It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Mind Terrorist

Public Enemy

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

14

End

39

Internal

8

Multi

12

Slant

9

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Yeah, boy
Bass for your face
Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Yeah, boy
Bass for your face
Kick That!
Bass, bass for your face
Bass for your face
Bass for your face
[Chorus]
Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Yeah, boy
Bass for your face
[Chorus]
Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Yeah, boy
Bass for your face
Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Yeah, boy
Bass for your face
Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Kick that! Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Kick that! Kick that!
Ha-ha✦
Kick that!
Bass, bass, bass, bass for your face

Technical Breakdown

6.6
Multisyllabic Rhymes5.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes7.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres2.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm8.4

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity3.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.5

Performance and control

Computed Score6.56

Production

— Hank Shocklee, Chuck D, Eric Sadler, The Bomb Squad

Be the first to rate the production

Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

The verse prioritizes rhythmic impact and sonic texture over lyrical density, functioning as a percussive interlude rather than a narrative vehicle.

B
5.5
Multisyllabic
7.5
Internal Rhymes
8.4
Cadence / Flow
3
Vocabulary
2
Wordplay
7.5
Delivery
Staccato deliveryRepetitive hook structureDynamic vocal emphasisCall-and-response patterning
Rhyme Architecture: The segment relies almost entirely on the repetition of the phrase 'Bass for your face' and the end-rhyme 'that'/'face', functioning more as a rhythmic chant than a complex poetic structure.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Bass for your face"

① The physical sensation of bass frequency audio hitting the listener.② A confrontational, aggressive assertion of the sonic power Public Enemy brings to the listener's immediate space.

High-energy delivery that creates an immediate physical response

Effective use of vocal cadence to mimic percussive elements

Strong brand-identity markers (the 'Yeah, boy' ad-lib)

Negligible lyrical complexity or metaphorical depth

Extreme brevity limits the development of a thematic arc

Reliance on repetition over nuanced wordplay

User Scores