Midnight Marauders

Clap Your Hands

A Tribe Called Quest

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

28

End

118

Internal

21

Multi

118

Slant

18

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Clap your hands
[Verse 2: Q-Tip]
You just wanna✦ dance, man, and clap your hands
If you venture up the wrong road, then the circumstance will be crucial
I got hundreds of rhymes✦ that'll suit you
So listen✦
The Abstract intuition✦ is very,✦ very✦ worthy✦
I can feel ya out from Russia✦ to Jersey✦
Can't understand the underground, it gets deep
The Lo, the Nikes,✦ the links, the Jeeps
The women,✦ the lingo, and all the other✦ goods
Peace to the hoods, keep my shit on play
Please don't do the mute when you hear me on the juke
Brothers know the angle, it's the Star-Spangled black banner✦
I hook up the beats at the funk manor
If you want a roll, then the dough, I be raking✦
The scope is on the world 'cause it's mine for the taking✦
You know I'm gonna✦ do it
My shit is rock solid,✦ but it flows like fluid
Chemists get confused of my ill composition✦
This is the third of the new Tribe addition✦
MCs be swinging, but a lot of them be missing
So shut your bloodclot and listen✦
'Cause I'm bringin' you the ill rendition✦
I'd like to send this out to the L.E.S
Got a lot of rhythm and style and finesse
Come here, love, hot sex on a plat'
And when you're done with that, then clap
[Chorus]
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands now
Clap your hands now
Clap your hands now
[Outro]
Keep bouncing

Technical Breakdown

8.3
Multisyllabic Rhymes6.5

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 Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.5

Performance and control

Computed Score8.34

Production

— A Tribe Called Quest

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Q-Tip utilizes superior rhythmic cadence and internal rhyme density to compensate for a relatively straightforward, accessible lyrical lexicon, typical of his 1993 'The Low End Theory' era mastery.

A
6.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
10
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
8.5
Delivery
Internal rhyme chainingSyncopated rhythmic placementGeographic anchoringCultural signifiers
Rhyme Architecture: A fluid AABB/AABC hybrid structure that relies heavily on internal vowel assonance (e.g., 'hands/man/chance/circumstance') to propel the momentum forward, maintaining a highly percussive feel.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Star-Spangled black banner"

① A reference to the American Flag (The Star-Spangled Banner).② A reclamation or subversion of American nationalism to represent the Black experience and culture within the context of 'The Abstract'.

"The Abstract intuition is very, very worthy"

① Q-Tip's personal creative instincts are of high quality.② A nod to his moniker 'The Abstract,' linking his stage persona directly to his intellectual capacity.

Exceptional rhythmic placement of rhyme triggers

Strong use of cultural signifiers as shorthand for identity

Dynamic flow variations within the pocket

Cohesive thematic build from dance floor to geopolitical commentary

Limited depth of metaphorical complexity

Heavy reliance on brand/item listing for imagery

Lower lexical variety scores limit the intellectual ceiling of the verse

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