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? Lawrence and features the singer as a sex doll in three sexual fantasies. Sisqó did not appear in the video due to conflicts with his record label, Def Jam. Although music critics praised the visual, its treatment of sexuality elicited varied opinions from academics. It was also compared to music videos by other artists, including Minaj's 2011 single "Stupid Hoe" and American rapper Missy Elliott's 1997 single "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)". In addition to the clip, Lil' Kim promoted "How Many Licks?" with live performances. Mario Winans and Sean Combs produced "How Many Licks?" and wrote it with Lil'