The gWiz Musik Show (SPECIAL MJ TRIBUTE EDITION WORLDCASTRADIO.COM)

DJ GWIZ - THE GWIZ MUSIK SHOW (SPECIAL MJ TRIBUTE EDITION WORLDCASTRADIO.COM)

One last trip to the store...

Tuesday: I had my Doubts
Written by JusHH

September 13, 1996, Tupac Amaru Shakur died after being shot several times in Las Vegas. This isn’t news to anyone but it set the stage for one of my most memorable album purchases ever. Shortly after he was pronounced dead, rumors began to circulate that 2Pac was alive and in hiding. Stories turned into urban legends. So when it was announced that Death Row was releasing 2Pac’s final album under the alias Makaveli, everyone was brimming with curiosity and anticipation. With so much controversy at the time of his death, you just had no idea what to expect. That hype and Pac being one of my favorite rappers at the time, made me rush to the stores and cop that joint.

But this post is about the album I didn’t buy that day…

After I bought the 2Pac album, I called my boy on my mom’s cell. (This was 1996 so that cell phone was the size of a PSP lol) I was walking back to the dollar van to go home and I told him that I bought the Makaveli album. The rest of our conversation went as follows (Obviously paraphrasing. My memory isn’t that good):

“Yo, I saw that Jay-Z dude’s album there too. Did you hear anything about it?”
“Son, you crazy.”
“Huh?”
“There’s no way you should have left the store without it.”

After that strong recommendation, the following week I went back to the store and purchased the album with the fly gangster cover. Without question, Reasonable Doubt has one of the best covers I’ve ever seen. I grabbed that cassette tape and headed home.

At the time, I only heard “Ain’t no N***a” and parts of “Dead Presidents” so I didn’t really know too much about him. That all changed over the next 60-65 minutes. Hearing him go to work on “Can’t Knock the Hustle” set the tone for the rest of the album. I knew I was in for something classic. (“high stakes, I got more in ‘steak’ than Philly”). Then I thought I was going to pass out when I first heard “Brooklyn’s Finest”. I remember thinking, “yo did this dude just out rap Biggie?”

“Too much west coast d**k lickin’, and too many n***as on a mission. Doin’ they best Jay-Z rendition.”

When I read the title, 22 Two’s on the end of Side A on the tape, I had an idea what I was about to listen to and it still exceed expectations. I would rewind it over and over trying to count if he actually fit 22 two’s in that song. (Note: It actually took nearly ten years and dozens of conversations for me to finally confirm it)

If that wasn’t enough, when he began talking on “Friend or Foe”, I thought it was an intro. Boy was I wrong. Slowly I started picking up on the flow and by the time he said, “chances slimmer than that chick in Calvin Klein pants”, I felt like I just stumbled upon a Pacino movie.

Listening to that album that day was more than music, it was an experience. When the beat to “Regrets” faded out, I became a lifelong fan. He went from virtually unknown to one of my favorite rappers in on single evening. Now I wait like a kid on Christmas everytime I hear he’s about to release a new album.

And to think…

I had my doubts.

4 Bars- Underrated Flow

I’m riding in the car, recently, listening to two rappers whose verses I never thought I’d look forward to: Jay? Nope Em? No again. Ye? (sigh) no… Bow Wow and GUCCI!!

Below are the two verses I speak of where their flow is undeniable. But before you completely discredit me as a Hip-Hop head, I wanna say that if Gucci wasn’t a “trap star” and Bow Wow didn’t already think he was the “best looking, best singin muthaf#$a in the world, hol my drink bi#$h” (RIP Rick James and Mike Jackson).

If either of these guys decided to place some depth in their verses and talk about something other than birds, Benzes, and bitches, I think they would garner acclaim from people other than 16 yr old girls and 12-40 yr old southern hood cats (they like Gucci a lot in Maryland as well, weird).

