average reviews from music critics, earning praise for Big L's lyrics, but not for the production. As of August 2000, the album has sold 200,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Background

Big L began writing rhymes in 1990 and his first professional appearance came on the B-side of "Party Over Here" by Lord Finesse in 1992. Around this time, L joined Lord Finesse's Bronx-based hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.). The group consisted of Lord Finesse, Diamond D, O.C., Fat Joe, Buckwild, Showbiz and A.G. He founded Harlem centered rap group Children of the Corn with fellow aspiring MC's Killa Cam, Murda Mase, and Killa Cam's cousin Bloodshed; when he died in a car accident in 1997, the group later disbanded.

In 1993, Big L submitted a four track cassette tape to Columbia Records, who soon after signed him to their company. The album title is a play on the 1984-95 Television series, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Recording and production

Recording for Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous mainly took place at Powerplay Studios (Queens, New York); the songs "Put It On" and "Danger Zone" were recorded at Unique Studios (New York City, New York) and the songs "M.V.P." and "Street Struck" were recorded at Chung King Studios (New York City, New York). James Niedermeyer worked with Big L on the album and heavily influenced the lyrics on songs such as "Danger Zone" and "All Black".

Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous was produced by mainly members of Big L's group, Diggin' in the Crates Crew: Buckwild, Lord Finesse (who produced most of the album), and Showbiz. Craig Boogie as well as Kid Capri (who was often referred to as an honorary member of D.I.T.C.) also helped with the production of the album. The album also features guest appearances from a young Cam'ron (credited as Killa Cam on "8 Iz Enuff") and Jay-Z (on "Da Graveyard").

Composition

In a 2010 interview with HipHop DX to commemorate the album's 15th year anniversary and its re-issue by Traffic Entertainment, Lord Finesse discussed the making of the album.

Concerning "Put It On", he stated:

wanted something with a hook that would be kinda catchy, and something they could get radio play with. Like, everything did was dark, and it was gangsta, and it was . . . what was the ? Horror-core. So they needed something bright, something friendly. And "Put It On" just matched everything perfect."

Concerning "M.V.P.", he stated:

That song came about because L wanted a commercial, R&B loop that everybody could recognize. And me remembering that record, and also remembering how Kid Capri used it way back when he did – I forgot which record he did, but he had that , and I’m like, "Damn, well maybe we could reinvent that right there." And L heard the loop and was like, "Yeah, that’s it!" But, Diggin’, we had to have the right drums, the right everything , and we dressed it up in a way where we tried to keep it Hip Hop.

Concerning "8 Iz Enuff", he said:

With that L just thought he had to do a track with the rappers from his hood. And he definitely wanted to put on … We looking like, "How you gonna put eight niggas on one track?" , "Don’t worry, I got this."

Speaking about "Danger Zone", he said:

At the time it was somebody by the name of David Kahne . He was like the person who was responsible for getting L signed, and he loved all that devil’s son shit. "Oh wow, this is great!" It’s like, "Are you serious?" Because we had to make change a line in "Devil’s Son" because it was , "You’re too out-of-order." What was the line . . . "I’m killin’ chumps for the cheapest price / I’m rollin’ with Satan," it was "F Jesus Christ." But we made him change it to "Not Jesus Christ." like, "Yo, what the fuck are you doing?!"

Commenting on "Street Struck", he said:

That was Sony . , "You so dark on this album, we need something positive we can push. This album is too dark: you got "All Black", you got "Danger Zone", you done came out with "Devil’s Son". We really don’t wanna push that as your image. You have to do something that’s gonna balance it." And that’s we started doing more conceptual, conscious songs like "Fed Up Wit The Bullshit", "Street Struck", and "M.V.P." and "Put It On."

Release and promotion

Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous was released on March 28, 1995. Prior to the release, Big L, under Columbia, released a promotional cassette tape in 1994 consisting of four tracks that did not make it to the final album.

Singles

Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous released three singles, all of which peaked within the top 25 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks and Hot Dance Singles Sales. The first single to release was "Put It On." It peaked at number 12 on Hot Dance Singles Sales, 23 on Hot Rap Tracks, and 81 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The second single to be released was "M.V.P.", which peaked at number 15 on Hot Rap Tracks, 25 on Hot Dance Singles Sales, and 56 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The third and final single from the album was "No Endz, No Skinz", however, the song did not chart. In addition to the three singles, "Street Struck" was released as a promotional single, but did not chart as well.

