What makes You Better Ask Somebody by Yo-Yo notable?

The album is significant for its unapologetic feminist themes within a male-dominated genre, contributing to the rise of female rappers in the '90s. It peaked at number 77 on the Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics, helping to solidify Yo-Yo's standing in hip-hop culture. Released in 1993, You Better Ask Somebody was Yo-Yo's debut studio album, following her appearances on tracks by Ice Cube and others. At this point in her career, she was establishing herself as a formidable voice in West Coast hip-hop, building on her reputation from earlier collaborations and features.

How many songs are on You Better Ask Somebody?

You Better Ask Somebody has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

You Better Ask Somebody

Yo-Yo · 1993

44 min · 12 tracks · West Coast hip-hop

A vibrant blend of assertive lyricism and infectious West Coast grooves that embodies the essence of early '90s hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Westside Story — This track serves as an anthem for West Coast pride while showcasing Yo-Yo's confident delivery and storytelling abilities.
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You Better Ask Somebody — The title track encapsulates the album's core message about respect and credibility in the rap game, highlighted by its catchy hook.
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Girls Got A Gun — This track confronts issues of empowerment and self-defense, presenting a bold narrative that stands out in the context of early '90s hip-hop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends assertive lyricism with classic West Coast grooves, establishing Yo-Yo's voice in hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated beats and bass lines that drive the rhythm, typical of early '90s West Coast hip-hop.
Several tracks incorporate samples from funk and soul music, adding depth to the production while maintaining a contemporary hip-hop feel.
The lyrical content often addresses themes of empowerment and resilience, with direct calls to action that engage the listener.

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

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 IBWin' Wit My CREWin' 3:56
2 Can You Handle It? 3:07
3 Westside Story 4:53
4 Mackstress 3:52
5 20 Sack 3:11
6 You Better Ask Somebody 3:31
7 They Shit Don't Stink 3:40
8 Letter To The Pen 3:37
9 Givin' It Up 3:40
10 Pass It On 4:02
11 Girls Got A Gun 2:55
12 The Bonnie and Clyde Theme 4:11

What to play next

Listen next

Total Control

1996

Go back to

Black Pearl

1992

Full Yo-Yo discography Artists like Yo-Yo

West Coast hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata