The Master

I'll Be

Rakim

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

22

End

110

Internal

38

Multi

150

Slant

9

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Verse 2: Rakim]
Yo, I'm startin' to understand it you like your evenings enchanted✦
Love is bond, organic- restaurants romantic
Want me to take your hand and take you around✦ the planet✦
But I take advantage and take you for granted✦
Call collect explainin' why I ain't came yet
I ain't winnin'✦ the game yet can I get a rain check
Blow me a kiss in the wind, I'm missin'✦ again✦
Don't let your sisters and your friends tell you this is the end
Talk a hole in your head puttin'✦ bugs in your ear
Make you role in your bed when your thug ain't there
Somewhere around✦ ladies✦ know I get lonely✦ and proud
Open✦ my file baby✦ you should know me by now
Tryin' to get paid and stay away✦ from old sites✦
Find my place in life plus I like to hold mics
It might be seven✦ whole days and seven✦ whole nights
But yo it's gonna be alright just hold tight
[Chorus: Nneka Morton]
I will always✦ be there
I always✦ be there for you
I will always✦ be there
I'll be there
[Verse 3: Rakim]
Who said something good won't last forever✦
I know too much of any✦ thing is bad, whatever✦
Long as we have good and bad times✦ together
Bad times✦ make the good times✦ that much better
Peaches and cream, diamonds and ice
You like pieces✦ of dreams you shinin'✦ in the night
Features of a Queen and your mind frame is tight
Timin'✦ is right get ready✦ for the time of your life
You speak about stackin' gees and havin'✦ seeds
Apparently we know it's no guarantee
But losin'✦ you boo who smooth as you
You unusual this is for the cool in you
And for the chill I will forever✦ come real
Your appeal✦ makes✦ it hard to keep my love concealed
All it took was one look, one kiss, one meal
Now come feel, let's make this a done deal
[Chorus: Nneka Morton]
I will always✦ be there
I always✦ be there for you
I will always✦ be there
I'll be there

Technical Breakdown

8.4
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres7.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm9.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity6.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.5

Performance and control

Computed Score8.41

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Rakim masterfully applies his signature internal rhyme density to romantic subject matter, creating a conversational yet rhythmically complex flow that bridges the gap between lyrical prestige and accessible storytelling.

A
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
9
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
7.5
Wordplay
8.5
Delivery
Internal multisyllabic rhymingAssonant chain linkingConversational cadenceDynamic rhythmic pivots
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB or AAAA couplet structures hidden within dense internal rhyme strings, featuring high-frequency assonance on long vowels (e.g., 'enchanted/romantic/planet/granted').
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Talk a hole in your head puttin' bugs in your ear"

① The literal act of friends gossiping negatively about the narrator.② A play on the 'bug in your ear' idiom, implying the sowing of doubt/paranoia as a physical, irritating intrusion.

"Find my place in life plus I like to hold mics"

① Searching for personal fulfillment and stability.② Reaffirming his primary identity as a lyricist/performer, anchoring his lifestyle to his profession.

Exceptional rhythmic pocket management

Seamless integration of complex rhyme schemes into narrative themes

Polished, authoritative vocal presence

High level of technical consistency across the verse

Metaphors occasionally lean on established tropes for the era

Vocabulary breadth is narrower than earlier technical peaks

Emotional stakes are somewhat generalized

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