Now don’t get me wrong, these two verses are not examples of them expanding their lyrical subject matter. Bow Wow is talking about stuntin and swag and Gucci is talking about getting to da money via the bird but I use these as examples of the potential that they, like a lot of other rappers, possess to be much better than they are. What can I say, I’m a hopeful optimist. Are you?



Bow Wow's verse is at 1:35

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

Gucci's verse is at 1:18

Peace

Hip-Hop owes you alot...

The Ski Mask Way...

Why Not Rob?
Written by Just K

If I go to the club and hear “Get Money” one more time while my pockets are on E, I might have to rob me a rapper.

I don’t actually advocate robbing, stick-ups, or violence at all (though I do have a friend who responds to “violence is not the answer” with “you’re just asking the wrong question”). But I also don’t encourage flaunting your revenue and bragging on your material possessions during a damn recession. Why do I want to hear about the gold seats and IMAX screen in your 2011 Bentley when I’m struggling to put gas in my Corolla? Should I be excited when you flick open your futuristic thought-activated cell phone in your music video when I had to cut the internet service from my cell phone package? You’ve got Jacob Bernstein-designed Louis Vuitton glasses and my kid has to sit so close to the front of the classroom he’s actually sitting behind the teacher. Damn.

Is the recession depressing? Hell yeah it is. But it’s real. Money is low, funds are tight, and jobs are scarce. Rap advertises itself as the voice box of the people. There aren’t enough songs on the radio (I can’t currently think of any) that accurately depict the hard times that people are currently going through. I’m seeing the broke people everyday. I’m just not hearing about it. The people ain’t popping champagne. The people are popping cans of sardines. The clothes, the jewelry, the cars, the frivolous spending of money on “jumpoffs” – it’s still all over the music. The representation of what’s going on in the real world, not so much. I guess the recession only affects us normal folks.

Actually, that’s not true. The gigantic chains that we’re so used to seeing aren’t what they used to be. It’s been widely reported that your favorite rappers have can’t afford those iced out pieces any more. They’re still coldish, but not iced out. The diamonds have been blended and mixed with cubic-zirconia for all of the look at less of the price. Cubic-zirconia. Yeah, the same stuff your girlfriend made you swear not to get her if you ever proposed. That’s what it’s come to? I mean, what happened to old school perpetrating? You know, when rappers lived in a shoebox of an apartment but had a big ole chain. You’re telling me the chain’s fake too? Damn, homey.

They brag and boast while we struggle and strain. It almost makes you want to snatch a chain off a rapper, but don’t do it. It’s probably not worth the trouble.

Video: Pac Div - The Mayor

Show some more respect!

Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you’ve never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.

"Turn My Swag On" - Soulja Boy
You don't have to like his music but he is not killing Hip-Hop so cut the crap.



"You Can Get it All" - Bow Wow
Yeah, yeah i know he used to be 13. But now he's grown and knows how to make a good record. Plus your sister probably wants to do him.



"Can't Believe it" - T-Pain
Even Mr. D.O.A. himself couldn't deny T-Pain's impact. He's an incredibly talented dude and right now, you need him to sell a record.



"Ego Remix" - Beyonce ft. Kanye West
Yes, i went with a feature because this dude is an incredible rapper. He's not just a good rapper for a guy who produces, he's one of the best. Period.



"Dancing on Me" - DJ Webstar ft. Jim Jones and Julez Santana
New York City is not dead. Never was and never will be. Thank you very much. This isn't a best or worst argument. Just don't act like NY turned into Kentucky.



Come back every week for a new mixtape!

You thinking what I'm thinking?

Still Wondering…
Written by JusHH

I wonder where the f**k Lupe Fiasco is. I haven’t heard anything from him in months

I wonder if 50 really thinks he’s ending Rick Ross’ career

I wonder if Drake will be a commercial success

I STILL wonder what a Jay-Z/Nas album would sound like.

I wonder the same for the Slaughterhouse project. I still won’t believe it until I see it.

I wonder why Mr. Cheeks never got made fun of more for his name. Seriously, Mr. Cheeks?

