The Master

Flow Forever

Rakim

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

11

End

126

Internal

49

Multi

136

Slant

5

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
They show me love when I come through
Yo, any✦ club that I come to
I hit a microphone✦ check one-two✦
And they know what I wanna✦ do — flow forever!✦
[Verse 2]
You ever✦ witness rapport like this before?✦
It's 'cause y'all kiss the floor, say Bismillah
It's the chosen✦ one with the golden✦ tongue
Flow for the old and young when I'm holdin'✦ one
In the front row sit-ty,✦ we show no pity✦
Where kids get jiggy✦ and girls are so pretty✦
The Wanderer, back from Casablanca
To stomp all, what next for Ra to conquer?
So let's go, the best show will explode✦
No dress codes,✦ they just pose in their best clothes
Girls get exposed when I show my rap expo✦
Will there be a next episode?✦ I guess so
Those that have doubt, wanted✦ to have clout
What they mad about?✦ Must be a cash drought
MC's switch they style from they last bout
And I bet soon as they hear this, they spaz out
[Chorus x2]
They show me love when I come through
Yo, any✦ club that I come to
I hit a microphone✦ check one-two✦
And they know what I wanna✦ do — flow forever!✦
[Verse 3]
Wherever✦ Rakim go, it's the God tempo✦
It's simple, my M.O. — no problemo
Been all over✦ the map, even✦ know where Hell is at
I get the welcome✦ mat, and then welcome✦ back
My flow is raw, they treat me like Mr. Know-It-All
They want me to show 'em all my brand new protocol
Excusez-moi, I make 'em move for Ra
You ain't soupin'✦ Ra, save the hoop-a-la
Let me find out you rhymed✦ out, designed out
Pullin'✦ dimes✦ out to climb out for time-out
I'm at the free throw, playin' ball or cee-lo,✦ I keep dough
Reloaded like Carlito,✦ incognito✦
I be so low-key,✦ women✦ get nosy✦
I do a show, they wanna✦ go see to get to know me
In the front row seat, they cozy✦
Thinkin' I'm givin'✦ 'em the bo-bo-vee until they O.D
[Chorus x4]
They show me love when I come through
Yo, any✦ club that I come to
I hit a microphone✦ check one-two✦
And they know what I wanna✦ do — flow forever!✦

Technical Breakdown

7.7
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres7.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm6.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity7.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.5

Performance and control

Computed Score7.66

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Rakim utilizes sophisticated internal assonance and rhythmic pocket-shifting to transform a standard braggadocio structure into a masterclass of internal flow-density, characteristic of his late 90s evolution.

B+
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
6.5
Cadence / Flow
7
Vocabulary
7.5
Wordplay
8.5
Delivery
Internal Rhyme StackingAssonance-heavy multi-syllabic stringsRhythmic syncopationPolysyllabic end-rhyme chains
Rhyme Architecture: Rakim employs an advanced AAAA-BBBB structure using internal mono-rhymes (e.g., 'chosen one', 'golden tongue', 'holdin' one') that bridge the line breaks, maintaining high momentum through consistent vowel sound repetition.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"the chosen one with the golden tongue"

① A metaphorical reference to his status as a legendary, divinely gifted lyricist.② A play on the 'Midas touch' trope, suggesting everything he speaks (raps) has high value.

"show my rap expo"

① A public display or exhibition of his lyrical skills.② A truncated reference to an 'exposition' or formal explanation of his dominance in the rap industry.

Unmatched rhythmic fluidity

Sophisticated use of multi-syllabic internal patterns

Commanding, effortless vocal presence

Coherent thematic progression

Relies on standard ego-centric rap tropes common to the era

Lacks deep metaphorical subtext beyond lyrical dominance

User Scores