Retro Spins: Kool Moe Dee - How Ya Like Me Now

  

Let's keep the Retro Spin's "Kool" by diving into a genre I typically don't dabble in, rap.

Kool Moe Dee, AKA Mohandes Dewese, is considered one of the pioneers of rap for his time with Treacherous Three, formed in 1978. This was back in the days when rap was more so considered an underground sensation, far from mainstream. As such, it's not surprising that while they thrived in their local neighborhoods, it wouldn't be until the mid 80's that a record deal would finally be scored.

They released their self-titled debut in 1984, and though it remained relatively unnoticed by folks outside of the genre, it would go on to be labeled as one of the greatest rap albums of the decade. The Treacherous Three would soon dissolve, with artists going their separate way, but they'd reunite ten year later for their second and final album, Old School Flava.

In between this, Moe would go solo, releasing his first self-titled album in 1986. It would go on to sell 300,000 units, and though not certified, was still a major achievement for a rap album at the time. This was followed up relatively quickly with 1987's How Ya Like Me Now, which soared to platinum status.

At the time, it was no secret that the rapper had a rival with LL Cool J. He had long professed that LL was disrespecting the many pioneers of rap by proclaiming himself as raps new grandmaster, refusing to acknowledge pioneers such as himself, Melle Mel, and Grandmaster Caz. Moe visualized this feud on his album cover, which features a Jeep Wrangler parked on top of a red Kangol hat, an article often worn by Cool J. Moe would also take aim at the artist in his music and continue to do so into the 90's. Ironically, their disagreements with each other ended with both proclaiming themselves the victor.

What I liked about playing through How Ya Like Me Now was that it took me back to a time in history when rap music was actually about the art, and not blatant vulgarity and shock value. The album features layers upon layers of samples, beats, rhymes, and scratching, which are all masterfully mixed together to be pleasant to even those not attuned to genre.

If nothing else, it serves to remind me that the genre is an untapped well in my collection of CD's, and one I really should focus a bit more on. Unfortunately, when I look at the prices of some of those albums, I quickly realize that they're not going to me making their way into my home any time soon. I literally just saw one for $349.99, used. Um...No thank you.

Regardless, I think for now, I'm going to hover a bit more around the rap albums which I do have, and really dive into them to see what's there, what I've been missing. Perhaps I'll come away with a few more ideas of artists I need to expand on or track down.

As for How Ya Like Me Now, I did buy the album for a reason. That being the tune, Wild Wild West. However, in playing through it, I also found Rock You, a track which samples Queen's We Will Rock You. For that reason alone, it stood out to me. Beyond that, it was a great listening session, but not one where I felt I needed to pick any other songs for my shuffle.

Kool Moe Dee released three more solo albums, 1989's Knowledge Is King, 1991's Funke, Funke, Wisdom, and 1994's Interlude, and then, as noted above, returned to Treacherous Three. While he remained relatively silent in the music world, he did launch Behind The Rhyme, a digital talk show featuring legends and current artists of rap. However, it doesn't appear that new episodes have been produced in a while.

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