The Great Depression

Who We Be (featuring Dustin Adams)

DMX

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

1

End

6

Internal

5

Multi

17

Slant

1

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
*all samples are Payday,✦ except for these, at the beginning
"They don't know" - Dustin Adams - Who We Be (DMX track) https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxMjaKbcJiuu0g43gZqfVNS6WAZFf_luTC?si=wt8Wx2W2ZF03W1l1
"Scissorhand" - Ghostface✦ Killah - Three Bricks
Https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxkXMpL-0BaVwNIMLvC4D0F0e1Lbhe_-Zq?si=5T57tPuAQjWEaZzw
"You're still a soldier" - Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxqmZc_rS654UOdhCMapezNB6JkXuaPguM?si=bTIni-koofGPkFpk
"War's extremely serious, and it saddens me" - Masta✦ Killa✦ - Assassination Day (Ghostface✦ track)
Https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxEIlHERj4N0R5g6BffOw8nGptrlDZVxTd?si=8ywpcIuUXFAFGEI1

Technical Breakdown

6.0
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes6.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres4.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm3.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity9.5

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.0

Performance and control

Computed Score6.00

Production

— Black Key, Melvin "Hip" Armstead

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

DMX utilizes raw, guttural intensity and high-impact vocal projection to compensate for a lack of complex lyrical layering, focusing instead on thematic resonance and rhythmic aggression.

C
7.5
Multisyllabic
6.5
Internal Rhymes
3.5
Cadence / Flow
9.5
Vocabulary
4
Wordplay
8
Delivery
Staccato deliveryVocal layeringAnaphoric repetitionPercussive cadence
Rhyme Architecture: Primarily AABB or AAAA end-rhyme structures with heavy reliance on masculine rhymes, punctuated by internal multisyllabic clusters that anchor the aggressive flow.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Who we be"

① A defiant proclamation of collective identity and street-level struggle.② A rhetorical question challenging the listener to understand the reality of the artist's environment.

Unrivaled vocal presence and conviction

High-impact, rhythmic delivery that commands attention

Strong command of thematic consistency

Limited usage of complex metaphors or double entendres

Linear structure lacks significant narrative subtext

Rhythmically rigid compared to contemporary technical rappers

User Scores