An internal rhyme is the ability to create rhymes within a rhyme. A verse with an internal rhyme will have rhymes at the end of each line, with rhyming words and sounds in the middle of the line.
J. Cole’s “Fire Squad” contains strong examples of advanced-level literary devices, like internal rhyme.
“Fire Squad” by J. Cole
I came to bring the pain my brain too quick
You see how I maneuver this game, I ain’t stupid
I recognize that life is a dream, and I dream lucid
And break the chains and change minds one verse at a time
Review and complete the Internal Rhyme handout in your journal or on your computer.
An allusion is a reference to another work. A poet or rapper may use an allusion to emphasize an idea by referencing something better known; like a person, place or historical event. To recognize allusions, the reader must be familiar with the work referenced. Many examples of allusion are literary, Biblical or mythological.
In the J. Cole verse below, he makes allusions to well-known rappers, famous people and even a comic book character.
“Fire Squad” by J. Cole
Keep it true like me, Cole you might be
Like the new Ice Cube, meets the new Ice-T
Meets 2 Live Crew, meets the new Spike Lee
Meets Bruce like Wayne, meets Bruce like Lee
Meets ‘02 Lil Wayne, in a new white tee
Review and complete the Allusion handout in your journal or on your computer.
Hyperbole is a bold, deliberate overstatement not intended to be taken literally. It is used as a means of emphasizing the truth of a statement.
From the Greek word “overcasting,” hyperbole is a figure of speech that is a grossly exaggerated description or statement. In literature, such exaggeration is used for emphasis or vivid descriptions.
Hyperbole is used to increase the effect of a description, whether it is metaphoric or comic. In poetry, hyperbole can emphasize or dramatize a person’s opinions or emotions. Skilled poets use hyperbole to describe intense emotions and mental states.
Hyperbole is a great device used in many raps. Following are two examples.
“Fire Squad” by J. Cole
Ain’t a way around it no more, I am the greatest
I am the bravest, go toe to toe with the giants
Lil Wayne lyrics from Drake’s “Forever” (Note: The song also features verses from Kanye West and Eminem)
Step up to the target
If I had one guess then I guess I’m just New Orleans
And I will never stop like I’m running from the cops
Hop up in my car and told my chauffeur to the top
Life is such a roller coaster then it drops
But what should I scream for this is my theme park
My minds shine even when my thoughts seem dark
Pistol on my side you don’t wanna hear that thing talk
Let the king talk check the price and pay attention
Lil Wayne that’s what they got to say or mention
I’m like Nevada in the middle of the summer
I’m resting in the lead I need a pillow and a cover
Shhh, my foots sleeping on the gas
No brake pads, no such thing as last
Go over the Fire Squad: Hyperbole handout and complete it using your journal or your computer.
Now let’s take a deeper look at hyperbole.
Nikki Giovanni is a renowned poet whose work “Ego Tripping” is a great example of advanced hyperbole. Click here to read the poem on page one of the Exploring Hyperbole handout.
Watch this video to hear "Ego Tripping."
After you've read and/or listened to the poem, complete the Exploring Hyperbole handout in your journal or on your computer.
As you look back at what you created in this activity, what's one thing that you would like to try to improve upon?
Jot down your answers in your journal or on your computer.
Choose your favorite piece from what you wrote in these steps:
- Internal Rhyme
- Allusion
- Hyperbole
Snap a photo of what you wrote and upload it, or type your words into the description section of Project Upload. You could also upload a video or MP3 of you reading what you wrote.
Turn in your journal to your Club staff if you need to.
