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Under Construction

Missy Elliott

2002

Buy At Rough Trade
Under Construction
Album Summary

Under Construction is the fourth studio album by American rapper Missy Elliott, released by The Goldmind Inc. and Elektra Records on November 12, 2002 in the United States. The album was primarily produced by Timbaland, with additional production from Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, Errol "Poppi" McCalla and Elliott herself. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 359,000 copies in its first week. The album was also certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album received Grammy Award nominations for Best Rap Album and Album of the Year. Elliott dedicated the album to Aaliyah (who had died on August 25, 2001) and to victims of the September 11 attacks.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.14

Votes

10547
Genres
Hip Hop

Reviews

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Sun Feb 13 2022
1

I'm not looking forward to his. At all. This is not a genre I enjoy. But hey ho, gotta open yourself up to new things haven't you. First track. Oh, she's mouthing off already. Shut up and sing ffs. Ok, here we go. Oh no. Go back to the talking. Please. I'm not going to make it through a whole album of this. Hitting the fourth minute of this now. The tune is pretty decent. Oooh, first use of the N word. Edgy. Better turn it down a bit. Nothing to the 'lyrics'. Track two. There are lots of collaborations on this. Maybe that'll help, because on her own she seems quite bad. Yeah, this is better. I mean, it's still nonsense lyrics, but it's got something. Track three. Did I just hear 'mama-jama'??! As annoying as I find it to say this, this track is quite catchy. Not lyrically, obviously. Track four. Ooooh, I've heard this before. It's alright from what I remember. Good chorus. Still a bit dodgy outside of the chorus - 'sex me so good I say blah blah blah'. I'm gonna be humming this all night, I know it. Hang on, she's talking to me again. Hope I'm enjoying the album? Meh, it's ok, thanks for asking. Track five. Jay-Z in the house. This track seems louder than the others? She sounds better on this track. More singing rather than rapping? I dunno. This is a bit of a nothing track tbh. Track six. 'My attitude is bitchy because my period is heavy'. Nice. No, I will not turn the volume up. This seems like something a school kid would come up with and think it's cool as fuck. It's not. It's shit. Track seven. This sounds a bit sexy. 'Pussy don't fail me now, I gotta turn this N out so he don't want nobody else'. I know I'm beating on these lyrics a lot, but come on, they fucking deserve it. Keep your man happy by making sure he's enjoying the sex. Oooh, more chat. Fuck me, is she reading my mind??!? She's having a go at me for slating her lyrics. Fuck off woman. Track eight. Here's Beyonce. Awww, she doesn't want to go out, she wants to stay in with her man. And on and on. I think she's protesting too much. Clearly out shagging all sorts. Are we at the end yet? No? Oh. Track nine. Pretty funky start to this one. She seems to be saying she's doing alright for herself. Got a bit of money, a couple of nice cars. Ok, good for you girl. Track ten. Why does she feel the need to keep telling me I'm listening to Missy Elliott? I'm ten tracks into the album, I know who you are. More advice on keeping your man. Back rubs, sex (I think), laundry, shout at hoes. Might play this to all prospective girlfriends, make sure they know what I expect. Track eleven. Back with the funk. Still telling me it's Missy Eliott. I. Know. Sounds like her fella left her. Stupid pussy must have let her down. Track twelve. 'I bought a Murcielago to sit, on the plush leather seats, forget am I on my own clit?'. It's Shakespeare. Some guy is broke, Missy isn't. 'Cuz rich folks, we buy boats' is gonna stick in my head. Track thirteen. This is pretty good. Yeah, quite like this. Best track on the album for me. Good way to finish. Oh, it's not over. More chat. She hopes I like the album, but if I don't, she doesn't give a shit. Ok.  I won't ever listen to this again. Hopefully.

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Fri Mar 04 2022
1

I don't need to like Missy, she likes herself enough for both of us.

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Sun Feb 21 2021
4

There are a few swings and misses here, but also a whole lot to like. Every collaboration works. It's criminal how underrated she is. Best track: Gossip Folks

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Fri Apr 09 2021
4

Enjoying this way more than I thought I would.

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Tue Jul 06 2021
4

This album was a super fun listen with immaculate production and delicious retro-future sampling. Some of the tracks don't quite hold up, but the highlights are so, so high. I can really hear the influence on Janelle Monae. Rating: 3.5/5 Favourite tracks: "Work It", "Back in the Day"

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Mon Mar 15 2021
5

I can’t believe this is twenty years old

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Fri Dec 10 2021
5

Missy is hands down the best female rapper of all-time. One of the best rappers period. And this album has her talent on display - smart meaningful lyrics, cool beats, lightning quick raps, and a pretty darn good voice. Her interludes are actually worth listening to (not just BS) and shows her depth of thought. Although her claim in the Intro that you don't hear Gates and Trump arguing because they got "paper" and "better shit to do" shows how much times have changed in 20 years. Her wordplay or own version of pig latin that she does in Gossip Folks and Work It is so unique and innovative. The former is one of my favorite rap songs of all time - beats and lyrics are just awesome. I'm not sure there was a weak song on the whole album. Slide and Go to the Floor were particularly good tracks I didn't know of before.

