King's Disease III

Once a Man, Twice a Child

Nas

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

End

120

Internal

Multi

143

Slant

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight

[Chorus]

Strong motherfucker^✦ when you're young

I ducked^✦ a razor,^✦ ducked^✦ some punches,^✦ even^✦ ducked^✦ a gun

Nintendo^✦ Duck Hunt, I ducked^✦ police,^✦ I had to run

Meanwhile,^✦ when you get old, you might become^✦ futile^✦

My old style is a rough of my new style

My old girl dope but I love my new girl

So when I'ma^✦ slow down this merry^✦ go round called^✦ life?

I was a youngster^✦ with a fever,^✦ moms brought cold ice

[Verse 2]

I'm tryna^✦ expand^✦ the pineal gland

The world ain't our home, just temporary please understand

You die tomorrow then you born again,^✦ so life is deathless

Respect and balance,^✦ human^✦ dignity,^✦ that's the perspective

Aimé Leon Dore New Balance^✦ when I'm steppin', time is precious

One day I might need my diaper^✦ changed inside^✦ a convalescent

The soul is different than the flesh is, life is teachin' me more

Wisdom and ignorance^✦ is kin, to have peace, you need war

By the time you see the stars in the skies, they already burnt out

Same way these dudes^✦ be shinin'^✦ but been burnt out

But we don't change, as we get stuck in our ways

We just act like we agree so we can end the exchange

What's meant for you is sent to you

But you could be the problem, it's not always^✦ them my dude

Was she crazy^✦ before^✦ you met her or you made her crazy?^✦

Possibly she gon' be a nurse when you back to a baby^✦

Once a man, twice a child

[Chorus]

Strong motherfucker^✦ when you're young (Uh)

I ducked^✦ a razor,^✦ ducked^✦ some punches,^✦ even^✦ ducked^✦ a gun

Nintendo^✦ Duck Hunt, I ducked^✦ police,^✦ I had to run

Meanwhile,^✦ when you get old, you might become^✦ futile^✦

My old style is a rough of my new style (Wild)

My old girl dope but I love my new girl

So when I'ma^✦ slow down this merry^✦ go round called^✦ life?

I was a youngster^✦ with a fever,^✦ moms brought cold ice

[Outro]

And in the streets I had agility,^✦ was quick to strike

My fear's not seeing it coming,^✦ got too rich for that sight

So take advantage of your youth before^✦ you elderly

'Cause today^✦ is the youngest that you will ever^✦ be

Technical Breakdown

9.3

Multisyllabic Rhymes9.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres8.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm10.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity8.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control9.0

Performance and control

Computed Score9.29

Production

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Critic Analysis

RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Nas demonstrates profound thematic cohesion, bridging the physical agility of his youth with the metaphysical philosophy of his middle age, using the 'New Balance' fashion reference as a pivot point for personal growth and temporal reflection.

A+

9.5

Multisyllabic

9.5

Internal Rhymes

Cadence / Flow

Vocabulary

8.5

Wordplay

Delivery

Philosophical juxtapositionMulti-layer temporal metaphorBrand-integrated wordplayCyclical rhyme progression

Rhyme Architecture: Nas employs a sophisticated mix of multisyllabic end rhymes paired with internal assonance, notably transitioning from rigid, aggressive cadences in the chorus to a more fluid, conversational flow that mirrors the process of aging.

Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Aimé Leon Dore New Balance"

① A high-end sneaker fashion choice signifying current status and style.② A literal metaphor for the 'balance' of time, life, and perspective he mentions throughout the verse.

"By the time you see the stars in the skies, they already burnt out / Same way these dudes be shinin' but been burnt out"

① The astronomical reality that light takes time to travel, making observed stars relics of the past.② A commentary on the rap industry, where artists perceived as 'hot' have often already lost their substance or authentic creative spark.

"Wisdom and ignorance is kin, to have peace, you need war"

① A dialectical observation that opposites are necessary for the existence of one another.② A reflection on the emcee's past life of street violence being the necessary 'war' that forged his current 'wisdom'.

Exceptional thematic depth regarding the cycle of life

Seamless integration of brand identity with abstract philosophy

Masterful control over internal rhyme placement

Vocal delivery displays maturity, poise, and authoritative reflection

Occasionally dense philosophical assertions may obscure the immediate punchline impact for casual listeners

The bridge from personal anecdote to universal truth requires a high degree of listener attentiveness

Once a Man, Twice a Child

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

Technical Breakdown

Production

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