I wonder how Turk feels. It must suck being the forgotten one of a group.

I STILL wonder why rappers can’t make creative videos. Except for you Kanye.

I wonder the same about Vinny, Pras, U-God, Wish Bone and the other members of Leaders of the New School

I wonder why Fabolous can’t make a classic album.

I wonder if I will ever understand a sentence that has the words Gucci Mane and “hot”.

I wonder when people will stop dealing with major labels and realize that they can do better on their own.

I wonder how Hip-Hop would be if Napster was never created.

I STILL wonder when Lil’ Wayne became a Blood… and a drug addict.

I wonder when he became Berry f’n Gordy! First Kevin Rudolph, then Drake, then Nicki – this guy has an eye for talent.

I wonder if rappers will ever really battle again.

I STILL wonder why PTM isn’t read by more people…

4 Bars- G.O.A.T.?

Jay-Z has claimed on several occasions that he is the Mike Jordan of rap and honestly, he probably is. But the great thing about Hip-Hop that I wish we could do with hoops is that you can actually compare rappers of different generations. I was listening to Lil’ Wayne's new joint with Gucci Mane where he claims he’s the best to ever do it and I thought, “damn, is he right?”


After a week of Hov bashing, I figured I’d continue the theme. LSCFoot brought up two REALLY great points of criticism of Hov that I think apply to more than just his latest offering: “no development of his style” and “nothing pushing any preconceived notions of what a superior lyricist should sound like”. In the past 5 years, if you could name a rapper that has done both of these things, who would it be? If you answered Kanye or Wayne, I would have to agree.

Now I’m not saying that you have to do an alternative record (808s and Wayne’s upcoming rock joint count, the joint Hov did with Linkin Park does not) that’s not hip hop, but watching Wayne develop from “wobbledy wobbledy” to “I’m richer than Nicole and I’m a lion like her daddy” has been mind blowing. Kanye has emerged as one of the most creative artists in any genre and like he said “now he look at me like, Damn dog you where I am…” I’m just thinking, can’t I compare Jay with these young cats? They’re all still rapping and making music. No injuries or conditioning issues prevent it so in Hip-Hop, if you still rapping, you better be doing it well.

Hov continues to put out great music, but lately, Ye and Weezy have elevated the game to places we didn’t think possible. Who thought a legit rapper could make an album where all he does is sing (Jus says 3 Stacks did it first but that’s sans autotune and he was spittin a little) and what other rapper has done a legit rock album? As long as everybody is still rapping, there are standards that are applied across the board. The Jiggaman is probably the closest to “the greatest” but there are cats hot on his heels and if he sticks around long enough for one of these cats to catch/surpass him, what will it look like?

This is what I live for!

Is there really anything that I need to say about this video?

Mix it up...

Older Onus
written by Just K

I celebrated when I heard Death of Autone.

Show Me What You Got, not so much.

We Made You from Eminem almost made me depressed.

No Matter What and Dead and Gone were both triumphant moments. Thanks T.I.

You can throw What You Know About That in there too.

Can’t Tell Me Nothing from Kanye was a beautiful thing.

What Them Girls Like and Moneymaker were painful from Ludacris.

Throw It In the Bag? Ewwww.

A Millie made my day, month, and maybe half-year.

Nas – Hero. Yes!

Where am I going with this? Give me a second.

I expect a group by the name of FLY to drop a record called Swag Surfin.

I expect Rich Boy to put out a club banger called Throw Some D’s.

Am I surprised at all that B Hamp put out Do the Ricky Bobby? Hell naw.

Nor am I surprised by the Stanky Leg.

I am also not shocked that no one from XXL’s New Class has really blown yet.

They can actually rap.

We really do live in an ADHD ringtone world. In many cases, new artists that have substance but can’t deliver a ringtone-worthy first single fall off before they even get the chance to show the public what they can do. That being said, I blame the proven vets for some of the craziness on the radio. The dudes who have been doing this forever are guaranteed to go at least gold, usually platinum whenever they release an album. Why not give us something a little different? I’m sure they have earned more creative freedom than rookies in the game. On top of that, they’ve been around since a time when being able to really rap was a good thing.

