Didn't read the whole thread. This album had an immensely negative impact on hip hop in that it set the template for how many rappers structured their albums after it was released. Songs modeled on sounds from other regions, double time flow, R&B songs, blatant crossover pop songs, few joints from Primo, few other hardbody joints.
Thing was, BIG was skilled and versatile enough to pull it off.
Name one wack verse on the album?
We really gonna act like Ni**az Bleed and I Got A Story To Tell aren't both top 25 all time in terms of storytelling?
We gonna act like he didn't kill it with the double time flow?
Sure - some of the beats trended too commercial. The album isn't flawless. But in terms of overall quality and impact, I don't see the argument that the album isn't classic.
If this album isn't classic - what is?