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Mon Dec 20 2021
5

I hadn’t listened to Missy Elliot before this, and that’s on me.

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Wed Feb 03 2021
4

This is a Missy Elliot Exclusive. I like how personal this album feels. Missy has always been one of the best flows in the game, but I never knew she had such a good singing voice. Great beats. Favorite tracks: "Work It", "Pussycat", "Nothing Out There for Me"

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Tue Aug 10 2021
4

Strong! So many top-end collaborators on this, and some deep digs for samples, and a really unique style. I never listened to the full album back in the day but really enjoyed hearing it through.

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Mon Aug 23 2021
4

Damn this was fun. I love the little before and after speeches and that, somehow, she managed to get the names of Bill Gates and Donald Trump in there. Exactly what hip-hop had been begging for.

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Mon Aug 23 2021
4

When I first searched for this on Spotify the first thing that came up was some jive from The Sims. A damning indictment of modern society. Anyway, this is really good - rhymes are sharp, the beats are accomplished and for once, guest spots are done with taste and intention. Absolutely of its era but no bad thing!

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Wed Sep 22 2021
4

There's nothing in the world that sounds like a Missy joint. When Missy's on her game, she's unstoppable. Unfortunately, there are a few tracks here that DON'T feel like Missy joints (I'm looking at you "Pussycat", "Nothing Out There for Me", and "Play That Beat") hence the 4-star review. But the rest of the album is just so good, she almost pulled a 5-star anyway. These beautiful, throwback traps feel so good with her effortlessly confident flow draped over top. Legendary talent.

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Thu Dec 16 2021
3

Hmmm. I wanted to like this more than I did. Bold on the surface but aged kinda badly 'pussy don't fail me now' ??????

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Sat Jul 03 2021
5

Mucho flow, buenas rimas, grandes beats. Qué buena la Missy Elliott, no tengo skips, me gusta todo, quizá especialmente "Work It" y "Slide". También la de Beyoncé muy cool. 10/10

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Sat Jul 03 2021
5

Un poco largo. Pero pues es Missy. Brutal.

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Tue Aug 24 2021
5

Great rap album by an outstanding artist.

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Thu Aug 26 2021
5

Loved it. Made me laugh a lot.

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Fri Sep 10 2021
5

Muy fresco, excelente álbum

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Thu Sep 16 2021
5

Holy shit this was a surprise, I hated the other album, this one was fantastic

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Thu Nov 04 2021
5

Maybe the best flow of her generation and the production on this is immaculate

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Wed Nov 10 2021
5

This was great! My first Missy Elliot album. I liked it very much

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Thu Nov 11 2021
5

Owned this album when it came out. I remember 2002 as a blur but this was and still is a banger.

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Fri Jan 21 2022
5

"This is a Missy Elliott one time exclusive" e eu já fiquei animada. Conhecia pouco o trabalho da Missy, embora escute muuuito Work It até hoje, amei o disco e fiquei me perguntando porque não tinha parado para ouvir antes.

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Thu Feb 17 2022
5

Let's go Missy! The sampling on this album is really heavy on the soul and jazz which gives the songs this sense of cool thats hard to beat. Work It is a generational groove. Back In The Day is just all up in my face with Jay giving the opening rap. Pussycat is incredibly explicit, but Missy comes in with an explainer. Aight cool. This album was great I loved it a bunch.

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Tue Feb 22 2022
5

Bamgers through and through. I usually don't like monologues, but these fit very well.

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Wed Mar 02 2022
5

This is a classic. Loving the chance to revisit the album. To those who hasn't heard it yet, you have something to look forward to.

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Sat Apr 02 2022
5

Loved it, did not know this before, but it slaps.

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Sat Apr 23 2022
5

She is marvelous. Flawless production with bangers throughout, flows, features, and soul.

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Mon Jun 06 2022
5

I love Missy Elliot, and love this album most out of all of her work. The nod to early hip hop while also sounding brand new really works here. I am not sure about a couple of the more smoochy numbers, but Ain’t It Funny is a standout here with the layered vocalists and buzzy synths over a pop construction. The best from one of the best.

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Mon Jul 11 2022
5

Great sound, and great non-violent message. Excellent features.

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Mon Aug 08 2022
5

Whew!!! She came out hard and kept going. And the Guests! I still think Missy Elliot is underrated in popular culture. Love this album.

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Tue Aug 09 2022
5

Super hard hitting, all the collabs are awesome to hear. She's the real deal.

