Big L's brother breaks his silence in new doc that promises answers decades after legendary rapper gunned down
Share this @internewscast.com

The enigma surrounding the murder of iconic Harlem rapper Big L, which has puzzled many for nearly three decades, might soon be unraveled according to his family, who spoke with The Post this week.

Lamont Coleman met his untimely demise on February 15, 1999, in a drive-by shooting at the intersection of West 139th Street and Lenox Avenue—a location famously depicted in his lyrics. At the age of just 24, his life was tragically cut short.

Tragically, since Big L’s death, two other members from his immediate family have also lost their lives within the vicinity of where he was shot nine times.

Three months after the murder, authorities arrested Gerald Woodley, a childhood friend of Lamont, but he was subsequently released due to insufficient evidence.

This week, the family has revealed there’s more to this story, which they plan to explore in an upcoming documentary titled “The Parable of Lamont Coleman,” set to release by the year’s end.

This film delves into the intricate web of relationships and betrayals surrounding the mysterious “Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous” artist, whose tracks like “Flamboyant,” “M.V.P.,” and “Danger Zone” solidified his status as an underground hip-hop legend.

“Everything will be answered,” Big L’s brother Donald Phinazee told The Post.

“For the first time, my family’s true story will be told, and it will be shocking,” he added.

There are never-before-seen home videos, unreleased footage, and new testimony that challenges the old narratives and will finally tell the complex story around Big L’s death.

Where it will be shown will be announced at a later date.

A new documentary about the life and death of rapper Big L and his family is in the works.

The family did not shy away from saying that Big L was a product of his environment.

“Lamont was no saint,” Phinazee admitted.

Leroy “Big Lee” Phinazee, Big L’s older half-brother, was a leader of the notorious Harlem street gang known as the 139th St. NFL Crew, according to a 2017 book titled “Ethylene: The Rise and Fall of The NFL Crew.”

NFL, or “N—-z For Life,” was known for extreme violence, drug trafficking and allegedly involved in dozens of murders and was often mentioned in Big L’s lyrics.

Before Big L’s murder, Phinazee was imprisoned for a probation violation when he sought revenge on three rival gang bangers — Including Woodley. He allegedly contracted a Brooklyn-based hitman, and tasked his little brother, Big L, with identifying the targets, according to the book.

Leroy’s street ties led cops to believe Big L’s murder was a retaliation for his brother’s actions or possibly a case of mistaken identity.

“It’s a good possibility it was retaliation for something Big L’s brother did, or Woodley believed he had done,” said a spokesperson for the NYPD. 

Woodley was gunned down in 2016 at the same intersection where Lamont was murdered.

On his first album, “Lifestylez” Lamont immortalized this stretch around West 139th Street and Lenox Avenue as the ”Danger Zone.”  

In 2002, Leroy was 33 when he was shot and killed just two blocks away from where Big L was gunned down. His son, also named Leroy Phinazee and known as “Little Lee,” was shot and killed in 2019 on the same streets. He was 29.

Their mother died in 2008.

“My mother died of a broken heart,” said Phinazee, who remembered only good things about his famous brother.

Coleman was raised in Harlem by his mother Gilda “Pinky” Terry, alongside his older step-brothers, Donald and Leroy.

“People have an idea of what Harlem is like, but no one really knows besides the people who lived there,” said Phinazee. “There were good times — basketball, music, parties.

“My mother loved Earth, Wind and Fire, The Temptations.

“She bought us this little DJ machine, and we went crazy with it. Lamont got so good he started doing freestyle battles … he won this trophy — it was bigger than him.”

In 1985, Phinazee took his then 11-year-old brother to a Run-DMC concert.

“Lamont was mesmerized and after that, all he wanted to do was rhyme.”

Coleman’s focus was on his music, even later competing with superstar Jay-Z in rap rhyming competitions, ending with J-Z being so impressed by Big L that he wanted to sign him to his Roc-A-Fella record label, which later became Roc Nation.

“His talents had no limits, his potential was infinity,” said Phinazee.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago crime: Nassie Mason, Erving Harris targeted contractor Jerry Lewis in fatal shooting on Madison near United Center

Tragic Shooting Near United Center: Nassie Mason and Erving Harris Accused in Contractor Jerry Lewis’s Death

In a tragic incident that has left the Chicago community reeling, two…
‘Lovers’ Lane’ murders suspect nabbed decades after couple found dead in car

Suspect Arrested Decades Later in Infamous ‘Lovers’ Lane’ Double Homicide Case

The “Lovers’ Lane” mystery, a cold case that has haunted Texas for…
Sheridan Gorman's university newspaper touts ICE tracker after freshman allegedly murdered by illegal alien

University Newspaper Spotlights ICE Tracker Following Freshman Tragedy Linked to Undocumented Immigrant

Over a week has passed since the tragic murder of Loyola University…
'Lovers' Lane Murders' case: Officials share details after Cheryl Henry & Andy Atkinson murders went unsolved for nearly 36 years

Authorities Release New Insights into the Decades-Old ‘Lovers’ Lane Murders’ of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson

In Harris County, Texas, a decades-old double murder case has seen a…
California dad Joseph Brandlin arrested for repainting, adding stop signs on dangerous intersection after son's near miss

California Father Takes Action: Arrested for DIY Road Safety Improvements Following Son’s Close Call

A California father found himself in handcuffs this month after taking matters…
Chicago crime: Nassie Mason, Erving Harris targeted contractor Jerry Lewis in fatal shooting on Madison near United Center

Fatal Shooting Near United Center: Nassie Mason and Erving Harris Charged in Contractor Jerry Lewis’ Death

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a recent development, two men from Chicago have…
TSA workers will start seeing paychecks on Monday — thanks to Trump's order

TSA Employees Receive Pay Boost Following Presidential Directive

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees can expect their paychecks to start arriving…
Illegal immigrant confesses to 2 cold-blooded murders months apart: report

Undocumented Immigrant Admits to Involvement in Two Separate Homicides: Report

An undocumented immigrant has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly admitting…
Gavin Newsom floats idea of mandatory national service

Gavin Newsom Proposes Bold Plan for Mandatory National Service to Unite and Empower the Nation

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential…
Noelia Castillo's dad battled for years to try to stop her death

Father’s Tireless Battle to Prevent Daughter Noelia Castillo’s Tragic Death

For years, Geronimo Castillo fought tirelessly to prevent his daughter, Noelia Castillo,…
Rubio meets G7 ministers in France as US leads on Iran — allies under fire for tepid response

Rubio Joins G7 Ministers in France: US Takes Charge on Iran Amidst Ally Criticism

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio touched down in France on Friday…
Ex-MMA thug who assaulted woman during her FaceTime call with Barron Trump learns fate

Former MMA Fighter Sentenced for Assaulting Woman on FaceTime with Barron Trump

A former Russian mixed martial arts competitor, marked by his “jealous” demeanor,…