I was literally thinking about this today. In my opinion its a certified classic.
1. It changed the trajectory of music at the time. I really think this is what took the game away from the east or west and started the southern reign we know of today.
2. Its timeless. You can still jam to most of the music on that album. Why? Because most of the music out now is directly influenced by that album. All those trap beats, all those club anthems, all those songs for the scrippers, all sound like 400 degreez. Listen to a Meek Millz song and it can sound more Juvenile then Beanie Sigel. Listen to Waka and its way more Juvenile then Andre 3000.
3. It Built Cash Money. Cash Money would be nowhere without this album. And that means no lil wayne, which means no YOung money, no Drake, no Nicki Minaj, and possibly no Khaled, Rick Ross or Ace Hood, who lean heavily on the Young money association.
Its definitely a landmark album that should be taught if you do a History of Hip Hop Class.