Reception

Commercial performance

Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous debuted at number 149 on the US Billboard 200 and number 22 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album would not peak any higher. It has sold over 200,000 copies since August 2000.

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic
RapReviews(9/10)
The Source

Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous received favorable reviews by music critics. It earned a 4 mics rating from The Source, claiming " comes with ill animated lyrics, combined with metaphors that stun; a combo sure to have suckas on the run".

M.F. DiBella of Allmusic compliments "L as a master of the lyrical stickup undressing his competition with kinetic metaphors and a brash comedic repertoire," but claimed that production and marketing should have been better.

Steve Juon of RapReviews liked how the album was "jam packed with treats" and complimented how some songs were viewed as "underground hip hop".

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Put It On" (featuring Kid Capri)Best, ColemanBuckwild3:39
2."M.V.P."Coleman, Hall, Jordan, M.D. DeBargeLord Finesse3:40
3."No Endz, No Skinz" (featuring Showbiz)Coleman, LemayShowbiz3:30
4."8 Iz Enuff" (featuring Buddah Bless, Herb McGruff, Killa Cam, Mike Boogie, Terra, Big Twan & Trooper J)Best, Buddah Bless, Coleman, Kam, McGruff, Mik, Terra, Trooper J., TwanBuckwild4:59
5."All Black"Coleman, HallLord Finesse4:21
6."Danger Zone" (featuring Herb McGruff)Best, ColemanBuckwild3:38
7."Street Struck"Coleman, HallLord Finesse4:10
8."Da Graveyard" (featuring Lord Finesse, Microphone Nut, Jay-Z, Party Arty & Grand Daddy I.U.)Best, ColemanBuckwild5:24
9."Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous"Coleman, HallLord Finesse3:22
10."I Don't Understand It"Coleman, LemayShowbiz4:21
11."Fed Up wit the Bullshit"Coleman, HallLord Finesse3:53
12."Let 'Em Have It "L"C.Rollins, ColemanCraig Boogie3:58
Samples credits

Unreleased tracks

A number of tracks did not make the final cut.

  • School Dayz
  • Timez is Hard
  • Clinic
  • Devil's Son
  • Unexpected Flava
Samples credits for unreleased tracks

Personnel

Credits for Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous adapted from Allmusic.

Charts

Chart (1995) Peak
position
US Billboard 200 149
US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 22

Release history

Region Date Label Ref.
United States March 28, 1995 Columbia
France March 28, 1995 Sony
Canada June 18, 2001 Sony
United Kingdom October 6, 2009 Sony

References

  1. ^ "Big L - Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous (Vinyl, LP, Album) at Discogs". Discogs. Zinc Media. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  2. ^ Arnold, Paul (July 30, 2010). "Lord Finesse Breaks Down Big L's "Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous"". Hip Hop DX. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  3. ^ "Big L > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
  4. "Billboard Chart Search: 'Put It On'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
  5. "Billboard Chart Search: 'M.V.P.'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
  6. "Billboard 200". Billboard. 107 (15). Nielsen Business Media: 78. April 15, 1995. ISSN 0006-2510.
  7. "Billboard Top R&B Albums". Billboard. 107 (15). Nielsen Business Media: 22. April 15, 1995. ISSN 0006-2510.
  8. Berry, Jahna (August 11, 2000). "Street Buzz, Duets Fuel Sales of Big L's The Big Picture". Vh1. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on October 30, 2011. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  9. ^ DiBella, M.F. "Review: The Big Picture - Big L". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 4, 2011.
  10. ^ Juon, Steve (February 18, 2003). "Big L :: Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous :: Columbia Records". RapReviews. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  11. ^ "Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous Review". The Source (66). New York, New York: Source Publications. March 1995. ISSN 1063-2085.
  12. "Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous > Credits". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
  13. ^ "Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  14. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000294R
  15. http://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00000294R
  16. http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00000294R
  17. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002IUBFPE

External links

Lifestyle of the Poor & Dangerous at AllMusic

Big L
Studio albums
Posthumous albums
Live albums
Compilation albums
Singles
Related articles
D.I.T.C.
Albums
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