Big L and Wu tang shouldn't even be in the same sentence as the other names you mentioned... Its nearly disrespectful. however Big L is one of the greatest. I enjoy listening to his work high or not.
some good albums to get down to. big l- the big picture, lifestyles of the poor and dangerous tha alkaholiks- likwidation, x.o Experience the beatnuts- take it or squeeze it, the originators nas- illmatic, it was written chino xl- here to save you all the arsonists- as the world burns