Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous

M.V.P.

Big L

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

28

End

119

Internal

36

Multi

132

Slant

10

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Verse 2]
Yo, it's a must that I get papes✦
Peace to all the DJs who gave me love on they mixtapes
And once again,✦ the man's back with a dance track
So here's✦ your chance, Jack, to get loose and let your hands clap
I got juice like Boku,✦ mad crews I broke through
Brothers be mad 'cause I hit more chicks than they spoke to
And every✦ time I'm jammed,✦ I always✦ find a loophole
I got a crime record longer✦ than Manute✦ Bol
And my raps are unbelievable✦ like aliens and flyin' saucers
No more iron horses✦ 'cause I'm buyin' Porsches
Comin'✦ straight out the NYC
Peace to the Kid Capri,✦ I'm MVP
[Chorus]
If rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
Yo, if rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
If rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
Yo, if rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
[Verse 3]
Battles I lose none, I make crews run, I get fools done
Got ten fingers, but only✦ use one
I run up like Machine Gun Kelly✦ with a black skully✦
Put one in your belly,✦ leave you smelly,✦ then take your Pelle Pelle
I'm the neighborhood lamper,✦ punani✦ vamper✦
Mess around, you'll find my silk boxers in your Mommy's✦ hamper✦
And nowadays, girls want you for your money✦
I'm like Heav', I got nothin'✦ but love for you, honey✦
And since I'm lookin'✦ slick, and my pockets are thick
I need surgery to get chicks removed from my— (Chill)
I'm comin'✦ straight out the NYC
Rap's my J-O-B, and I'm MVP
[Chorus]
If rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
Yo, if rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
If rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
Yo, if rap was a game, I'll be MVP
The most valuable✦ poet on the M-I-C
[Outro]
Yeah!

Technical Breakdown

8.5
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres8.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm9.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity6.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control9.0

Performance and control

Computed Score8.48

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Big L establishes an elite benchmark for the mid-90s boom-bap era by blending relentless, high-density internal rhyme schemes with self-assured, charismatic punchline delivery that prioritizes rhythmic impact over complex metaphors.

A
7.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
9
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
8
Wordplay
9
Delivery
Multisyllabic internal rhymingAssonance-heavy cadencesDynamic flow switchesSelf-referential wordplay
Rhyme Architecture: The verse utilizes an aggressive, AABB-adjacent internal rhyme structure, frequently chaining three or four multi-syllabic rhymes within a single line (e.g., 'Battles I lose none, I make crews run, I get fools done').
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"I got a crime record longer than Manute Bol"

① A reference to his extensive criminal history/street reputation② A play on Manute Bol's status as one of the tallest players in NBA history, using his physical stature as a metaphor for the length of L's rap sheet

"No more iron horses 'cause I'm buyin' Porsches"

① A literal transition from struggling (possibly relying on public transit or cheap vehicles)② A metaphorical advancement in status, using the 'iron horse' (old locomotive/slang for unreliable transport) as a contrast to the luxury of a Porsche

"The most valuable poet on the M-I-C"

① A standard re-interpretation of the sports acronym MVP as a lyrical moniker② A clever spelling out of 'MIC' that serves as both a rhythmic punctuation mark and a self-declaration of dominance on the stage

Exceptional rhythmic pocket adherence

High-density rhyme chains that create a driving sonic experience

Confident, high-energy vocal delivery

Effective use of hyperbole to establish persona

Vocabulary is somewhat limited by the thematic focus on braggadocio

Occasional reliance on standard hip-hop tropes common to the era

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