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
Hamas reps meeting with Egyptian negotiators to discuss Trump's Gaza peace plan

Hamas Engages with Egyptian Mediators to Evaluate Trump’s Proposed Gaza Peace Plan

Representatives from Hamas were anticipated to engage in discussions with Egyptian mediators…
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home allegedly targeted in second attack in two days, cops make 2 arrests

Sam Altman Targeted: OpenAI CEO’s Home Faces Back-to-Back Attacks, Arrests Made

In an unsettling turn of events, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s San Francisco…
Kamala Harris mocked for worst Trump impression ever

Kamala Harris Faces Backlash Over Viral Trump Impression Labeled as Her Worst Yet

Former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris faced widespread ridicule after her attempt…
Defiant Iran accuses US of 'piracy' in Strait of Hormuz, taunts Trump over gas prices

Iran Accuses US of ‘Piracy’ in Strait of Hormuz, Challenges Trump on Rising Gas Prices

In a bold move on Monday, Iran accused the United States of…
MLB news: Chicago White Sox calling up Chicago-area native LHP Noah Schultz, top-rated pitching prospect for Tuesday debut

Local Hero: Chicago White Sox Promote Top Prospect Noah Schultz for Anticipated MLB Debut

The Chicago White Sox are set to elevate their premier pitching talent,…
Iran issues dire warning about President Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade

Iran’s Urgent Warning: Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade Sparks Global Tensions

WASHINGTON — On Sunday, Iran issued a stern warning, asserting that military…
‘Gate of Tears’ at risk: Iran threatens major new global chokepoint if US moves on Hormuz

Iran’s Warning: New Global Chokepoint Looms as Tensions Rise Over Hormuz Strait

Trump details US oil demand amid conflict in Iran In a recent…
Broadway's 'Rocky Horror' revival limits audience participation, disappointing fans

Broadway’s ‘Rocky Horror’ Revival Imposes New Restrictions on Audience Participation, Leaving Fans Disheartened

“Dammit, Janet!” The iconic musical “The Rocky Horror Show” is making its…
Republican businesswoman takes on Rep. Pat Ryan -- says two-termer 'cowed' by Dem party bosses

Republican Challenger Accuses Rep. Pat Ryan of Party Allegiance in Bid for Congressional Seat

A Republican entrepreneur is gearing up to challenge Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan,…
DUI suspect slams into North Hollywood home after killing 2 pedestrians

Suspected DUI Driver Crashes Into North Hollywood Home, Resulting in Two Pedestrian Fatalities

In a shocking incident captured on video, an allegedly intoxicated driver fatally…
Husband of missing mom Lynette Hooker in 'extremely fragile state' as cops must make major decision today

Urgent Decision Looms as Lynette Hooker’s Husband Faces Emotional Turmoil Amidst Ongoing Investigation

The husband of missing American woman Lynette Hooker is reportedly in a…
'I’m not a fan': Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV amid feud over Iran war

Trump Slams Pope Leo XIV: Sparks Fly in Heated Iran War Debate

In a move that captured widespread attention, President Donald Trump lashed out…