Beats, Rhymes and Life

Separate/Together

A Tribe Called Quest

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

3

End

25

Internal

13

Multi

20

Slant

1

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Q-Tip]
We got to do our due, not separate,✦ together✦
Got to move on through, not separate,✦ together✦
Got to do our due, not separate,✦ together✦
Got to move on through, not separate,✦ together✦
[Outro: Q-Tip]
Yo, we got some problems baby✦
People stressed out, check it
But we can make it Sugar
Keep it light and I say
Move on through separate✦
Not together✦ but together✦
Not separate,✦ that's how
We got to do it, check it on out
Bust it, yo
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Technical Breakdown

4.8
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes8.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres2.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm3.3

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control5.0

Performance and control

Computed Score4.83

Production

— The Ummah

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

The verse prioritizes melodic repetition and mantra-like cohesion over lyrical complexity or technical wordplay, reflecting a functional, pop-oriented approach to the song's social message.

D
8.5
Multisyllabic
8.5
Internal Rhymes
3.3
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
2
Wordplay
5
Delivery
Repetitive mantraCall-and-response cadenceSemantic inversion
Rhyme Architecture: The scheme relies on a simple AAAA repetition ('together') across the chorus, transitioning into a conversational, semi-improvisational flow in the outro.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Not separate, together"

① Physical unity among people to overcome collective struggle.② A linguistic play on the idea that distinct individual components must combine to function as a singular unit.

Strong rhythmic consistency

Clear thematic accessibility

Effective use of vocal layering in the chorus

Lack of dense metaphorical language

Repetitive phrasing limits lyrical depth

Absence of distinct punchlines

User Scores