When I hear an artist that’s been successful in rap over the span of many years and many albums deliver a piss poor, contrived radio single it confuses me. It’s your job to set the standard. You’re hot. It’s your job – no, your responsibility to tell us what’ll be the next hot trend. Don’t hop on a whack or corny trend that already exists. And even if you give us a “surefire” hit, do something different and creative with it a la Lollipop from Weezy. As catchy as that song was, there was nothing on the radio like it at the time. He stayed in the box while stepping out of one. Sweet.

The cats that have been around for a while have leeway. Please use it. Push the envelope. Worst case scenario, we’ll send it back and allow you to ship out a new package. More than likely, it’ll change what a lot of people deliver to the radio.

Pimp This!

Xzibit has had a unique career in Hip-Hop. He's such a popular figure yet you can't really categorize him easily.

Make no mistake about it. He is a rapper first. But rap isn't what has been paying the bills. But by most definitions, he's been a successful rapper.(6 albums with one going platinum) But when you think about Xzibit, you don't even think about the lyrics. You think about the chevy novas or his passing roles in movies like Training Day or Grid Iron Gang.

But he is definitely a rapper. When he first came out, he made his mark by being an LA dude with a NY lyrical flavor. But as soon as he started popping up on MTV, it was hard to take that menacing look and the crip walking in videos seriously. But he definitely made the best of a situation and his unique image and it has turned itself into some nice sized checks.

X to the Z has been one of the most successful people in Hip-Hop history but no one even really remembers how or why. Its probably because he's done it in so many different ways.

But he's definitely still a rapper.

I think.

New Music: J. Cole - The Warm Up (Mixtape)

Here's the long awaiting second release from J. Cole, check it out

1. Intro (The Warm Up)
2. Welcome
3. Can I Live*
4. Grown Simba
5. Just To Get By
6. Lights Please
7. Dead Presidents II
8. I Get Up
9. World Is Empty
10. Dreams ft. Brandon Hines
11. Royal Flush
12. Dollar and Dream II
13. Water Break (Interlude)
14. Heartache**
15. Get Away
16. Knock Knock
17. Ladies ft. Lee Fields and The Expressions
18. Til’ Infinity
19. The Badness ft. Omen
20. Hold It Down
21. Last Call

Bonus-
22. Losing My Balance

All Songs Written and Produced by J. Cole
* - Produced by Syience
** - Produced by Elite

Download: J. Cole - The Warm Up

It's Tha Reeaaallll

Excuse the shameless Beyonce pic, I had an interesting “discussion” with my sister the other day. She says that Beyonce is “fake” because “her fans don’t know who she really is” and it made me think about all the times I’ve written about “keeping it real” who is real, realness, the realest, etc. My question to ya’ll is what do these artists owe us, if anything, when it comes to the “real”?

Personally, I feel like artists don’t owe us anything except quality entertainment. So if Beyonce wants to keep her private life private, more power to her (and Hov). But I guess the difference with Hip-Hop is that artists constantly remind us how real they are and how they live what they rap, write, etc. But even this has come into question as a recent video from Pusha T shows us his modest yet nice house and his rimless BMW X5. Busta Rhymes had a similar sentiment when he described what happens when he gets in the booth, “you become whatever you want to be”.

The fact is I’m still just looking for honesty; whether it be a rapper telling me what the truth is or him truthfully telling me that what he’s saying is not the truth. But does he even owe me that?

DTW

Death To Whom?
written by Just K

Jay-Z made a song that pretty much echoes the sentiments of the streets. “This autotune bulls#!t is getting out of hand.” Like, remember when we heard rappers’ real voices? Remember when rappers were making hard songs instead of sounding all extra Microsoft? Apparently Jay-Z remembers this time and decided to take it back. Lyrics like “Holdup, this ain’t a number 1 record” and “this ain’t for sing-a-long” are the equivalent of Jay-Z telling MCs to stop trying to make hit records and just make quality music.

