Todd Smith
Preserve the Sexy
LL Cool J
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
15
End
107
Internal
53
Multi
171
Slant
7
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: LL] + (Teairra✦ Mari)✦
The chain on my neck (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
The O's in the check (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
The crib and the whips (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
Cash, the chips (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
The honey✦ on my arm (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
The ice in my charm (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
Teairra✦ Mari✦ (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
It's your man L on this beat (preserve✦ the sexy)✦
[LL] + (Teairra✦ Mari)✦
You really✦ should let me, keep you in Giuseppi's
Frankie V's, H. Findel,✦ Chanel,✦ this is L
(You doin a lot of frontin) But that ain't hard to tell
(You tryin to flip me) Nah B (this I see)
Uh-huh, we'll see, spend a little time with me
By the time I make my move you be sayin finally
(Ain't no moves✦ to be made) Too many✦ games✦ get played
(Too many✦ chickens gettin✦ laid and watch they reputations fade)
Where you from? (Detroit) What that mean? (I'm on point)
Relax, we talkin,✦ don't get your drawers out of joint
I wanna✦ see you smile, elevate your lifestyle
Cop a yacht, hit the South of France (not a chance)
Keep your little advance, this one's✦ on me
And the chef's on board, you can eat for free
[Teairra Mari]
Slow down sweetie, my waist is 24
I'm far from greedy✦ (you're gonna✦ love it, believe me)
[Chorus]
[LL]
Cats sippin✦ venom and spillin it on my linen✦
My baby✦ smooth leather is softer than most women✦
Everything is crisp from my cuff to my trimming
Words can't describe all the garments that I been in
[Teairra Mari]
I been had Cartier, switch whips every✦ play
My little Jack Rusell✦ know how to hustle
I stay with canaries on, platinum on every✦ song
Hate it or love it, then respect how I does it
[LL] + (Teairra✦ Mari)✦
Uhh, well I'm not dem, that's how I got gems
Cost a quarter million dollars for them like shiny✦ rims
Understand me slim, this how the game begin✦
If he was me then he'd do the same to him
But L's the real deal, so tell me what you feel
Tell me one of your secrets, I'll keep my lips sealed✦
(That's for me to know and you to find out)
Long as we both know what we talkin✦ 'bout, cool
[Chorus]
[LL] + (T.M.)
What'chu wanna✦ do? (Preserve✦ the sexy)✦ {*repeat✦ to fade*}
Technical Breakdown
7.0
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5
Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)
Internal Rhymes9.5
Rhymes within a line (data-driven)
Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0
Clever language, metaphors, punchlines
Cadence / Rhythm7.5
Flow variation and timing (data-driven)
Vocabulary Complexity6.0
Range and depth of words used (data-driven)
Delivery / Breath Control6.0
Performance and control
Computed Score7.03
Production
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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
The verse relies on traditional braggadocio and conversational flow typical of mid-2000s commercial rap, prioritizing status-signaling imagery over complex lyrical density.
B
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
7.5
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
6
Delivery
Call-and-response structureInternal rhyme chainsConversational cadenceDirect address to counter-perspective
Rhyme Architecture: The verse utilizes a mix of AABB and internal rhyme structures, particularly focusing on end-rhymes (Giuseppi's/L, tell/sell, me/finally, played/fade, point/joint, lifestyle/smile) that maintain a steady, accessible bounce.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"don't get your drawers out of joint"
① A play on the idiomatic expression 'get your nose out of joint,' meaning to become annoyed or upset.② A suggestive double entendre referencing the woman's undergarments, blending irritation with flirtatious sexual imagery.
Consistent rhythmic pocket
Effective use of dialogue-heavy call-and-response
Confident, charismatic delivery
Surface-level thematic content
Limited use of complex literary devices
Predictable lyrical tropes regarding wealth and status