It Ain't Hard To Tell

Nas's song 'It Ain't Hard To Tell' is a masterclass in lyrical prowess and street wisdom. The track, from his critically acclaimed debut album 'Illmatic,' showcases Nas's ability to weave intricate wordplay with vivid imagery and cultural references. The opening lines, 'It ain't hard to tell, I excel, then prevail / The mic is contacted, I attract clientele,' set the tone for the song, emphasizing his confidence and skill as an MC. Nas likens his mic check to a life-or-death situation, underscoring the seriousness with which he approaches his craft. The reference to 'yellow smoke of buddha' and 'righteous steps' hints at a spiritual journey intertwined with his street experiences.

Throughout the song, Nas employs a range of metaphors and similes to convey his message. He describes himself as 'deep like The Shinin', sparkle like a diamond,' drawing a parallel between his depth as an artist and the brilliance of a diamond. The line 'Nas is like the Afrocentric Asian, half-man, half-amazin' highlights his unique identity and exceptional talent. His ability to 'delete stress like Motrin' and 'extend strong' through his music speaks to the therapeutic power of his art. The imagery of drinking Moet with Medusa and giving her 'shotguns in hell' adds a mythological layer to his narrative, blending the fantastical with the real.

Nas's lyrical dexterity is further evident in lines like 'I analyze, drop a jew-el / Inhale from the L, school a fool well, you feel it like braille.' Here, he positions himself as a teacher, imparting wisdom through his rhymes. The song's rhythm and flow are described as a 'rhythmic explosion,' a testament to his dynamic delivery. Nas's use of criminal slang and references to street life, such as 'packin like a rasta in the weed spot' and 'vocals'll squeeze glocks,' ground his poetry in the reality of his environment. The closing lines, 'Nas's raps should be locked in a cell / It ain't hard to tell,' encapsulate the essence of the song: Nas's undeniable talent and the raw, unfiltered truth of his lyrics.