It Ain't Hard to Tell
Nas · 1994
12 min · 4 tracks · alternative hip-hop
Lyrically dense storytelling intertwines with jazz-inflected beats and smooth rhythms, embodying the essence of East Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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It Ain't Hard To Tell (main mix) — The main mix features Nas's intricate wordplay over a sample from Michael Jackson, creating a seamless blend of storytelling and groove that defines the album's aesthetic.
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It Ain't Hard To Tell (remix) — The remix offers a fresh take on the original with slightly altered production elements while maintaining Nas’s sharp lyrical delivery, providing listeners with an alternative perspective on the track.
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It Ain't Hard To Tell (acapella) — The acapella version highlights Nas’s lyrical dexterity, allowing listeners to focus solely on his flow and wordplay without any instrumental distraction, emphasizing his skill as a rapper.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Strong composition and distinct sound, though the single format limits its overall cohesion.
What we noticed
- The main mix features a prominent use of samples from Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature', creating a lush backdrop for the verses.
- The remix introduces additional percussion elements and alters the arrangement, providing a different energy while maintaining the core melody.
- The acapella version showcases Nas's lyrical delivery and flow without instrumental support, emphasizing his vocal performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Showcased Nas's lyrical prowess, establishing his reputation in hip-hop.
- Themes
- New York streets· jazz-inflected rhythms· lyrical storytelling
- Career context
- Released in January 1994, 'It Ain't Hard to Tell' is part of Nas's debut album 'Illmatic', which helped establish him as a leading voice in hip-hop. This track was pivotal in showcasing his lyrical prowess and unique style, following a well-received appearance on Main Source's 'Live at the Barbeque' in 1991.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jay-Z· Rakim· The Notorious B.I.G.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It Ain't Hard To Tell (main mix) 3:25
- 2 It Ain't Hard To Tell (remix) 2:54
- 3 It Ain't Hard To Tell (acapella) 2:27
- 4 It Ain't Hard To Tell (main mix instrumental) 3:23
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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