Illmatic

The Genesis

Nas

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

28

End

136

Internal

45

Multi

139

Slant

11

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
And you're sitting at home doing this shit
I should be earning a medal✦ for this (street's disciple, my raps are trifle)
Stop fuckin'✦ around and be a man (I shoot slugs from my brain just like a rifle)
(Stampede the stage, I leave the microphone split)
There ain't nothin'✦ out here for you (play Mr. Tuffy✦ while I'm on some Pretty✦ Tone shit)
Oh yes, there is (verbal✦ assassin, my architect pleases)
(When I was 12, I went to) this
Yo, Nas, yo, what the fuck is this bullshit on the radio,✦ son?
Chill, chill, that's the shit, God, chill
Ayo, yo, pull down the shades,✦ man
Let's count this money,✦ nigga✦
Ayo, Nas, put the Jacksons✦ and the Grants over✦ there
You know what I'm sayin'?
'Cause we spendin' them Jacksons✦
You know how we get down, baby✦
True, true
Nas, yo, Nas, man, shit is mad real right now in the projects
For a nigga,✦ yo, word to mother✦
All them crab-ass rappers be comin'✦ up to me, man, word to mother,✦ man
I think we need to let them niggas✦ know it's real, man
True indeed,✦ you know what I'm sayin'? But when it's real, you doin' this
Even✦ without a record✦ contract, you know what I'm sayin'?
No question
Been doin' this since back then
I'm sayin' regardless how it go down we gon' keep it real
We tryin' to see many✦ mansions and, and coupes,✦ kid
You know how that go
Ayo, where's✦ Grand Wizard and Mayo at, man?
Takin'✦ niggas✦ a long time, man
Who got the Phillies?✦ Take this Hennessy, man
Ayo, dunn
C'mon, c'mon, man stop wavin'✦ that, man
Don't point it at me, bruh, take the clip out
Nigga,✦ alright, but take this Hennessey, man
I'm sayin' take the clip man, c'mon, take it out
Light them Phillies✦ up, man, niggas✦ stop fuckin'✦ burnin'✦ Phillies,✦ man
Light some Phillies✦ up then (pass that Henrock)✦
Pass that Henrock,✦ nigga,✦ act like you know
Yo, we drinkin' this straight up with no chaser✦
I ain't fuckin'✦ with you, nigga✦
I'm saying, though, man
What is it? What is it, baby?✦
What is it, son? What is it?
You know what time it is
I'm saying, man, you know what I'm saying?
Niggas✦ don't listen,✦ man, representin', it's Illmatic

Technical Breakdown

8.3
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.0

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes6.0

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres8.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm8.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity7.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.0

Performance and control

Computed Score8.30

Production

— Faith N., Nas

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Nas exhibits exceptional wordplay and a potent cadence in these bars, reflecting a high level of skill in his craft, as indicated by the strong technical scores. The multisyllabic and internal rhymes enhance the lyrical complexity, while the vivid imagery captures the struggles faced within the streets, contributing to a compelling narrative.

A
7
Multisyllabic
6
Internal Rhymes
8
Cadence / Flow
7
Vocabulary
8
Wordplay
8
Delivery
internal rhymesmultisyllabic rhymes
Rhyme Architecture: The rhyme scheme features a mix of end rhymes and internal rhymes, creating a dynamic flow that enhances the overall delivery.

strong wordplay

rich imagery

some phrases may blend into familiar territory due to their grounded context

User Scores

Notes

The intro sets the thematic tone for the album with a confident flow.