Exodus

Hold Me Down (featuring Alicia Keys)

DMX

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

19

End

117

Internal

29

Multi

102

Slant

6

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Alicia Keys & DMX]
Hold me down (Uh, uh, uh, yo)
Hold me down
Even✦ when the rain falls (Hey, hey, yeah)
Hold me down (Down), oh (Nigga✦ don't need much)
Hold me down
I'm just so thankful✦ (C'mon, get it)
[Verse 2: DMX & Alicia Keys]
I pulled✦ in opposite directions, my life's in conflict (Uh huh)
That's why I spit words that depict the convict (Okay,✦ ooh)
Man, if you not able to see
What I'm saying to you, then you not able to be (C'mon, ooh, yeah)
Just like reading the Bible to a baby✦ (Uh-uh)✦
Some of y'all will get it (Uh)
But most of y'all gon' think I'm crazy✦ (Oh no, no, no)
I ain't never✦ gave a fuck about what you think (Okay)✦
What you think don't matter✦ if you think yo' shit don't stink (Baby)✦
Man, it hurts when people that I love don't want me (Oh)
Want it all from me, then think they can judge me (Yeah)
Treat me like I'm ugly✦
I done did some dumb shit but I never✦ been a dummy✦
'Cause I know God love me
[Chorus: Alicia Keys & DMX]
Hold me down (Even✦ when the rain falls)
Hold me down (Hey)
Hold me down (I'm just so grateful)✦
Hold me down (Hey, hey)
Hold me down (A nigga✦ don't need much)
Hold me down (I'm just so thankful)✦
Hold me down (Even✦ when the rain falls)
Hold me down (I'm just so grateful)✦
[Outro: Alicia Keys]
Nobody,✦ nobody✦ gonna✦ take me down (Hold me down)
'Cause I been through it all (Hold me down)
Woah (Hold me down, hold me down)
Nobody,✦ nobody✦ gonna✦ take me down (Hold me down)
Oh Lord, you wanna✦ know how I survive
And it's all because of you, yeah
And I'm just so grateful✦

Technical Breakdown

7.2
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm8.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.0

Performance and control

Computed Score7.24

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

DMX effectively leverages his signature gravelly, rhythmic cadence to compensate for a straightforward lyrical approach, relying on emotional resonance over dense metaphorical complexity.

B+
7.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
8
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
7
Delivery
AssonanceInternal Rhyme ChainsStaccato deliveryCall and response
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB and AAAA couplet structures with high internal rhyme density, utilizing consistent end-rhymes (convict/conflict/able/baby/crazy/stink/stink/dummy/me) to drive momentum.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"I done did some dumb shit but I never been a dummy"

① Acknowledging past poor decision-making or criminal actions.② Asserting that he possesses inherent street wisdom or 'common sense' despite his mistakes, differentiating impulsive behavior from a lack of intelligence.

"What you think don't matter if you think yo' shit don't stink"

① A colloquial insult suggesting the listener is arrogant or hypocritical.② A dismissal of external criticism by implying that the critic is blinded by their own flaws (the 'stink' of their own shit), effectively disqualifying their judgment.

Commanding vocal presence that adds gravity to simple aphorisms

Consistent internal rhythm that forces the listener to lock into the beat

Clear emotional narrative arc regarding conflict and external judgment

Relies on conversational tropes rather than innovative wordplay

Vocabulary range is limited, favoring direct address over lyrical abstraction

Occasional predictable end-rhymes that lack surprise factor

User Scores