Light-Years

It's Time

Nas

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

8

End

48

Internal

23

Multi

92

Slant

3

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Verse 2]
I use every✦ second as a weapon, every✦ minute✦ keeps on slippin'✦
Time is a construct of your limits✦
The Big Bang to Now, evolution to how
Little time mankind has really✦ been around
A grown grown over✦ 50 perspective
Is there an age limit✦ to diss records or may it just be a message?
Kids are doing drive-bys, I'm lookin'✦ like, time flies
Squeezin' hammers even✦ when there's✦ cameras up in the sky
Spark the lah with the double R I drive
Pretty✦ thug show no love, it's like "When Doves✦ Cry"
Maybe I'm just too much of a smuggler-minded hustler time
Let's couple-hundred cover✦ the knuckles with diamonds
Smell it on us from the blocks, they was tellin'✦ on us
War vets in the summer,✦ sweatin', they tried gettin'✦ on us
Prayers, 'cause gangsters go to Heaven✦ and life's✦ weighin' on us
Premier, play the chorus, yeah
[Chorus]
"I think you know what time it is"
"The illest shit that ever✦ happened"
"I think you know what time it is"
"Time keeps on slippin',✦ slippin',✦ slippin'"✦
[Outro]
It's time, man
Time travelin'
Ayo, Black, it's time

Technical Breakdown

7.0
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres7.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm5.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity8.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.0

Performance and control

Computed Score7.01

Production

Be the first to rate the production

Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Nas balances philosophical introspection with street-level reportage, using time as both a thematic constraint and a rhythmic anchor to bridge his legacy with contemporary social concerns.

B
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
5.5
Cadence / Flow
8
Vocabulary
7
Wordplay
7
Delivery
multisyllabic internal rhymerhythmic syncopationphilosophical aphorismallusionenjambment
Rhyme Architecture: The verse employs a complex internal rhyme scheme that frequently breaks across the bar lines, utilizing near-rhyme clusters (slippin'/limits/evolution/how/around) to maintain momentum against a steady, contemplative flow.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"I use every second as a weapon"

① Time management and focus as tools for success.② The aggressive utilization of one's remaining lifespan in a hostile environment.

"Pretty thug show no love, it's like 'When Doves Cry'"

① Reference to the Prince song's title indicating a lack of emotional warmth.② A grim observation that the 'pretty thugs' are involved in violence that causes mourning (doves crying).

"Time is a construct of your limits"

① Time is an abstract measurement created by human finite perception.② Your personal 'time' (life) is defined by the restrictions you impose upon yourself.

Intellectual depth regarding the concept of time

Fluid transition from abstract philosophy to gritty street reality

Strong command of multisyllabic internal rhyming

Mature, retrospective persona that adds gravity to the delivery

Occasional loss of rhythmic tension in the middle sections

Some metaphors lack the punch of his prime era

The transition between the philosophical setup and the street-level payoff feels slightly abrupt

User Scores