When we think of rap lyrics and classic literature, it may seem like an unlikely comparison. However, when we look at the works of the legendary rapper Nasir Jones, commonly known as Nas, we can find striking similarities to the works of one of the most renowned playwrights in history, William Shakespeare. Here are 12 similarities between Nas’ rap lyrics and Shakespeare’s work:
- Use of Metaphors: Nas and Shakespeare both use metaphors to convey complex ideas in a concise manner. In Nas’ song “N.Y. State of Mind,” he raps, “I’m out for dead presidents to represent me.” This metaphorical line means that Nas is after money to represent him, just as historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin represent the United States on its currency. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Romeo says, “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” This metaphor means that Juliet is the light of Romeo’s life, just as the sun is the light of the world.
- Social Commentary: Both Nas and Shakespeare use their work to comment on society and its issues. In Nas’ song “The Message,” he raps, “Broken glass everywhere / People pissing on the stairs, you know they just don’t care.” This line speaks to the poverty and neglect in inner-city neighborhoods. Shakespeare also commented on social issues, such as in his play Othello, where he explored themes of racism and jealousy.
- Wordplay: Nas and Shakespeare both use clever wordplay to create memorable lines. In Nas’ song “One Mic,” he raps, “It’s elementary / They want us all gone eventually.” This line plays on the word “elementary,” meaning basic or fundamental, to suggest that the government’s plan to eliminate certain groups of people is as simple as a basic lesson. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the character Polonius says, “Though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t.” This line uses wordplay to suggest that there is a hidden purpose or method to madness.
- Character Development: Nas and Shakespeare both create complex characters with flaws and virtues. In Nas’ song “Ether,” he raps about his rival Jay-Z, “How much of Biggie’s rhymes is gonna come out your fat lips?” This line suggests that Jay-Z is copying the style of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. and lacks originality. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, the titular character is a complex figure who struggles with his ambition and guilt.
- Imagery: Nas and Shakespeare both use vivid imagery to create memorable scenes. In Nas’ song “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” he raps, “I’m the vivid, the beautiful, like Annabella / Comin’ live from the capital, this is Queensbridge.” This line creates an image of Nas as a colorful and vibrant character, with Queensbridge as his domain. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the fairy queen Titania describes her love for Bottom, who has been transformed into a donkey: “I’ll give thee fairies to attend on thee; / And they shall fetch thee jewels from the deep.” This image of fairies attending to a donkey is both whimsical and surreal.
- Allusions: Nas and Shakespeare both make references to other works of art and literature. In Nas’ song “Halftime,” he raps, “I switch gears to the smoky gray Ferrari / And smash up the sound system, release your body / Till your spine disconnects from your hips.” This line references the iconic car brand Ferrari and the act of dancing so hard that one’s spine disconnects from their hips, which is a reference to the breakdancing culture of the 1980s. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, the character Cassius says, “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world / Like a Colossus, and we petty men / Walk under his huge legs and peep about.” This line alludes to the Greek myth of the Colossus of Rhodes, a massive statue that straddled the harbor of the city of Rhodes, and suggests Caesar’s dominance over his fellow men.
- Universal Themes: Nas and Shakespeare both explore themes that are timeless and universal. In Nas’ song “Life’s a Bitch,” he raps, “The world is yours, it’s mine, it’s mine, it’s mine / Whose world is this?” This line speaks to the idea that we are all connected and that we all have a stake in the world we live in. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, the character Prospero says, “We are such stuff / As dreams are made on, and our little life / Is rounded with a sleep.” This line speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the idea that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.
- Irony: Nas and Shakespeare both use irony to add depth to their work. In Nas’ song “If I Ruled the World,” he raps, “I’d open every cell in Attica / Send ’em to Africa.” This line is ironic because it suggests that sending prisoners to Africa would be a form of freedom when, in fact, it would be another form of oppression. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth says, “A little water clears us of this deed,” after she and her husband have murdered the king. This line is ironic because it suggests that their crime can be washed away with water, when in reality, their guilt will haunt them forever.
- Tragedy: Nas and Shakespeare both use tragedy to explore the darkest aspects of human nature. In Nas’ song “The Message,” he raps, “And my man put a key in his back / Took his life, what type of life is that?” This line speaks to the tragedy of drug addiction and the violence that often accompanies it. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, the character Macduff says, “All my pretty ones? / Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?” This line speaks to the tragedy of losing loved ones and the grief that accompanies it.
- Humor: Nas and Shakespeare both use humor to lighten the mood and add levity to their work. In Nas’ song “Nas Is Like,” he raps, “I’m twice as nice as Pete Rock / I’m sorry, I just had to brag a bit.” This line is humorous because it shows Nas’ confidence in his own abilities, but also his self-awareness of how it might come across. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the character Bottom says, “I have a reasonable good ear in music. Let’s have the tongs and the bones.” This line is humorous because it suggests that Bottom’s idea of music is limited to household objects like tongs and bones.
- Music: Nas and Shakespeare both use music to enhance their work. In Nas’ song “The World Is Yours,” he raps over a sample from the jazz musician Ahmad Jamal’s song “I Love Music.” This use of music adds another layer to Nas’ work, making it both poetic and musical. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night, the character Feste sings several songs throughout the play, adding a musical element to the story.
- Language: Nas and Shakespeare both use language in innovative and creative ways. In Nas’ song “One Love,” he raps, “Sometimes I sit back with a Buddha sack / Mind’s in another world thinking how could we exist through the facts.” This use of language creates a vivid image of Nas smoking a “Buddha sack” (a reference to a marijuana cigarette) and contemplating the complexities of life. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play King Lear, the character Edgar says, “O, matter and impertinency mixed! Reason in madness!” This use of language creates a poetic and emotional moment in the play, highlighting the character’s inner turmoil.
The impact of Nas and Shakespeare’s work on language and culture cannot be overstated. Both artists have used their language and storytelling skills to create works that transcend time and place, exploring universal themes that resonate with audiences across generations. Their use of metaphors, social commentary, wordplay, character development, imagery, allusions, universal themes, irony, tragedy, humor, music, and language has influenced countless artists and writers in the years since their works were created.
Furthermore, Nas and Shakespeare have both been pioneers in their respective fields, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with language and storytelling. Nas has been a trailblazer in the rap genre, creating innovative works that have cemented his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Similarly, Shakespeare was a trailblazer in the world of theater, introducing new forms and structures that have influenced countless playwrights since.
In conclusion, while Nas and Shakespeare may seem like unlikely comparisons at first glance, their works share a remarkable number of similarities. Their use of language and storytelling has had a profound impact on culture and society, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of artists and writers. From the streets of Queensbridge to the stages of London, the power of language and storytelling knows no bounds.