Jay-Z

The Jiggaman's outstanding (and underappreciated) debut solo album, this '96 classic introduced many heads to Jay Hova's ill wordplay and criminally minded rhyme schemes. With stellar, sample-based beats from Premier, Ski, and others -- not to mention sick collaborations with Biggie, Mary J. Blige, and Foxy Brown -- this is mandatory Brooklyn hip-hop.

"watching every ***** watching me closely" ("Friend or Foe," "Cashmere Thoughts") (Grade - *)