Explain the motivation behind the topic and why the audience should care. For instance, if the topic is psychological schema present in Nas's "Illmatic," relate it to the audience by appealing to emotion, logic and reason.
Outline your plan for explaining the CD. Tell the audience which songs you'll examine and how you'll examine them. For instance, "N.Y. State of Mind" explored from a psychologist's point of view raises questions about the mindset of teenagers living in Queens Bridge, N.Y., in the 1990s.
Explain what problem the essay will solve. Reveal the scope of the work. Is it generalized or specific?
Discuss your approach to the topic. What steps did you take to solve the problem? For example, did you use simulation, analytic models or field data? How extensive was your research? Did you simply listen to the CD or did you fact check and interview people?
Explain the results of your research and their implications. Do you expect your study will change the way people look at rap albums, music or society?