Lamont Coleman, better known as rapper Big L, was shot and killed Monday night in the Harlem area of New York City.

The rapper was gunned down in front of his home on West 139th St. and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 22-year-old rapper was part of the group Diggin' In The Crates which also includes Fat Joe, O.C., Diamond D, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz & AG. Big L was also known for underground hits like "Ebonics" and "Hit 'Em Up." DITC had recently finished recording sessions for its debut album, which will be released by Tommy Boy Records in May.

Tommy Boy said of the rapper's death, "Big L, a talented artist and a good friend to many, will be missed by the Tommy Boy staff.

Big L had released one album, 1995's "Lifestylez Ov Da Poor And Dangerous," which featured the debut of Cam'ron as Killer Cam (on a song called "Eight Iz Enuff"). The album also featured an appearance by Jay-Z on a track called "The Graveyard.

The rapper's death was

a recurring topic at a benefit show for the Greenwich Village Youth Council Tuesday night in New York that featured the Arsonists, Cibo Matto, Sean Lennon, Kathleen Hanna, Johnny Temple, the Rocksteady Crew, Joan Jett, and others.

"I'd just like to say that tonight's performance is dedicated to the memory of Big L," the Arsonists' Q-Unique told MTV News Tuesday night.

Rest in peace, Big L," the group's Freestyle added.

We're doing this for him because we were going on tour with him next week," Q-Unique said.[28.8 RealVideo]