Album: How Ya Like Me Now

Introduction
"How Ya Like Me Now" is the second studio album by American hip-hop artist Kool Moe Dee, released in 1987 under Jive Records. The album is best known for its hit single, "How Ya Like Me Now", which showcases Kool Moe Dee's signature braggadocio style and his battle rap competition with fellow rapper LL Cool J.

Background and Production
After the success of his debut solo album, "Kool Moe Dee", Kool Moe Dee went back to the studio to work with producer Teddy Riley. Riley, who was also the founding member of the R&B and hip-hop group Guy, was a leader of the "New Jack Swing" noise that became popular in the late 1980s. The album features a mix of samples and live instrumentation, combining aspects of the old school hip-hop style with the modern-day production techniques of the time.

Kool Moe Dee is understood for his fast-paced lyrical flow and clever wordplay, traits that were highlighted on the album. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Kool Moe Dee chose to avoid excessively specific or violent material, focusing rather on delivering complex, metaphoric lyrics.

Reception and Legacy
The album was well-received by both fans and critics alike, who praised Kool Moe Dee's lyrical skill and the strong production throughout. It peaked at number 31 on the Billboard 200, eventually making the artist his very first gold-certified record.

The title track, "How Ya Like Me Now", turned into one of Kool Moe Dee's a lot of identifiable tunes, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard R&B chart and further sealing his status as one of the top fight rap artists of his era. In addition to its chart success, the tune has been extensively sampled by other hip-hop artists, most notably Will Smith's 1997 hit "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It".

The album's success helped Kool Moe Dee strengthen his position in hip-hop history, and he was later on acknowledged for his contributions to the genre, including a VH1 Hip-Hop Honors award in 2007.

Track Listing and Notable Songs
"How Ya Like Me Now" features 10 tracks, consisting of the following standout tunes:

1. "How Ya Like Me Now"-- The album's title track and most significant hit, this tune asserted Kool Moe Dee's expertise as an intense fight rapper and functioned as a direct jab at his veteran competitor, LL Cool J.

2. "Wild Wild West"-- As an ode to his home town of Harlem, New York, Kool Moe Dee crafted a transmittable beat and appealing chorus, creating another remarkable hit that reached number 9 on the Billboard R&B chart.

3. "Way Way Back"-- A tribute to the leaders of hip-hop, this track showcased Kool Moe Dee's appreciation for the artists who came before him. The song likewise included elements of funk and soul music, showing the varied musical influences that informed his sound.

4. "No Respect"-- This track was an anthem of defiance for any artist dealing with criticism or discouragement, with Kool Moe Dee using his words as weapons to deactivate unfavorable viewpoints.

Conclusion
"How Ya Like Me Now" stands as a significant and prominent album in hip-hop history, showcasing Kool Moe Dee's lyrical expertise and the genre's development in production. The album's success even more strengthened Kool Moe Dee's status as a top-tier fight rapper and a significant figure in the golden era of hip-hop. From the infectious beats and catchy choruses to the thoughtfully crafted lyrics and positive energy, "How Ya Like Me Now" remains a vital listen for any devoted hip-hop fan.