The Master

I Know

Rakim

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

End

260

Internal

Multi

229

Slant

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight

[Chorus]

You got it, you got it, you got it, you got it

I know you got soul, hey

If you didn't, you wouldn't be in— be in—

Be in here

[Verse 2]

Picture a mic, the stage is empty^✦

A beat like this might tempt me

To pose, show my rings and my fat gold chain

Grab the mic like I'm on Soul Train

But I wait, 'cause I mastered this

Let the others go first, so the brothers don't miss

Eric^✦ B. break the sticks (You got it)

Rakim^✦ will begin^✦ when you make the mix

I'll experiment like a scientist

You wanna^✦ rhyme, you gotta^✦ sign my list

'Cause I'ma^✦ manifest and bless the mic I hold

You want it next? Then you gotta^✦ have soul

'Cause if you ain't got it, I'ma^✦ make an encore^✦

Take the mic, make the people respond for

The R, 'cause that's the way it'll have to be

If you wanna^✦ get on after^✦ me

Think about^✦ it, wait, erase^✦ your rhyme

Forget^✦ it and don't waste your time

'Cause I'll be in the crowd, if you ain't controlling it

Drop the mic, you shouldn't be holding it

This is how it should be done

This style is identical to none

Some try to make it sound like this, but you're getting me

So upset^✦ that I'm wet 'cause you're sweating me

I drip steam like a microphone fiend

Eager^✦ to MC is my theme

I get hype when I hear a drum roll

Rakim^✦ is on the mic and you know I got soul

[Chorus]

You got it

You got— You got— You got it

[Verse 3]

I got soul (You got it), that's why I came

To teach those who can't say my name

First of all, I'm the soloist, the soul controller

Rakim^✦ gets stronger as I get older^✦

Constant elevation^✦ causes^✦ expansion^✦

I write my rhymes^✦ while I cool in my mansion^✦

Then put it on tape and in the city^✦ I test it

Then on the radio^✦ the R is requested

You listen^✦ to it, the concept might break you

'Cause almost anyone^✦ can relate^✦ to

Whoever's out of hand, I'ma^✦ give 'em handles^✦

Light 'em up, blow 'em out like candles^✦

Or should I just let 'em melt?

Then give 'em a hand so they can see how it felt

I'm not bold just 'cause I rock gold

Rakim^✦ is on the mic, and you know I got soul

[Chorus]

You got— You got— You got— You got it

You got it

You got— You got it

[Verse 4]

Now I'ma^✦ stop to see what you got

Get off the mic before^✦ I get too hot

I want to see which posse can dance the best

It should be easy^✦ 'cause the beat is fresh

Now if you're from Uptown, Brooklyn-bound

The Bronx, Queens, and Long Island^✦ Sound

Even^✦ other^✦ states^✦ come right and exact

It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at

Since you came here, you have to show and prove

And do that dance until it don't move

'Cause all you need is soul, self-esteem will release

The rest is up to you, Rakim'll say peace

[Chorus]

You got it

You got— You got— You got— You got it

You got it

You got— You got— You got— You got it

You got it

You got— You got— You got— You got it

You got it

Technical Breakdown

8.7

Multisyllabic Rhymes6.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres7.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm10.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control9.5

Performance and control

Computed Score8.69

Production

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Critic Analysis

RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Rakim utilizes rhythmic displacement and internal rhyme density to shift the focus from traditional end-rhyme punchlines to a sophisticated, modular flow architecture that defines the transition from Old School to Golden Age hip-hop.

6.5

Multisyllabic

9.5

Internal Rhymes

Cadence / Flow

Vocabulary

7.5

Wordplay

9.5

Delivery

Internal multi-syllabic rhymingRhythmic syncopationMid-bar pauses for dynamic effectAlliterationMetaphorical self-referencing

Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB couplets broken by complex internal assonance patterns that bridge the gap between lines, creating a fluid, stream-of-consciousness effect rather than a rigid staccato delivery.

Verified Doubles & Entendres

"I'll experiment like a scientist"

① The artist is testing and refining new techniques with the analytical precision of a researcher.② A play on the 'science' of hip-hop and the calculated methodical approach to song structure.

"Eric B. break the sticks"

① Direct instruction to the DJ to start the drum break (percussion sticks).② Metaphorical call to disrupt the standard or 'break' the rhythm to clear the path for the emcee.

"You wanna rhyme, you gotta sign my list"

① Establishing a hierarchy where others must seek permission or approval from Rakim to compete.② A nod to the competitive nature of 'open mic' settings where you must sign a list to earn performance time.

Unmatched rhythmic confidence and pocket placement

Revolutionary approach to flow variation

Cohesive thematic narrative centered on lyrical dominance

Effective use of negative space (pauses)

Literal focus on lyrical status leaves less room for multi-layered political or social commentary

Limited vocabulary range due to prioritization of flow and sonic texture over lexicon depth

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Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

Technical Breakdown

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