Why Rappers Love Incorporating Skits into Their Albums

The practice of including skits in rap albums is not just a modern trend but a rich tradition that adds depth, humor, and an additional layer of artistic expression. This article explores the reasons why rappers love putting skits on their albums or in songs, and how these skits contribute to the overall artistic vision of their projects.

Storytelling

Skits can enhance the narrative of an album, providing context or background to the songs. They help to create a cohesive story or theme throughout the project. By including skits, artists can weave a tapestry of narratives that complement the songs, creating a more immersive and engaging listening experience. For example, Kendrick Lamar’s "To Pimp a Butterfly" and J. Cole’s "4 Your Eyez Only" both feature compelling skits that strengthen the thematic threads of their respective albums.

Character Development

Skits offer artists the opportunity to portray different characters or personas, adding depth to their music. This can make the listening experience more engaging and entertaining. Eminem’s "The Slim Shady LP" is a prime example of this, where the personas "Slim Shady," "Rap God," and "Stan" are brought to life through skits, each with their unique personality and voice.

Humor and Entertainment

Many skits incorporate humor, which can lighten the mood and make the album feel more relatable. This comedic relief can provide a much-needed break from the heavier themes in the music. For instance, Kendrick Lamar’s cut "Mo Bamba" from "DAMN." features a humorous skit where Lamar and his friends debate over who is the best rapper, adding a fun and lighthearted touch to the album.

Creative Freedom and Artistic Expression

Including skits showcases the artist’s creativity beyond just music. It allows them to experiment with dialogue, performance, and sound, enriching the overall artistic expression. Tiesto’s album "One Love" is a unique example, featuring a skit that raps about the longest in this world in a dance sequence, blurring the lines between music and skit.

Cultural References and Humor

Skits often reference pop culture, social issues, or personal anecdotes, making the content more relevant and resonant with listeners. Shawn Mendes’ tribute album "Wonder" includes a skit that humorously addresses the expectations and pressures of being a famous singer. Such elements add a layer of relatability and connection to the audience.

Convenience and Flexibility

Skits also serve as effective transitions between songs, helping to maintain the album’s flow and pacing. They act as a natural pause and provide a different mode of engagement for the listener. This is particularly useful in albums that span various moods and themes, such as Kendrick Lamar’s "DAMN." or Nas’s "Illmatic".

Conclusion

Overall, skits add an additional layer of artistry to rap albums, making them more than just collections of songs. They enhance storytelling, develop characters, provide humor and entertainment, and showcase creative freedom. Artists like De La Soul, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar have long been incorporating skits into their projects, establishing a tradition that continues to evolve and enrich the genre.

Note: Many genres of music do this not just rap, and it is typically done to add more to the storyline, mood, or emotional weight of the music. Skits play a crucial role in bringing themes of an album together and making the listening experience more cohesive and engaging.