How Many Licks? VH1 wrote that the single and other tracks from "The Notorious K.I.M." have a "glossier and far more commercial" sound than the rapper's previous releases. The lyrics of "How Many Licks?" are part of a movement in 1990s hip hop music to express sexuality positively. Sexuality studies professor Thomas A. Foster wrote that Lil' Kim reverses a trend in hip hop music which objectifies women for the male gaze and celebrates male sexuality. Gender studies scholar Aine McGlynn described "How Many Licks?" as one of the most sexually-explicit songs to receive airplay. The lyrics describe a woman's interest in oral
How Many Licks? Kim and Sisqó, who are credited under their legal names (Kimberly Jones and Mark Andrews). Sisqó wrote the song's hook and contributed verses. The vocals were recorded by Dave Wade and Stephen Dent at Daddy's House Recording Studios in New York City and Trans Continental Studios in Orlando, with Ed Raso mixing the audio. "How Many Licks?" was released as the second single from Lil' Kim's second album, "The Notorious K.I.M." (2000), as a 12-inch single and CD single by Atlantic Records and Queen Bee Entertainment. A remix by American production duo the Neptunes was also made available, with vocals