Section.80

Hol' Up

Kendrick Lamar

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

3

End

92

Internal

32

Multi

83

Slant

2

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Yeah, big shit poppin',✦ everybody✦ watchin'✦
When you do it like this, nigga,✦ losing✦ ain't a option✦
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Yeah, big shit poppin'✦
Ayy, ayy, kick her out the studio,✦ Ali
[Verse 3]
24/7, nigga✦ working his ass for it, she poppin'✦ that ass for
The King of Diamonds✦ with diamonds,✦ I never✦ do ask for it
They checkin' my passport, I'm too accustomed with customs
You callin'✦ the task force, I killed✦ it, somebody✦ cuff him
They want me to fast forward the game, and
Why you complain when you niggas is past poor?
You'll never✦ hop in my lane when you pushing a RAV4
You wrecking my Jaguar
You play like a bad sport
Her feet on the dashboard
[Chorus]
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Yeah, big shit poppin',✦ everybody✦ watchin'✦
When you do it like this, nigga,✦ losing✦ ain't an option✦
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Hol' up (Hol' up), hol' up (Hol' up)
Yeah, big shit poppin',✦ everybody✦ watchin'✦
When you do it like this, nigga✦
[Outro]
I wrote this record while thirty✦ thousand feet in the air
Stewardess complimenting me on my nappy✦ hair
If I can fuck her in front of all of these passengers
They'll probably think I'm Osama✦
The plane emergency landed,✦ it was an honor✦
Hol' up

Technical Breakdown

6.9
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres7.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm5.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.0

Performance and control

Computed Score6.94

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Kendrick utilizes high-density internal rhyme chains to mask a relatively straightforward narrative, relying on rhythmic dexterity and aggressive vocal shifts to elevate standard braggadocio tropes.

B
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
5.5
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
7
Wordplay
8
Delivery
Internal rhyme chainsAssonant vowel repetitionEnjambment-driven flowPhonetic wordplay
Rhyme Architecture: The verse employs a consistent AABB-style internal rhyming pattern where the end of one clause rhymes with the internal pivot of the next, creating a 'stair-step' flow that carries the listener forward despite the simple subject matter.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"I'm too accustomed with customs"

① He is habituated or well-versed in the lifestyle of traveling.② He has repeated, standard interactions with customs/border agents due to frequent international touring.

"You niggas is past poor"

① You are economically destitute beyond the point of poverty.② You are 'past' your prime and poor in quality or skill set.

"The King of Diamonds with diamonds"

① A reference to the strip club 'King of Diamonds'.② A literal description of his status as a rap king wearing iced-out jewelry.

Exceptional rhythmic cadence

Seamless integration of internal rhymes

Authoritative vocal performance

Effective use of phonetic wordplay to maintain momentum

Relatively shallow thematic exploration

Occasional reliance on standard rap tropes (cars, status)

Limited narrative arc within the specific verse

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