Hmmmm…a bit hypocritical much?

As Jus stated earlier this week, this is the same guy that gave us “Can I Get A…” (my raps don’t have melodies, huh?) which is clearly an attempt at making a hit song. “Give it to Me,” “Show Me What You Got,” “Big Pimpin’,” that seizure-inducing video for “Sunshine” and “H to the Izzo” are all definitely strategically planned hit records.



So here’s where things get a bit interesting to me. When Jay debuts the song, he takes time out to let it be known that T-Pain, Lil’ Wayne, and Kanye all have talent. According to the law of Jay-Z, they are allowed to use autotune. Aside from them, it’s just being used to way too much apparently. Again, hmmmmm. Did he just give a pass to the only people that use autotune and then tell us that autotune is being used too much? Aside from Ron Browz (the epitome of horrible autotuning), name another hip-hop artist that had major success off an autotuned single.



It’s cool. I’ll wait.


Now, here’s where Jus and I differ: I think the song is dope. I love it. It’s a declaration that is so bold, so strong, and so loud that the public is duped into thinking it’s completely relevant since the public has been saying for quite some time what Jay is saying now. He’s playing voice box (no pun intended) for the people, albeit a bit after we stopped talking. Regardless, it’s not like we weren’t saying it just yesterday. The beat is on some hard $#!t (no constipation). It’s got a soulful feel to it. The chorus is minimal and irresistibly catchy. Again, way to dupe the people by saying it’s not a hit song and giving it a hit song’s chorus. And recycling a part of Kanye’s “Big Brother” further ensuring that the song will be a hit – genius! The sheer hypocrisy and boldness is wonderful to me. The fact that he’s chosen a concept song for his lead single is even better. Yep. Rap’s Brett Favre is at it again. I think he may have tossed a two-point conversion and tricked the world into thinking it was a touchdown. Either way, dude still scored.

New Music: Trey Songz - D.O.A. Kellz/Invented Sex (ft. Drake)

Trey Songz - D.O.A. Kellz/Invented Sex (ft. Drake)

I want to, but I just can't...

Rage against a Machine
written by JusHH

This past Thursday, Jay-Z once again made headlines. Props to Hov for still being able to do more with one song than most are able to do with a whole album. He made an event out of the release of his new song and turned the Hip-Hop community upside down. (Note: its 2009 so I can't say how many people outside of the tri-state area actually cared, but NY is still NY and it was a big moment.) Now I was as excited as the next man until I realized that he was making this huge event to battle...

Autotune?

I just have a few thoughts on the subject...

I know in the eyes of many Hov can do no wrong but after the opening line, he lost me. First of all, is autotune even a used anymore? Save for T-Pain and Ron Browz, you don't hear it like you did at the end of last year. People were already getting tired of it and were moving forward. Why pick now, to make such a "bold" statement? If he did it 8 months ago, now we're talking.

Second he says that his songs don't have melodies? Umm, really Jay? Hard Knock Life, Show me what you Got or the litany of hit singles for the club that you have in your catalogue. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the call for everyone to step their rap game up but its kinda easy for you when you are already rich. If you tried to come out today, you'd have T-Pain on your song too. You also hated on ringtones and itunes as if your music isn't for sale on both and you haven't pocketed some change as a result.

Then the jist of the rest of the song was that this song was more street and gangster than what everyone else is putting out right now. If that is true, couldn't you have picked a harder beat? I'm sorry but the jazz, saxophone thing didn't scream out hardcore.

And of course the biggest irony is that Kanye produced this song? Umm, so Hov were you just s**ting on Kanye's entire career in 2008 and his last album. Keep in mind that album was released under your umbrella.

I'm just asking that the next time you stop NY in its tracks to listen to your next record, you gotta come with something better Hov. And if you want to battle something, go at something that talks back.

