Man Killed Thursday in Harlem was Alleged Killer of Rapper Big L

Rappers Big L (left) and Rakim

HARLEM, NY -- The man shot and killed Thursday night in Harlem was once a suspect in the murder of Harlem rapper Big L, according to multiple reports.

Gerard Woodley, 46, was shot in the head and rushed to Harlem Hospital where he died from his injuries. The shooting took place at West 139th Street and Lenox Avenue.

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In 1999 Woodley was arrested and accused of killing Harlem rapper Big L, DNAinfo first reported. Eventually the charges against Woodley were dropped due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

Sources told DNAinfo that Woodley's killing was likely not revenge for the murder of Big L due to the long time period in between their deaths.

Lamont Coleman, known by his stage name Big L, was born in Harlem in 1974. During his short career as a rapper he produced hits such as "Put it On," "'98 Freestyle," and "Ebonics. His first album, "Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous," was released in 1995, just four years prior to his murder.

[Photo: WillStunting via Wikimedia commons]