Time Is Money

I'm Black

Styles P

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

43

End

114

Internal

53

Multi

255

Slant

27

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Marsha Ambrosius]
So proud to be just who I am
So proud to say that I'm me
So proud to be just who I am
So proud to be so free
(I'm black)
So proud to say that I made it
(I'm black)
The one who struggled✦ in the hatred✦
(I'm black)
And I'm not afraid✦ to say it
(I'm black 'cause I know I'm sinking)
[Verse 2: Styles P]
(I'm black)
So I got a heart full of bravery✦
Do for my peoples that went through slavery✦
(I'm black)
So you know I'm young in the sports
Nintey✦ percent chanced I get hunged✦ in the Court
(I'm black)
Don't you be scared✦ of me Mister✦
Cuz you don't really✦ seem to be scared✦ of my sister✦
(I'm black)
And I can ride first class too
Or buy an exotic✦ car and like murk past you
(I'm black)
And I don't need a tan in the winter✦
Mind strong and powerful not a I cypher✦ can't enter✦
(I'm black)
And I don't need jewelry✦ to shine
Look in my skin color✦ is like the jewelry✦ is blind
(I'm black)
They focus on the negative✦ attention✦
Do something positive,✦ and never✦ get mentioned
(I'm black)
Listen✦ it's a fact, original man
I wouldn't change it if I could and thats that
[Chorus: Marsha Ambrosius]
So proud to be just who I am
So proud to say that I'm me
So proud to be just who I am
So proud to be so free
(I'm black)
So proud to say that I made it
(I'm black)
The one who struggled✦ in the hatred✦
(I'm black)
And I'm not afraid✦ to say it
(I'm black)
(I'm black, I'm black, ohh, yeah, yeah)
[Verse 3: Styles P]
(I'm black)
Even✦ with a caramel complexion✦
Look in the mirror✦ see Malcolm and Martin✦ reflection✦
(I'm black)
Just like the Panthers, looking✦ for an answer✦
It's prejudice shit is like a cancer✦
(I'm black)
Look in my eyes the wool can't get pulled✦ over✦
Look in my cars and stay gettin✦ pulled✦ over✦
(I'm black)
Me the public✦ enemies number✦ one
Government looking✦ in the hood sending in the gun
(I'm black)
I grew up off the good time show
Drink liquor✦ smoke weed and let the good times✦ roll
(I'm black)
I live for my wife and my seeds
And my mom with a bond only✦ God can acceed✦
(I'm black)
I got to show my homeboys love
First thing you learnt in the hood is homeboy love
(I'm black)
And I'm mad if I ain't nuthin✦ else
(I'm black)
I'm beautiful and I love myself✦ (Say together)
Yeah (Love myself,✦ ohh yeah)
[Chorus: Marsha Ambrosius]
So proud to be just who I am
So proud to say that I'm me
So proud to be just who I am
So proud to be so free
(I'm black)
So proud to say that I made it
(I'm black)
The one who struggled✦ in the hatred✦
(I'm black)
And I'm not afraid✦ to say it
(I'm black, I'm black, yeah)

Technical Breakdown

8.2
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes7.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres6.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm10.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity7.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.5

Performance and control

Computed Score8.20

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Styles P utilizes a blunt, sociopolitical narrative style that prioritizes rhythmic impact and raw cultural commentary over intricate, multi-layered wordplay, effectively leveraging the 'I'm Black' mantra to frame systemic struggle.

A
7.5
Multisyllabic
7.5
Internal Rhymes
10
Cadence / Flow
7
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
7.5
Delivery
AABB rhyme schemeInternal slant rhymingDirect socio-political commentaryAnaphora
Rhyme Architecture: The verse maintains a rigid AABB structure, emphasizing end-rhymes for maximum impact, punctuated by the recurring 'I'm Black' refrain which acts as a rhythmic anchor and thematic bridge.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Nintey percent chanced I get hunged in the Court"

① A reference to the disproportionate incarceration rates of Black men in the American justice system.② A literal play on the historical imagery of 'hanging' (lynching) transformed into the modern institutional execution of character and freedom via the courtroom.

"Cuz you don't really seem to be scared of my sister"

① A challenge to the perceived selective threat level assigned to Black people by systemic power structures.② A rhetorical inversion highlighting how misogynoir and societal bias often render Black women invisible as 'threats' while hyper-policing Black men.

High emotional resonance and conviction in delivery

Effective use of the refrain to maintain narrative momentum

Strong rhythmic cadence that aligns with the beat's pocket

Lack of complex, multi-layered metaphors

Grammatical stretching for the sake of forced rhymes

Direct/literal approach limits depth for repeated listens

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