What makes How Ya Like Me Now by Kool Moe Dee notable?

How Ya Like Me Now is notable for its impact on hip-hop lyricism, showcasing Kool Moe Dee's intricate rhymes and storytelling. The title track became an anthem of confidence and self-assuredness, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and earning critical acclaim for its sharp commentary on the music industry. Released in late 1987, How Ya Like Me Now was Kool Moe Dee's third studio album, following his successful 1986 release, Knowledge Is King. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his status as a pioneer of lyrical complexity in hip-hop while navigating the changing landscape of the genre during its commercial peak.

How many songs are on How Ya Like Me Now?

How Ya Like Me Now has 11 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

How Ya Like Me Now

Kool Moe Dee · 1987

50 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant mix of clever wordplay and infectious beats that encapsulates late '80s hip-hop swagger.

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Top tracks — play these first

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How Ya Like Me Now — This title track epitomizes Kool Moe Dee's bravado, combining catchy hooks with clever wordplay that defines his lyrical style.
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Wild Wild West — This track stands out for its narrative storytelling and vivid imagery, portraying urban life with a mix of humor and grit.
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No Respect — Addressing themes of recognition and self-worth, this song utilizes sharp lyrics to critique societal perceptions of artists.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyricism and production typical of its era but lacks a fully cohesive narrative arc.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered samples, typical of late '80s hip-hop production.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging the listener and enhancing the performance aspect of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 How Ya Like Me Now 5:37
2 Wild Wild West 4:40
3 Way Way Back 4:32
4 50 Ways 5:00
5 No Respect 5:24
6 Don’t Dance 4:25
7 I’m a Player 3:57
8 Suckers 4:44
9 Stupid 4:25
10 Rock You 3:57
11 Get Paid 3:19

What to play next

Listen next

Knowledge Is King

1989

Go back to

Kool Moe Dee

1986

Full Kool Moe Dee discography Artists like Kool Moe Dee

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata