10 Greatest Debut Singles Of All Time

For most, a debut single is a metaphorical introduction. More vibes than names and intentions. Then suddenly Inspectah Deck invokes Joe Frasier, the Pakistan Military and Spiderman in the space of two couplets and the face of hip-hop changed forever.

The early 90s were a rich time for this, The Chronic having blown the game wide open mere months before as bunch of Staten Island maniacs blew it open even further, but this was the first time in the genre’s young history that it sounded this unhinged. Combining hypnotic, hip-shaking drums and bass with discordant piano keys and a ghostly, needling whistle, The RZA’s beat is as unsettling as it is irresistible.

This would go on to become the great man’s stock in trade, but this track is all about the cast it introduces. GZA kneecapping Grand Daddy I.U’s entire career with a single reference to “Suit and Tie Rap”, ODB’s baritone trembling as he threatens to bite your mother*cking ass, Meth moving on your left (AH!), it’s an unforgettable line up entirely fitting the greatest pilot episode in the history of pop music.