Album Review: Harlem’s Finest: Return of The King by Big L

The final posthumous album from the Harlem MC curated by Mass Appeal.

Released in 1995, Lifestyles ov da Poor & Dangerous was the only album Harlem MC Big L put out in his lifetime. When he was killed in 1999, he became one of the biggest “what-ifs” in hip-hop. Known for clever wordplay and punchlines and creative storytelling, his brief life inspired countless other rappers.

Harlem’s Finest was announced in early 2025 as part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It series. His family also confirmed it would Big L’s final album. The album kicks off with “Harlem Universal”, starts off with a spoken interlude Following that was the lead single “u ain’t gotta chance” featuring Nas. “Fred Samuel Playground” is a grimy-sounding collaboration with Method Man produced by Conductor Williams, which serves as one of . A remastered version of the iconic “7 Minute Freestyle” featuring Jay-Z is also on the album, where the two rapper trade bars.

While most of the album are older freestyles over remastered beats, a list of features helped to give Harlem’s Finest a fresher sound. “Forever” is a collaboration with Big L and the late Mac Miller, accompanied by a smooth chorus by R&B singer Pale Jay.  Grants Tomb ‘97 (Jazzmobile) features a verse from Joey Bada$$ with a classic New York sound.

 Harlem’s Finest is yet another reminder of what could’ve been. While those who were familiar with Big L’s work may be somewhat disappointed at the lack of newer material, the album can serve an introduction to fans who were formerly unfamiliar with his music. 

Album Grade: 

  1. Harlem Universal (ft. McGruff)-8.5/10  
  1. U Ain’t Gotta Chance (ft. Nas)-10/10 
  1. RHN (Real Harlem Niggas) (ft. Errol Holden)-8/10 
  1. Fred Samuel Playground (ft. Method Man)-8/10 
  1. Big Lee & Reg (ft. Errol Holden)-7.5/10 
  1. All Alone (Quiet Storm Mix) (ft. Novel)-9/10 
  1. Forever (ft. Mac Miller & Pale Jay)-9/10 
  1. 7 Minute Freestyle (ft. Jay-Z)-10/10 
  1. Doo Wop Freestyle ‘99-8/10 
  1. Stretch & Bob Freestyle (‘98)- Don & Sacha Intro 
  1. Stretch & Bob Freestyle (’98)-8/10 
  1.  Grants Tomb ‘97 (Jazzmobile) (ft.DJ Ron G, Joey Bada$$ & BVNGS)-8/10 
  1. Live @ Rock N Will (ft. Show)-8.5/10 
  1. How Will I Make It (Park West High School Mix)-9/10 
  1. Don & Sacha @ Inwood Hill Park (Closing Scene) 
  1. Put the Mic Down (ft. Fergie Baby & Party Arty)-9/10 

Overall Rating: 8.6/10