The Big L Biopic (Put It On) Canceled: A Journey Cut Short of Production

In this pause, we anticipate the resumption of Big L's story on a platform that befits his legacy. For now, we extend our gratitude to Jesse (Daze) Swindell and Kevin Townley and the entire cast and staff for their valiant efforts, and we eagerly await the day when Big L's tale graces the silver screen, a tribute befitting the indelible mark he left on the world of hip-hop.

Actor/ rapper Sean Jenkins as Big L in record shop signing original album for store owner

In the world of entertainment, projects often go through numerous ups and downs before reaching the big screen. Such is the case with the highly-anticipated biopic of the legendary rapper, Big L, titled "PUT IT ON." Unfortunately, after a series of setbacks and challenges, the project has been officially canceled. Let's take a closer look at the journey behind the scenes.

James (Big Lee right hand man) , Jesse (Daze) Swindell film producer, Leroy Phinazee Jr. (lil Lee) Executive producer

In 2018, the hip-hop world was buzzing with excitement when news broke about the Big L biopic titled "Put It On." The script, masterfully crafted by Jesse (Daze) Swindell, received assistance from Big L's nephew, Leroy Phinazee Jr., and his brother, Don, along with other close family and friends. However, amidst personal tragedies and various challenges, the project faced unexpected setbacks, leading to its eventual cancellation. A Tragic Turn of Events: The year 2019 brought heart-wrenching news as Leroy Phinazee Jr., also known as Lil Lee, was tragically shot and killed on the very block where his father and uncle, Big Lee and Big L, respectively, met their untimely fates.

Put It On Movie cast and staff

Lil Lee's death, coupled with online feuds involving members of D.I.T.C (Diggin' in the Crates Crew), added to the already mounting difficulties faced by the biopic. A New Partnership: Realizing the need to overcome these obstacles, Jesse (Daze) Swindell decided to seek a new path forward. He teamed up with film producer Kevin Townley, hoping that this partnership would breathe new life into the project.

The path to bringing Big L's story to life proved to be an uphill battle.

Their collaboration aimed to resurrect the "Put It On" biopic and honor the legacy of the late rap legend, Big L. Casting Call and Progress: In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, despite the challenging circumstances, a casting call was held in the South Bronx at a local studio to search for the perfect actors to portray the lead characters in "Put It On." Sean Jenkins was selected to embody the late rap legend, receiving the esteemed co-sign from Big L's childhood friend, Herb McGruf

Sean Jenkins as Big L and the real Herb McGruff on set

With McGruff's endorsement, the project began to gain momentum. An Ambitious Sizzle: The passion behind the project was evident as the full cast, including portrayals of Big L, Fat Joe, Jay-Z, Big Pun, Lord Finesse, and Biggie Smalls, came together. The team shot 85% of an impressive sizzle reel on the actual streets of Harlem, capturing the essence of the era and the spirit of Big L. Over the course of a week, they meticulously crafted a 15-minute preview, showcasing their dedication and talent.

Big L and Biggie portrayed in 139st park

Obstacles and Heartbreak: Unfortunately, the road to success was not without its hurdles. The project encountered yet another setback when Big L's brother, Don, and the Big L estate decided against moving forward. Other documentaries and the sale of Big L's masters complicated the clearance process, leading to disagreement among family members involved.

Sean Jenkins as Big L, and Chavar Smalls as Big Lee posted in Harlem on 140th & Lenox

Despite the cast's dedication and enthusiasm, the project hit a major roadblock. The End of the Road: With years of frustration mounting, Jesse (Daze) Swindell made the difficult decision to throw in the towel, acknowledging that the project's journey had come to an end. However, in a final tribute to Big L's legacy, the sizzle reel, crafted with love and passion in 2020, will be released to the public before 2023 ends. Looking to the Future: Though "Put It On" may have met an unfortunate end, the story of Big L and his impact on the hip-hop community remains relevant and deserving of a cinematic portrayal. Jesse (Daze) Swindell, despite the challenges faced, still holds hope for a future film or documentary that will honor the late rapper's legacy.

