Magic

Ugly

Nas

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

8

End

62

Internal

56

Multi

73

Slant

4

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
It's ugly✦ (It's ugly,✦ it's ugly)✦
It's ugly✦ (It's ugly,✦ it's ugly)✦
Shit is ugly✦ (Shit is ugly,✦ shit is ugly)✦
Yeah, one time, yeah
[Verse 2]
It's ugly✦ outside,✦ they say beauty✦ is in the eye of the beholder
I see the envy✦ getting closer✦ through my optics
Knew I had vision✦ before✦ I seen an optometrist
I seen a whole lot of shit
Never✦ altered my confidence or my consciousness
It's ugly✦ outside,✦ stay dangerous,✦ stay out the mix
Poppin'✦ back out on niggas, homie I'm poppin'✦ shit
Kill 'em with no accomplices
Watchin' my rearview, the envy✦ is obvious✦
It's ugly✦ outside,✦ it's grown men jealous✦ outside✦
It's grown ass women✦ that'll have you set up to die
You really✦ not a stepper nigga, just step to the side
While I two-step on a beat, watch a veteran slide
JMJ seen him comin',✦ wish he ain't hit the buzzer✦
Marvin✦ Gaye to Young Dolph, we taking✦ out our brothers
Distorted faces, solemn features, we kill each other✦
It's Mr. Ugly✦ Man, Marlon✦ Wayans in In Living✦ Color
[Chorus]
It's ugly✦ (It's ugly,✦ it's ugly)✦
It's ugly✦ (It's ugly,✦ it's ugly)✦
Shit is ugly✦ (Shit is ugly,✦ shit is ugly)✦
Yeah, one time
It's ugly✦ (It's ugly,✦ it's ugly)✦
It's ugly✦ (It's ugly,✦ it's ugly)✦
Shit is ugly✦ (Shit is ugly,✦ shit is ugly)✦
Yeah

Technical Breakdown

7.6
Multisyllabic Rhymes9.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres7.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm6.5

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 Score7.64

Production

— Corbett, Hit-Boy

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Nas demonstrates high-level consistency in internal rhyme density and flow management, utilizing a 'veteran' persona to bridge historical cultural trauma with modern observations on envy.

B+
9.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
6.5
Cadence / Flow
7
Vocabulary
7.5
Wordplay
8
Delivery
Multisyllabic internal rhyme chainsHistorical allusion sequencingDynamic cadence variationCultural referentialism
Rhyme Architecture: The verse relies on a highly consistent AAAA-style multi-rhyme internal structure, utilizing extended vowel sounds (optics/optometrist/confidence/consciousness) to maintain a locked-in cadence.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Knew I had vision before I seen an optometrist"

① Physical sight or the ability to identify optical medical issues.② A metaphorical foresight or 'vision' for success and life strategy before attaining financial or professional status.

"Poppin' back out on niggas, homie I'm poppin' shit"

① The act of returning to the spotlight or public view.② Talking trash or engaging in aggressive lyrical/physical posturing.

"two-step on a beat, watch a veteran slide"

① Dancing or moving rhythmically over a musical production.② The act of stepping over/past rivals with ease, showcasing superior lyrical agility.

Exceptional density of internal multisyllabics

Commanding presence that anchors the 'ugly' theme with gravitas

Effective use of historical trauma to elevate the song's existential stakes

Strong structural coherence in connecting the chorus theme to the verses

Some metaphors remain surface-level comparisons

Occasional reliance on standard hip-hop tropes regarding envy and danger

Linear narrative lacks the narrative subversion found in his peak storytelling works

User Scores