New Music: Jay-Z - D.O.A. (prod. Kanye West & No I.D.) [Radio Rip]

Jay-Z - D.O.A. (prod. Kanye West & No I.D.) [Radio Rip]

Back at It

So I'm not sure if ya'll heard this joint yet but I'm pretty sure now that T.I. has received his sentence and his deal is solidified, he doesn't really give a f$%k about this whole "non-violent" image that he portrayed while working on staying out of jail during his prime. Can't say that I blame him and since the record is hot, I'm not hatin. But I will say that Wayne can't come on a track like this with the tip-toe flow he has so carefully mastered, I think Lil' Scrappy or Killer Mike would've been much better suited for this one, hell, the PERFECT counterpart woulda been Young Buck to form a 2 for 1 beef special, just a thought. Enjoy.

The Kid From TO...

Kid Tested, Adult Approved
written by Just K

Let’s take a look at the current crop of hot MCs.

Of course you’ve got Jay-Z. At the end of the year, Jay-Z will be forty-years-old (40’s the new 30?). His debut album, Reasonable Doubt, dropped in 1996. He’s been making quality music for well over a decade.

Nasir Jones a.k.a. Esco a.k.a. Nasty Nas will be 36 this year. His Illmatic album, arguably the greatest hip-hop release of all time, was released on 1994. Esco’s cranked out songs that display political awareness and social consciousness for over a decade and a half. Geez.

Eminem was already known for battling by the mid-90s, but he really hit the big stage in 1999 with The Slim Shady LP. He’ll be 37 before the year’s out.


Lil’ Wayne, though still in his-mid 20s, has been a part of the rap game since the late 90s with his debut album being released in 1999. In fact, Weezy was three albums deep before the amazing that is “Tha Carter” hit in 2004.

50 Cent dropped in 2003. He’s in his 30s, but the streets have know about him since “How to Rob” in 1999.

Kanye West is also in his 30s and debuted in 2004.

The Game dropped in 05. He turns 30 this year.

Jeezy came out the same year as The Game with Thug Motivation: 101. He hits 32 in the ’09.

I’m Serious, T.I.’s debut album, came out in 2001. He hits 29 before 2010.

About half of these MCs having been giving us hits since the 90s. Durability and longevity are beautiful things. Most of the list is in their 30s. With age comes wisdom I suppose. I personally love almost everyone on this list. I feel like I grew up listening to Jay-Z, Nas, and even Lil’ Wayne. I was in college when Kanye released college dropout. I swear he was rapping a lot of what I was thinking. I remember the hype surrounding 50 when he dropped. I remember thinking The Game was the dude that was going to bring the west back. I was around for the drastic switch in style/flow for T.I. from I’m Serious to Trap Muzik. And I was definitely feeling Jeezy despite his simple lyrics and couldn’t explain why. It was hilarious watching all my people experience this inexplicable phenomenon with me; we chalked it up to authenticity and adlibs. I say all of this to say that anyone under the age of 20 hasn’t really had the chance to experience an MC they can call their own.

For anyone under the age of 20, the only exposure to lyricism they really get from the radio is from artists that were established before their time. The kids never get to see the MC from the beginning to see how their styles have changed and/or evolved or how an artist has grown. The only young buck that’s all over the airwaves now is Soulja Boy, who has admittedly traded in witty rhymes for fun songs. Where are kids getting their fill of lyricism from? Enter Drake.

This is the first artist that folks under 20 can truly claim as an MC. He can put together solid rhyme patterns, impressive and catchy flows, and witty wordplay, not to mention he gives the vibe of being a regular, personable guy. Is he the best thing since sliced bread? Nah, but neither were a lot of the artists I mentioned earlier when they first burst onto the scene. The dude can do something that a lot of young MCs hitting the mainstream can’t do. He can spit. Yes he has hooks. Yes he can sing. I guess the ladies find wheelchair Jimmy attractive. Whatever. He can really rhyme. This current group of kids has not been able to say that about an artist that they were able to follow from day one until Drake’s hype started building. He’ll probably be 23 when his debut drops – a young spitter indeed. This is the guy they get to grow with, root for, celebrate, and truly enjoy for his ability to rhyme as well as make fun songs. So I’m happy for the kids. It seems like they may have finally gotten one. Congratulations.

