A common conception in the music industry is that intros play a crucial role in shaping the prospects of a project. As the listener’s first point of contact, an intro often determines whether they stay with the body of work or move on after a track—or even halfway through one.
Because of this, music executives and A&Rs consistently emphasize the importance of putting the best foot forward, especially with full-length projects. Opening records are carefully selected to be engaging enough to sustain attention and seamlessly pull listeners into what follows.
Beyond the reality of shrinking attention spans, a strong intro must also be direct and purposeful. It should capture the essence of the project while subtly detailing its theme and artistic direction, setting the tone without overexplaining itself.
DISCLAIMER: The above criteria form the basis of this list: effectiveness of execution and strategic intent. Also, this list considers only LPs—mostly full-length albums—as EPs do not qualify. In addition, it strictly evaluates the first track on each album.
Honorable Mentions: Olamide’s “Prelude”, Davido’s “5ive By Alhanislam”, and Spinall’s “Eko Groove” narrowly miss the list—not because they lack quality, but because they function more as mood setters than true intros.
“Prelude” reinforces Olamide’s legendary status, reflecting a period of soul-searching as he pushes and redefines his own boundaries while reaffirming his place in the culture. Davido’s spoken-word opener, “5ive By Alhanislam”, is a clever play on words that sets the mood while touching on his life, legacy, and lived experiences. Spinall’s “Eko Groove” channels the essence of Lagos, grounding a project that aims to transcend borders through its fusion of global sounds.
#10 Appraisal — Bella Shmurda
“Appraisal” opens Bella Shmurda’s sophomore album “Sanity” with the necessary introspection, laying bare his internal battles, fears, dreams, and victories. Wizard Chan adds color and dynamic traditional textures to the record, while Bella reels off notable associations and affirmations, grounding the album in reflection and personal resolve.
#9 Salê — Lojay
There’s hardly a better way to open “XOXO” —a debut album framed as a romantic love letter to fans—than with an acoustic-led confession. On “Salê,” Lojay pours his heart out, exuding vulnerability and emotional honesty. He speaks directly to a lover, detailing the sacrifices and endurance required to be with her, maintaining hope and commitment despite challenges. The record’s tenderness perfectly sets the tone for an album steeped in intimacy.
#8 Industry Machine — Odumodublvck
Definitely one of the most anticipated snippets of the year. It is arguably top three, alongside Rema’s “Baby (Is It a Crime)” and Shallipopi’s “Laho.” Teased as far back as May 2024, “Industry Machine” lived rent-free in listeners’ minds, especially due to its near-angelic melodies. After multiple performances, including at The Headies, it finally arrived as the intro to Odumodublvck’s long-teased album of the same name. Its “hit” status was immediately evident, blending Hip-Hop and Highlife in a refreshingly signature Odumodublvck manner.
#7 Everlasting Taker — Blaqbonez
Blaqbonez opens “No Excuses” with striking audacity: “Last real niggaz, I might be am.” He follows with lines that underline long-term vision rather than fleeting fame, positioning himself as a dominant voice in Nigerian Hip-Hop. Over Ragee’s bouncy production, he throws subtle jabs, asserts legacy, and addresses criticism about his evolving sound. Lines like “Is he a rapper or a singer? Pick any one, I deliver” reinforce his belief that versatility enhances rather than diminishes his artistry.
#6 Libations — Show Dem Camp
It has been a while since SDC came through with an all bang intro as the first song on their project. The last one was probably “Center of Excellence” on “Clone Wars IV: These Buhari Times” (2019) and “Intro” on “Clone Wars III” (2017) as they often opted for simple and easily digestible mood setters on their projects since then. Over Spaxx’s piano-centered production, Tec reflects on their journey and the evolution of their sound which fuses Highlife with contemporary Hip-Hop, Alté, and Pop. Ghost follows with his own perspective, recounting how they built community from scratch after being shut out by gatekeepers. Today, their influence is undeniable; their legacy as culture shapers and kingmakers, especially within the Alté movement is firmly cemented.
#5 REintroduction — Ruger
“REintroduction” opens Ruger’s sophomore album “BlownBoy Ru” with cinematic confidence. Over Kukbeatz’s Hip-Hop-leaning production, Ruger moves with swagger and sharp lyricism, declaring his arrival as a fully formed superstar when he sings “Reintroduce myself, I’m the fucking Ruger”. Aware of his newfound status, he balances celebration with ambition, signaling even greater heights ahead while daring detractors to keep up.
#4 Big Fish — Adekunle Gold
Opening an album titled “Fuji” with anything other than a than a record which pays homage to the genre would have been criminal. Sampling a classic Yoruba Fuji tune, Adekunle Gold ushers listeners into his “Big Fish” era with confidence and clarity. He reflects on fame, longevity, and the unconventional path he carved through a saturated soundscape and found more than considerable personal pointers of success. The result is cinematic, dynamic, and refreshingly genre rooted.
#3 Legolas — Odumodublvck
If one word defines “Legolas,” it is excellence. Released as part of “The Machine Is Coming“, the record arrived like a storm—commanding attention instantly. Its stop-start intro and soul-piercing piano create the perfect backdrop for Odumodublvck’s reflections on success and self-belief. Named after the famed archer, he likens his rise to precision and mastery, asserting that he reshaped the game through sheer ability.
#2 I Alone — Bnxn
From the jump, “I Alone” signals the Hip-Hop influences shaping Bnxn’s album. Trap-leaning, fast-paced, and energetic, it stands out among Afrobeats intros for its urgency. While the tempo races, Bnxn’s measured delivery grounds the record, putting him in control. He confronts fear, emotion, and triumph, offering a dynamic departure from his usual sound. Its emotive storytelling resonated deeply with younger listeners, firmly anchoring them to the project and giving them the touch of the “Captain”.
#1 Die It — Peruzzi
After years of anticipation for “Sabali“, patience wore thin but the payoff was undeniable. “Die It,” the album’s lead single and intro, polarized listeners upon release. Some praised its bold fusion of Pop, Hip-Hop, and Highlife, while others questioned the inclusion of Igbo elements. Regardless, its placement as the album opener clarified its purpose. Cinematic and expansive, “Die It” perfectly frames the long-awaited project, justifying both the wait and its top spot.
