The Great Depression
Number 11
DMX
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
22
End
182
Internal
56
Multi
155
Slant
8
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Hook] X2
So don't walk too fast or talk too much
'Cause y'all niggas✦ is ass, and you know whassup✦
'Cause y'all niggas'll✦ blast and we like WHAT?!
And my niggas'll✦ blast and Y'ALL FUCKED✦ UP!
[Verse 2: DMX]
I done told you niggas✦ to walk with me with Stan
Now who's lookin'✦ at me, awkwardly? My man
But you know who I let talk to me? My fans
Take pictures shake hands cause, that's my man
It'll be what it is for as long as I let it last
Shit niggas✦ put out? I'd be wrong if I let it past
Think that shit is hot bitch, just because✦ you said it fast? (WHAT?!)
I'm about✦ to dead it fast, you pumped✦ off unleaded gas (C'mon!)
Don't keep goin' where you're goin' it's a dead end
'fore a nigga✦ catch you at the door tryin' to get it
Key tryin' to fit in, fo'-pound spittin
Get what you put in (WHAT?!) bullshit forbidden (WHAT?!)
Stop talkin'✦ wreckless, cause - y'all don't mean it (Woo!)
Y'all better✦ respect this, cause - y'all don't seen it (Woo!)
Y'all better✦ check this cause I'm gon' bring it
Bring it? I don't think y'all really✦ wanna✦ see it!
[Hook] X2
So don't walk too fast or talk too much
'Cause y'all niggas✦ is ass, and you know whassup✦
'Cause y'all niggas'll✦ blast and we like WHAT?!
And my niggas'll✦ blast and Y'ALL FUCKED✦ UP!
[Verse 3: DMX]
Aiyyo why do niggas✦ run they mouth, when they ain't bout it? (uh-huh)✦
Ain't "Ryde or Die" but, stay wantin'✦ to shout it (Uh-huh)✦
Stay pullin'✦ the thing out but what you gon' do without✦ it?
No, I wanna✦ know f'real, what you gon' do without✦ it? (F'real!)
We done tested✦ y'all niggas,✦ the rest of y'all niggas✦
Threatened y'all niggas,✦ STRAIGHT UP, double vested✦ y'all niggas✦
And it was ONLY✦ out of love that we protect y'all niggas✦
And because✦ of a nigga✦ in jail, we respected y'all niggas✦
But
[Hook]
So don't walk too fast or talk too much
'Cause y'all niggas✦ is ass, and you know whassup✦
'Cause y'all niggas'll✦ blast and we like WHAT?!
And my niggas'll✦ blast and Y'ALL FUCKED✦ UP!
[DMX]
Be careful where you walkin'✦ cause the ground's real shaky✦
Nigga✦ hold the fo' but PLEASE don't make me
Please don't mistake me, make me, angry✦ (WHAT?!)
Love me or hate me (WHAT?!) niggas✦ can't break me (C'mon!)
[Hook] X2
So don't walk too fast or talk too much
'Cause y'all niggas✦ is ass, and you know whassup✦
'Cause y'all niggas'll✦ blast and we like WHAT?!
And my niggas'll✦ blast and Y'ALL FUCKED✦ UP!
Technical Breakdown
8.4
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 / Rhythm9.0
Flow variation and timing (data-driven)
Vocabulary Complexity6.0
Range and depth of words used (data-driven)
Delivery / Breath Control9.0
Performance and control
Computed Score8.43
Production
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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
DMX utilizes percussive, high-intensity delivery to elevate relatively simple lyricism, creating a sonic atmosphere where flow and vocal inflection compensate for limited linguistic complexity.
A
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
9
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
9
Delivery
Aggressive ad-lib placementInternal rhyme stackingStaccato rhythmic cadenceCall-and-response dynamics
Rhyme Architecture: Primarily AAAA or AABB couplets anchored by heavy monosyllabic endings, supplemented by dense internal rhyming strings.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"you pumped off unleaded gas"
① The opponent is energized by 'regular' or inferior quality inspiration/substance.② A play on the volatility of fuel, suggesting the opponent is dangerous or explosive but in an artificial or 'low-grade' way.
"Key tryin' to fit in"
① Literally attempting to insert a physical key into a lock.② Metaphorical attempt by an outsider to find acceptance or status within DMX's circle or the rap industry.
Exceptional command of rhythmic pocket
Dynamic use of ad-libs as punctuators
Strong structural coherence and pacing
High-octane delivery
Low lexical variety
Occasional filler-heavy lines to maintain rhyme scheme
Limited metaphorical depth