Damn

HUMBLE.

Kendrick Lamar

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

24

End

122

Internal

24

Multi

108

Slant

14

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Verse 2]
Who that nigga✦ thinkin' that he frontin' on Man-Man?✦ (Man-Man)✦
Get the fuck off my stage, I'm the Sandman✦ (Sandman)✦
Get the fuck off my dick, that ain't right
I make a play fucking up your whole life
I'm so fuckin'✦ sick and tired✦ of the Photoshop
Show me somethin'✦ natural✦ like afro✦ on Richard Pryor
Show me somethin'✦ natural✦ like ass with some stretch marks
Still'll take you down right on your mama✦ couch in Polo✦ socks
Ayy, this shit way too crazy,✦ ayy, you do not amaze✦ me, ayy
I blew cool from AC, ayy, Obama✦ just paged✦ me, ayy
I don't fabricate✦ it, ayy, most of y'all be fakin',✦ ayy
I stay modest 'bout it, ayy, she elaborate✦ it, ayy
This that Grey Poupon, that Evian,✦ that TED Talk, ayy
Watch my soul speak, you let the meds talk, ayy
If I kill a nigga,✦ it won't be the alcohol, ayy
I'm the realest nigga✦ after all
[Chorus]
Bitch, be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, lil'— hold up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil'— sit down, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil' bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil'—)
Sit down (Hold up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil'— sit down, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil' bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)

Technical Breakdown

8.6
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres6.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm10.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity4.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control9.5

Performance and control

Computed Score8.58

Production

— Mike WiLL Made-It, Pluss

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Kendrick utilizes high-velocity cadence and minimalist lyrical repetition to establish a dominant, authoritarian persona that prioritizes rhythmic impact over complex poetic density.

A
7.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
10
Cadence / Flow
4
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
9.5
Delivery
Staccato deliveryAnaphoric repetitionInternal rhyme chainsDynamic vocal shifting
Rhyme Architecture: The verse relies on AAAA end-rhyme structures in the triplet-heavy second half, underpinned by heavy internal rhyming and repeated vowel sounds, creating a percussive, loop-like effect.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"I'm the Sandman"

① Reference to the mythical figure who puts people to sleep (metaphor for ending careers/lives).② Reference to a historical stage manager who would sweep performers off the stage with a literal crook.

"Watch my soul speak, you let the meds talk"

① Literal interpretation of controlled sobriety versus substance-induced behavior.② Metaphorical critique of superficial rappers who rely on pills for persona/numbness while he relies on authentic spirit.

Commanding vocal presence

Exceptional rhythmic precision

Effective use of minimalism to mirror the 'humble' theme

Strong contrast between aggressive delivery and instructional lyrics

Limited vocabulary range as noted in metrics

Simplicity of metaphors compared to his more dense projects

Repetitive structure can verge on monotonous for listeners seeking lyrical complexity

User Scores