Sean Jenkins as Big L and Tammi Bailey as Gilder (Pinky) Terry, Big L’s mother, on set filming his final words to her

Conclusion: The cancellation of the Big L biopic "Put It On" leaves a lingering sense of what could have been. As we bid farewell to one cinematic endeavor, we hold onto the optimism that the Big L estate, in collaboration with passionate filmmakers and the support of New York's hip-hop royalty, will produce something extraordinary in honor of the legendary lyricist.

Farewell to a King in the making "Leroy L. Phinazee" 1989-2019

On June 24th 2019, Leroy Phinazee was shot and killed in cold blood around 7pm in Harlem on 137th street on Lenox avenue. At the time of his death Leroy was only 29 yrs young. He was a father, a brother, a son, a friend and a king in the making. Unfortunately his life was cut short of his comings. The crazy part is he was killed only 2 blocks from where his father Big Lee was killed as well his uncle Big L was killed.

As most have heard about his recent demise from local news articles and social media farewell post, most wasn’t informed of his plans and what he had in the works. Leroy was a dedicated father and made it his business to take care of son who is an aspiring basketball player. Leroy did his best to attend every basketball game and take side line pix in support of his son. His son’s future was his main focus. I can recall us having numerous conversations on what we have to do for our kids so they have a better life than had. He wanted the best for his son by any means necessary. We would have debates on how expensive the basketball programs is in Atlanta vs. in New York. this was a topic we talked about on several occasions. .

Aside from the discussions about our kids we also was working on a project titled “Put It On” which is a film based on the life and death of his uncle Lamont Coleman Phinazee better known as the Harlem rap legend Big L. We’ve been working endless nights on the project for about 2 years and just finished the script up a few days before his passing. He was listed as the ex-producer and scheduled to portray his father also named Leroy Phinazee (Big Lee) in the film. This would have been his debut as an actor and as a film producer. During the course of us building the film we went to Los Angeles to rub elbows with the big names in the film industry and we built some great relationships with some great people. He enjoyed the grind. Things was just getting where we wanted them.

Leroy and Daze in Los Angles at The Staples Center

During the time we hit Los Angles we attend the Oscars, then a adult convention event at the Staples Center and a really dope party after the Oscars. We had a ball. I remember having a few drinks and Leroy was like, “Yo bro you good? You know you gotta get it us back to our room right, I ain’t driving out here in LA, my license suspended ”. LOL. I remember driving up the Hollywood hills one early morning and Leroy sat in the back on the passenger side with the window crack half way. He was like “ Yo bro be careful driving on this shit, feels like we about to drive right off. Keep your eyes on the road”. Lol. We laughed at how serious he got the closer we got to the edge. I’m not going to lie, it was scary but it was a beautiful site to see once we got to the top. We all enjoyed the priceless view at the top of Hollywood.

Leroy at the top of the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles 2019

Every body that knew Leroy would tell you, Leroy wasn’t into the night life at all. No drinking no smoking none of it. He always move with direct purpose. When he came to ATL to visit me with his god father James we hit up a few spots. I would take them on set of a Love and Hip-Hop taping where he met a few of the cast members and we would go to my magazine headquarters downtown Atlanta to go over the movie details. This Big L movie was coming along great. A lot of people from the inner circle wasn’t so supportive of the film but Leroy always said “if they ain’t contributing to what we doing then fuck them, make that shit work best way you can. Stop waiting on these niggaz to get involved”. And that’s how we moved on making this project, and that’s how we going to continue to move until it hits theaters.

From right: Daze, Shan, Leroy, James and Rock at the Scrilla Guerillaz Magazine headquarters in Atlanta

Leroy is definitely going to be missed. This is a major lost to the family and friends that loved him however no one compares to the lost and pain his son must be feeling. As far as the film, we going to continue with the project as best as we can. We were making a few adjustments to the completed script the day Leroy was killed. He will definitely be honored in the film. His main thing with this film was to get it done by any and all means necessary and get to the next project. I won’t speak on what vision he had for the next project publicly but he had a lot in the works and with the blessings of the Phinazee family we will be able to bring his vision to life on the big screen. You will forever be in our hearts and we will honor your legacy Lil Lee. Rest In Heaven my friend. - Jesse (Daze) Swindell

James, Daze and Leroy in Atlanta

Leroy and his son

Daze at the Big L mural where the candles are postioned to say Leroy