Untitled

Hero

Nas

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

22

End

132

Internal

55

Multi

168

Slant

4

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Nas & Keri Hilson]
Chain gleamin',✦ switchin'✦ lanes,✦ two-seater✦
Hate him or love him for the same reason✦ (Fresh)
Can't leave it, the game needs him
Plus the people need someone✦ to believe✦ in (Yes)
So in God's Son we trust
'Cause they know I'ma✦ give 'em what they want
They lookin'✦ for a hero✦
I guess that makes✦ me a hero✦
[Verse 2: Nas]
Rubber-grip-holder, reloader
Come at me, I'ma✦ rip your soldiers in half
Silverback ape, nickel-plated mag
Young, rich and flashy;✦ young bitch, I'm nasty✦
All black clothes 'til ice lay on me so classy✦
And every✦ time I close my lids
I can still see the borough, I can still see the Bridge
I can still
Tell them angels open the door for me
From nine Berettas and movin'✦ raw
To chillin' in wine cellars, sticks and humidors
That's what I call mature✦
That's what I call a G, that's what I call a pimp
That's what I call a gangsta, to the fullest, shit
I try to make more cream
By every✦ September✦ 14th, that's my dream
So I can be more clean, as I grow yearly✦
I can see things more clearly, that's why they fear me (let's go!)
[Chorus: Nas & Keri Hilson]
Chain gleamin',✦ switchin'✦ lanes,✦ two-seater✦
Hate him or love him for the same reason✦ (Fresh)
Can't leave it, the game needs him
Plus the people need someone✦ to believe✦ in (Yes)
So in God's Son we trust
'Cause they know I'ma✦ give 'em what they want
They lookin'✦ for a hero✦
I guess that makes✦ me a hero✦
[Verse 3: Nas]
This universal apartheid, I'm hog-tied, the corporate side
Blockin' y'all from goin' to stores✦ and buyin' it
First L.A. and Doug Morris was ridin'✦ with it
But Newsweek article startled big wigs
They said "Nas, why is he tryin' it?"
My lawyers only✦ see the Billboard charts as winnin'✦
Forgettin' Nas the only✦ true rebel✦ since the beginnin'
Still in musical prison,✦ in jail for the flow
Try tellin'✦ Bob Dylan,✦ Bruce or Billy✦ Joel
They can't sing what's in their soul
So "Untitled" it is
I never✦ change nothin',✦ but people remember✦ this
If Nas can't say it, think about these talented kids
With new ideas✦ bein' told what they can and can't spit
I can't sit and watch it, so shit, I'ma✦ drop it
Like it or not, you ain't gotta✦ cop it
I'm a hustler in the studio,✦ cups of Don Julio✦
No matter✦ what the CD called,✦ I'm unbeatable y'all, let's go!
[Outro: Polow da Don]
Yeah, Nas, Polow✦ da Don

Technical Breakdown

7.6
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres6.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm7.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity8.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.5

Performance and control

Computed Score7.59

Production

— Polow da Don

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Nas balances aggressive street vernacular with a reflective, maturing perspective, utilizing a sophisticated contrast between past trauma and present luxury.

B+
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
7
Cadence / Flow
8
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
7.5
Delivery
AlliterationInternal rhyme chainsJuxtapositionRepetitive cadence for emphasis
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB/CCDD structure utilizing heavy multisyllabic end rhymes balanced by internal assonance within the mid-verse transition.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"God's Son"

① A reference to Nas's self-appointed moniker and 2002 album title.② A theological reference implying Nas as the figure the streets look to for salvation/belief.

"From nine Berettas and movin' raw"

① Literal involvement in gun violence and drug distribution.② An origin story narrative depicting the transition from street-level survival to high-status luxury.

Effective juxtaposition of past street-level conflict and present-day status

Strong vocal presence that conveys authentic evolution

Sophisticated use of multi-syllabic end-rhymes (reloader/soldiers/holder)

Some metaphors rely on established gangster archetypes rather than novel imagery

The concluding list structure feels slightly repetitive compared to the verse's narrative height

User Scores