Exclusive: Joe Budden Up Close & Personal Pt 1 (Responding to Meth and Busta)

via MissInfo

New Music: Mickey Factz feat. KiD CuDi - Do My Do

Mickey Factz feat. KiD CuDi - Do My Do

Video: Jay-Z & Eminem - Renegade (Live @ The Wiltern, LA)

Hi Hater...

Hustle Hard
written by gWiz

So ill be real, I definitely thought by this time Maino would have falling off but not only has he stayed around he has impressed me. No I do not think he is an incredible lyricist but I get an authentic feel from him. He represents that dude with some bad luck and a good heart. His "Predictions of 09" was entertaining, his "Letter to Pac" was interesting, his single"All The Above" ft T Pain has been successful and his new song "Million Bucks" ft. Swizz Beatz seems to have potential. Im just giving props where I feel they are due. Keep hustling Maino!

Secret Ingredients to a classic album...

INTROductions
Written by JusHH

Stop. What’s the first thing you thing about when you hear the following?

“Son where my Killa tape at?... How you ain’t got my s**t when I let you hold it?”

Or this…

“you V8 juice drinkin’, slim fast, black greasy motherf**ker!!”

It probably reminds you of two of the most memorable intros in the history of Hip-Hop music. An intro is like cheese – tastes good by itself, but when blended with the right ingredients can take any food to the next level. A well placed intro can take an album to a classic, unforgettable level where you stay tuned for the intro just as much as you do for the song. On the other hand, a poorly placed or performed intro can take away from the whole listening experience because you are forced to hit the skip button (note: the skip button is the natural enemy of the classic album).

So here’s a list of some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to making that perfect intro:

DO add humor – Funny skits are the best. Anytime you can make your audience laugh it is a win for the team. (c.) the opening intro on Kayne’s College Dropout album.

DON’T make your intro too long. You can’t forget that it’s a music album first and foremost and the last thing you want people to do is think that they are listening to an audio book recording. (c.) Any Busta intro on the E.L.E. album

DO link your intro to the next song or previous song. That kind of symmetry makes you look like you are a professional and you actually made an attempt to make a cohesive album. (c.) the ending of Warning on the Ready to Die album. The entire Little Brother The Minstrel Show album.

DON’T do too much acting in your skit. That isn’t your skill and it will be very evident to the listener. You don’t want to attempt a dramatic intro only to have us laugh at how badly you are trying to display pain. (c.) The RZA’s mindblowing performance on the intro prior to the song Tearz.

DO have recurring intro themes on successive albums. This is always great and probably one of my favorite things especially if you have an intro that can be remixed. It’s a way to thank your core fans for sticking with you for all of your projects. (c.) Eminem’s “Paul” skits, Redman robbing people on a different mode of transportation each album, or The Roots beat box intros.

DON’T do any more intros with women having sex or giving head. Biggie did it already and shut it down. There’s nothing new about it and it will always sound like you’re biting of someone else. (c.) too many other intros after 1995.

DO kick a dope rhyme. These “freestyles” or “raw verses” are always welcomed on the album because it gives us a chance to hear something different from the artist. It’s a break from the traditional “3 verses and some hooks” format and can really get you hyped. (c.) Mobb Deep’s intro on The Infamous album.

DO get an awesome narrator to say some fly s**t on your album. A great guest spot will never, ever be a bad decision. (c.) Idris Elba’s intro on the American Gangster album or Pain in the Ass on Reasonable Doubt.

DON’T forget to put an intro or skit on your album. It’s a lost art but when done correctly, they are always appreciated.