What’s it about?

Missy’s sixth effort is a feast of tantalizing songs, in an all natural collection of musical recipes guaranteed to fee the mind and energize the body. While each and every one of Missy’s previous albums has smash hits that catapulted her career beyond superstar status, this present album is a work of pure artistic innovation. A fusion of inventive instrumentals, dynamic and diverse deliveries, and creatively constructed musical movements are what this Virginia native is trademarkedly known for and cooks.

Music ***

‘On and On’ finds Missy and Pharell of the Neptunes teaming up for a tune that juxtaposes with old school rhythms with new school flair, noticed in the new style of rapping. There’s the naughty ‘Irresistible Delicious’ where Missy’s sensual side wakes up to a groove laden track, complete with horn riffs and DJ scratching.

Lyrics ***

Probably not done before, Missy gets intimate with her fans by revealing a little of her personal life on this album. ‘My Struggles’ reveals what her home was like with her father being abusive to her mother. There’s also ‘Mommy’ which means female boss, is an uplifting song for the feminine generation while ‘Teary Eyed’ is a sad song, once again for the females who get hurt when they are dumped or treated badly by their lovers, while the good side has‘4 My Man’ detailing the extent a girl would go to make her man happy. 

Vocals ***

That’s one of Missy’s plus points for she not only indulges the listener with delectable delights she literally is the chef. On ‘Mommy’ which incorporates a horn intermission, piano interpolation, scratching, harp instrumentals and chirping, Missy rhymes swiftly over the track with an uncanny variation of vocal pitch. Her rap is deep and solid. ‘Lose Control’ reigns as a party track with her all famous rap slicing through the up tempo anthem while fellow hip hop singer Ciara lends her signature smooth vocals. Also check out ‘Joy’ and the percolating ‘Partytime’ that’s upbeat and saucy with neat vocals from Missy, who honors the original art of hip – hop lyrical delivery.

Orchestrations **(1/2)

Missy has been experimenting with a lot many producers and musicians on this album, but she still is faithful to her hit making partner Timbaland, who is very many presents here. Missy does not try and make major changes from her usual style, but her recipe in each song is unique, in that there’s some spice cooking in each of the 16 songs. Though ‘Click Clack’ and ‘Meltdown’ are not appealing, the rest of the pieces have good ingredients enough to shake a leg.

Recording ***

Sum Up

For the five time Grammy Award winner, who can be labeled the Madonna of rap, Missy Elliot is not merely an inventive recording artist and performer, she is one of the few women who enjoy an equal amount of success behind the scenes as a prophetic songwriter and producer. For the discerning Missy fan you’re sure not to be disappointed, while a new listener can get a masala of pop, alternative, hip – hop or soul, all in this album, and get hooked.

Tracks to Experience:

Lose Control

Mommy

Artiste: Missy Elliot

Label: EMI

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira