Album: Kool Moe Dee

Introduction
Kool Moe Dee is the eponymous launching solo album by American rap artist Kool Moe Dee, released in 1987 on Jive Records. The album is a blend of old-school hip hop, celebration jams, and battle raps, showcasing Kool Moe Dee's distinct style and lyrical expertise. The album consists of the hit singles "Go See the Doctor", "Do You Know What Time It Is?" and "Rock Steady". With its smart punchlines, catchy hooks, and danceable beats, "Kool Moe Dee" established the artist as a rising star in the hip-hop world and opened the doors for a successful solo profession.

Background
Kool Moe Dee, born Mohandas Dewese, was a founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Treacherous Three in the late 70s and early 80s. The group was well-regarded for their ingenious lyricism and influential contributions to early hip-hop culture. After numerous successful hits and the release of the album "Back To Old School" in 1986, the group disbanded, and Kool Moe Dee chose to pursue a solo profession. His launching solo album, "Kool Moe Dee", marked the start of a new chapter in his musical journey.

Album Production and Style
The album was produced by Teddy Riley, who later became a prominent figure in the New Jack Swing genre, and LaVaba Mallison, who also functioned as Kool Moe Dee's manager at the time. The production includes manufactured beats, funky basslines, and electronic sounds, which were popular in the 80s hip-hop scene.

Kool Moe Dee's design on the album is characterized by his rapid-fire, articulate shipment, and his detailed rhyming patterns. He resolves numerous themes, ranging from individual experiences and social commentary to party anthems and boasts about his skills as an MC. One of the album's standout functions is Kool Moe Dee's frequent usage of metaphors and creative wordplay, which set him apart from much of his contemporaries.

Key Tracks and Reception
"Go See the Doctor" was the album's first single, launched in 1986. The tune tells a humorous story about a guy who contracts a venereal disease and gets guidance from a physician to avoid such circumstances in the future. The track became a hit, peaking at No. 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Kool Moe Dee crucial recognition for his storytelling abilities.

"Do You Know What Time It Is?" and "Rock Steady" were the other 2 songs from the album. The previous questions the concept of materialism and shows Kool Moe Dee's social awareness, while the latter is a danceable, feel-good track motivating listeners to "rock consistent" and delight in life.

The album was well received by both critics and fans. "Kool Moe Dee" peaked at No. 83 on the Billboard 200 and No. 23 on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album's success helped solidify Kool Moe Dee's credibility as a talented and innovative MC, boasting his profession and developing him as a respected solo artist.

Tradition and Influence
"Kool Moe Dee" paved the way for Kool Moe Dee's successful career, that included hits like "Wild Wild West" and "I Go to Work". The album's release marked a crucial minute in hip-hop history, as it showcased the storytelling capabilities and lyrical mastery that would become hallmarks of Kool Moe Dee's style. His innovative wordplay and rapid-fire delivery would go on to affect a new generation of rap artists, consisting of Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and LL Cool J.

In conclusion, "Kool Moe Dee" remains a timeless example of 80s hip-hop and functions as a necessary piece of music history. The album's smart lyrics, memorable hooks, and danceable beats continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a classic work that will live on in the annals of hip-hop.