4, 5, 6 (Cold Chillin', 1995) by Kool G. Rap

Lyrically and rap-wise, this album is incredible.  Kool G. Rap is one of the best rappers ever period.  His multi-syllablic rhymes allow him to fit an incredible amount of words into every bar without rapping too fast beyond comprehension.  As far as production, Dr. Butcher produces a lot of the album's material.  However, his beats aren't quite on par with what G. Rap has rhymed over in the past.  The album's highlight is the Buckwild-produced "Fast Life" which features Nas and makes better use of the Surface sample than R. Kelly would three years later on "Only the Loot Can Make Me Happy."

Murda Muzik (Loud, 1999) by Mobb Deep

Havoc and Prodigy's fourth album lives up to its title.  It's a dark and murky collection of insight, rage and fear.  Mobb Deep has always been a few steps above the stereotypical "gangsta rap" cliches, and this is no exception.  "Spread Love" is a cry for a change for the better in at risk areas, "The Realest" is a phenomenal collaboration with Kool G. Rap and the "Quiet Storm" remix is one of the best songs Lil Kim has ever done.  Production wise, Havoc sounds better than ever and Prodigy's rhymes are great ("P holds the pen tightly, explode nightly/I count on one finger all y'all rap niggaz that excite me/Y'all niggaz is trash rap - wanna fight me?/You shook to death, take breaths and step lightly).  Although not quite as powerful as The Infamous, Murda Muzik is landmark hardcore hip hop album that held its own at time when hip hop was at its commercial peak.

Live and Let Die (Cold Chillin', 1992) by Kool G. Rap & D.J. Polo

In the 90s, it was Biggie, Jay-Z, or Nas.  And in the 80s, it was Rakim, Kane, or G. Rap.  And even though G. Rap did not sell in the millions- what he lacked in sales, he more than made up for in influence.  He pioneered multi-syllabic rhyming and his descriptive street narratives were definitely a first as well.  This is also one of my favorite album covers too.  Two cops tied to nooses while standing on chairs that are attached to dogs.  G. Rap and Polo are then standing just out of the dogs' reach with pieces of meat.  Guess what happens next?