I submit the following list of what I deem as Hip-Hop masterpieces, or albums perfect, or at least almost perfect, in construction, form, and execution:

In no particular order
1. Illmatic-Nas
2. The Blueprint-Jay-z
3. Straight Outta Compton-NWA
4. Paid in Full-Eric B. and Rakim
5. The Low-End theory=A Tribe Called Quest
6. 3 Feet High and Rising

I'd add Missy Elliott's Miss E...So Addictive and N.E.R.D.'s In Search of... myself, but you've picked some great ones!

I would consider The Blueprint to be a rare RAP masterpiece, not hip-hop. As I would Missy Elliott. N*E*R*D really doesn't belong in neither one. They defy categorization.

Okay... What about Enter The 36 Chambers by Wu-Tang.

Definitely hip-hop

In my opinion:

1. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back - Public Enemy
2. Fear of a Black Planet - Public Enemy
3. Stankonia - OutKast
4. Phrenology - The Roots
5. 3 Feet High and Rising - De La Soul