16. "RE: What Makes A "Classic" Contest, win Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One and Rak..." In response to In response to 0
A classic is a song that is usually recognizable within the first few opening notes.
It's a song that's timeless--meaning--it never goes out of style; 5, 10, or 15 years from it's initial release.
You'd be upset if someone tried to remake or redo it because it's already attained its personal level of genius. It's untouchable--"In the Key of Life" style.
It has its own personality--it stands out.
It usually shames songs that came after it.
Everybody goes "ooohhhh" when it comes on in the club, (a la Souls of Mishchief's "93 til' Infinity").
Or simply "Aint No 1/2 Steppin," BDK "I Know You Got Soul," Rakim, "Just to Get a Rep" Gangstar, "Reminisce Over You" Pete and CL. Or most ofthe stuff iff of the Debut Brand Nubian joint.