Of course, replay value is key. You wanna be able to look back 10,20, even 30 years from now, blow the dust off your 12" or CDS, sit you kids down for some quality time, and just jam. In fact, skip the "blowing the dust off" part. If a song really is a classic, you probably be throwing that song on whenever you can.

Besides that, the production has to be simple (not too simple, not too layered), infectuous, and it has to get the body moving. Whether the artist is using an MPC, drum machine, synthesizers, live instrumentation, or some old paint cans from the garage, it all has to mesh together and create a timeless melody that artists from many generations to come are going to look back on, admire, and use as a model for their songs.

If vocals and samples are being used, make sure the go with the concept of the song and aren't just thrown in the song because you love that song or think it'll make it a hit. A classic song can be a hit song, but don't let that be the origin of where this song is born. The lyrics should fit the song. They should gracefully dance alongside the production, never missing a step. If one partner falls, the other may fall on top of him or her and you've turned the song into a mess. Lyrics also shouldn't be too simple, but not overly complex or metaphorical. Otherwise, the listeners will focus more on what the hell you're saying and miss how well the vocals and lyrics compliment the song. You can't have one dance partner doing windmills on a flattened cardboard box and the other looking nervous and ending up doing "The Twist."

The sum of this all is a song for the ages.

"Jesus died at age 33. But what he didn't do is forget his niggas." (c) Sir Bumpy of Knuckles