That's Hip-Hop
We're 3 high school friends who share a common passion for Hip Hop. Each of us have created our own albums, performed or started our own channels, but this time, we are collaborating together to share our common bond over our love for hip hop. We are taking a journey into the music. Going album by album to dissect and share our experiences with the tracks. We release a new episode every Monday. Check us out and let us know what albums we should review next!
That's Hip-Hop
#166 RETURN OF THE KING ALBUM REVIEW - BIG L
This episode is more than an album review—it’s a passionate love letter to one of hip-hop’s greatest “what ifs.” The hosts dive deep into Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King, unpacking how Mass Appeal carefully stitched together unreleased verses, remastered freestyles, and heartfelt testimonies to honor Big L’s legacy. Along the way, they remind listeners why Big L was revered as a “lyricist’s lyricist,” capable of razor-sharp punchlines, vivid street narratives, and effortless freestyle dominance that made even legends like Nas and Jay-Z raise their bar. If you’ve ever wondered why so many greats still speak his name with reverence, this conversation makes it unmistakably clear.
What truly sets this video apart is how it blends technical breakdowns with raw emotion. The hosts revisit the legendary seven-minute freestyle, dissect iconic bars line by line, and reflect on the tragedy of Big L’s untimely death and the massive void it left in hip-hop. They speculate on the alternate timeline—Big L on Rockefeller, Big L over modern production, Big L as a mainstream icon—and it hits hard. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who’s only heard his name in passing, this episode pulls you into the history, the music, and the myth in a way that makes you want to press play immediately and experience Return of the King for yourself.