In this episode of "Hip Hop What Ifs," we dive deep into the intriguing question: What if Big L had not been tragically killed in 1999? We explore his impact on hip-hop, his lyrical prowess, and the potential trajectory of his career had he lived. We reminisce about Big L's early days with Children of the Corn and his rise in the rap scene, highlighting his unique style and wordplay that set him apart from his contemporaries. Our discussion touches on his collaborations with notable artists like Jay-Z and Tupac, and we reflect on the significance of his album "Lifestyles of the Poor and Dangerous." As we navigate through the what-ifs, we consider how Big L's presence might have altered the landscape of hip-hop, particularly within the Rockefeller label, and whether he would have overshadowed other artists like Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel. We also discuss the evolution of his legacy posthumously, noting how his music gained traction after his death and how he became a revered figure in the genre. Throughout the episode, we engage in a lively debate about the dynamics of hip-hop beefs, the significance of lyricism, and the changing nature of the industry. We also touch on the current state of hip-hop, comparing the careers of artists like Jay-Z and Nas, and how their paths have diverged over the years. Join us as we reimagine the possibilities of Big L's career and the broader implications for hip-hop culture, all while celebrating the artistry and influence of one of the genre's most talented lyricists. Email the show at hiphopwhatif@gmail.com Follow SOLC Network onlineInstagram: https://bit.ly/39VL542                         Twitter: https://bit.ly/39aL395                         Facebook: https://bit.ly/3sQn7je                To Listen to the podcastPodbean https://bit.ly/3t7SDJH                     YouTube http://bit.ly/3ouZqJU                     Spotify http://spoti.fi/3pwZZnJ                    Apple http://apple.co/39rwjD1 IHeartRadio http://ihr.fm/2L0A2y