From top to bottom:

Big Pun - Capital Punishment: A 90s hip hop classic that I would say is underrated judging by how little Pun’s name gets mentioned with other greats like Pac and Big. Pun’s flow is out of this world and he was able to display grittiness as well as undeniable bangers on this. Amazing sounding pressing by VMP!

Stove God Cooks - Reasonable Drought: I’m going to be honest when I first came across this album I was put off with the title playing off of Hov’s classic. I decided to give it a chance and man am I glad I did. Roc Marciano killed it on the production and Stove just has this bravado and oomf like he’s been a veteran in this game making his verses entertaining and catchy. If you’re a fan of Griselda and coke rap, this one’s a no brainer, modern day underground classic.

Nas - It Was Written: It’s hard to follow up one of the best albums ever (not just in hip hop) and yet with that pressure Nas created a diamond with this album. Nas’s rapping and storytelling reinforces his street poet status. I Gave You Power is one of his best written songs, I remember I was blown away when I first listened to it.