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.