The 18th Letter
When I'm Flowin'
Rakim
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
21
End
129
Internal
73
Multi
204
Slant
11
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
Yo, I find a show, rhyme 'til it's time to go
I'm designed✦ to blow, my mind's inclined✦ to flow
Yo, my M.O., makin'✦ all kind of dough
From the info✦ that Rakim✦ show, y'know?✦
[Verse 2]
When I'm flowin',✦ theoretically✦ speakin' like a drummer
I take you through the streets to the parks in the summer✦
Or illustrate,✦ a time and place you never✦ been in
And make you focus on the future✦ after✦ seein' the beginning
And my style wilds, like Miles✦ on the trumpet
Volume✦ dial was kind of low, need to pump it
Up another notch, turn the dial 'til it stops
More watts you got, more things to watch
Third eye's wide open,✦ you're focused on the theory✦
Keep scopin'✦ 'til you hear me, words is spoken✦ clearly
It's no smokescreens on the scenes✦ that I'm showin'✦
Man, I keep it goin', damn, I keep it flowin'✦
[Chorus x2]
Yo, I find a show, rhyme 'til it's time to go
I'm designed✦ to blow, my mind's inclined✦ to flow
Yo, my M.O., makin'✦ all kind of dough
From the info✦ that Rakim✦ show, y'know?✦
[Verse 3]
Two pages✦ cause panic,✦ freestyles is frantic✦
Thoughts is organic,✦ flow is aerodynamic
Mic is volcanic,✦ rhymes✦ spread across the planet✦
I send out the scribe now the vibes✦ gigantic✦
Now, I'm internationally✦ known, mental✦ capacities✦ blown
I hope your microphone's accident prone
Raw footage is shown, but only✦ showin'✦ scenes✦ of my own
Leavin'✦ your peripheral vision in a zone
But not the twilight, from the insight that I write
And recite,✦ in my mic'll be bright, 'cause I like
The night glowin',✦ it's out of sight when I'm showin'✦
Man, I keep it goin', damn, I keep it flowin'✦
[Chorus x2]
Yo, I find a show, rhyme 'til it's time to go
I'm designed✦ to blow, my mind's inclined✦ to flow
Yo, my M.O., makin'✦ all kind of dough
From the info✦ that Rakim✦ show, y'know?✦
[Verse 4]
Yo, accurate✦ tactics make 'em clap to this
When I move the crowd, my rhythm still don't miss
Breeze through melodies✦ 'cause it's been a long time
My lyrics is fury✦ and rappers hate to hear me rhyme
Every✦ antidote that I quote, is no joke
Nobody's smilin'✦ in the ghetto✦ from the notes✦ I wrote
My high techniques wreck and disrespect beats
Have you followin' the leader✦ up and down the streets
So kick along✦ as I rip a song with pull
As the rhyme goes on I get paid in full
It's Rakim,✦ I'm indicating rhymes✦ for the showing✦
Check it out y'all, I keep it goin' when I'm flowing✦
[Chorus x2]
Yo, I find a show, rhyme 'til it's time to go
I'm designed✦ to blow, my mind's inclined✦ to flow
Yo, my M.O., makin'✦ all kind of dough
From the info✦ that Rakim✦ show, y'know?✦
Technical Breakdown
8.8
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 / Rhythm9.0
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 Score8.84
Production
— Pete RockBe the first to rate the production
Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
Rakim utilizes internal cadence and rhythmic syncopation to establish a 'flow' that mimics jazz percussion, effectively elevating the structural complexity of late-80s/early-90s lyricism.
A+
9.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
9
Cadence / Flow
8
Vocabulary
7.5
Wordplay
9
Delivery
Internal rhyme chainingMultisyllabic rhyme densityJazz rhythmic syncopationMetaphorical analogy
Rhyme Architecture: Extensive use of multi-syllabic internal rhymes combined with long-form enjambment, creating a fluid, conversational delivery that prioritizes rhythmic pocket over traditional AABB patterns.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"theoretically speakin' like a drummer"
① The literal comparison of his rhythmic patterns to percussion.② A reference to the 'Rakim flow' as a scientific or calculated approach to rhyme cadence.
"my style wilds, like Miles on the trumpet"
① An auditory comparison to Miles Davis's improvisational jazz style.② An assertion of creative unpredictability and virtuosity within a rigid musical framework.
"Third eye's wide open"
① A reference to the Ajna chakra/spiritual enlightenment.② Heightened lyrical perception or 'visionary' perspective on social commentary.
Unrivaled rhythmic fluidity for the era
Sophisticated internal rhyming structures
Consistent thematic coherence
Authoritative vocal presence
Occasional reliance on simpler end-rhymes for structural stability
Limited usage of dense, abstract wordplay compared to later lyrical eras