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Mon Sep 12 2022
5

A classic of the kind. Miss Elliott is and will remain a queen and her association with Timbaland propelled her to superstardom. That album is star studded and remains a staple in rap and hip hop history.

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Thu Nov 03 2022
5

Fire from start to finish. Missy is such an underrated MC.

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Wed Nov 30 2022
5

Other than a passing reference to the former fascist douchebag President of the U.S. this holds up. Fun, brilliantly produced hip hop.

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Thu Dec 29 2022
5

I will always love Missy Elliott, purely for the fact that she was one of my first favourite artists as a young 13 year old back in 2002 - she was so forward, so fresh and all her - and the same goes for the album. Amazing 👏🏾

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Wed Feb 01 2023
5

Muy bueno, Gossips es un temazo, la colaboración con Jay Z, es tremendo.

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Thu Feb 09 2023
5

Очень забавное интро, где уже наехали на Трампа и Гейтса (альбом 2002 года, напомню). И сразу же бросают в нас ебанутые электронные сэмплы. Мне нравятся ее хуки и звучание, которое по читке напоминает смесь старой и новой школы сразу

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Tue Feb 21 2023
5

This album is like a history book of early 2000s hip hop and R&B. Back when driving Escalades was cool. Missy starts out with a heartfelt message to the listener that she wants to channel the roots of hip hop and celebrate the lives of those that we lost over the years. It really puts into perspective how many people left the world too soon, from Biggie to Aaliyah. From Big Pun to Left Eye. In a way this record is a memorial for all of these acts, these people who were at the top of their craft. This album is absolutely packed with features from all of the biggest names in the scene with references to popular media and figures who you undoubtedly would hear about at the time. It's almost like it was unintentionally a time capsule that, upon opening 20 years later, steeped me so deep in an era that I felt like I was actually there. Missy's intention for 'Under Construction" was clearly for it to be a love letter to hip hop and R&B. She samples classics to create boom bap earworms like "Play That Beat" but weaved throughout with Timbaland's modern style in a way that works perfectly. There are these classic-sounding tracks that are like a daydream to a golden fledging old school era with tracks like "Work It", "Slide", and "Hot" looking to the future. Side note, it's so cool that "Hot" sounds like it was born and raised in Virginia Beach. Timbaland, Pharrell, and Pusha T were all in the same circles growing up and it shows so much on this track. The beat could be a P track, the hook on the chorus could be delivered by Push. Missy ends the album with a final message to the listener where she again remarks on how far hip hop has come dedicating this one to the fallen soldiers as she calls them in "Hot". She remarks that she made this one for the ladies and it made me thing damn, Missy walked so Nicki could run. She ends it with the line "you may not feel like I’m a real hip hop artist but I grew up on hip hop and that's what motivated me to do music”. I respect the hell out of that. Seriously. Thank you Missy Elliott for this gem of a tribute to a classic era. TL;DR This album is a 5/5 for me because of the absolute heart put into it, the love for the craft and the genre, the features and the history they carried with them in their lyrics, the blend of old and new, and for "Work It".

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Tue Jan 17 2023
5

I think this was the first time I listened to "Work It" in headphones and good ones at that. It's super rad and I love how much layered detail there is to the song. I also love, love, love the opening speech from Missy! I've recently been listening to a lot of Doja Cat and I enjoy how sex positive and confident she is. Missy's "Pussycat" is a rad song and her speech at the end was a pleasant surprise! The track feels like one of the foundational tracks for Doja and others to write the type of stuff they do. I'm really into the sentiment, outreach, and positive messaging that's in this album and to be honest, I'm pleasantly surprised by it.

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Tue Mar 14 2023
5

When I was younger I would listen to rap rap and it was rare to see any women rapping. Hearing Missy for the first time I said this is some good shit. Easily one of my favorites. Isn’t my first listen. Growing up with this album did open the doors to other artist in the genre of rap. Listening to it again after time of not listening to it for awhile quickly gets me listening to missy once again. Beats are raw, lyrics are different, this is some good stuff. I understand why it’s on here. Missy is one of the best to ever do it. Enjoyable listen.

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Tue Mar 14 2023
5

A little patchy, but good overall; the sleazy funk of "Work It" more than makes up for the dire "Back in the Day." She reminds me of Prince in places. I think she helped reclaim hip-hop from misogynist assholes as well.

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Fri Apr 28 2023
5

Fantastic album with a lot of amazing guest contributors.

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Sun Apr 30 2023
5

Every time I get a Missy album on, it's the best Missy album. I think it dropped off after this, but for four albums she could not put a foot wrong. This one is touching, looks back over hip hop without being regressive, is very sex positive, and just plain slaps. The first 20 minutes is relentlessly good. Work It, Gossip Folks, Funky Fresh Dressed, and collabs with Jigga and Meth that both hit. Genius.

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Mon May 08 2023
5

I don't think I've ever listened to any of Missy Elliott's albums before (maybe Supa Dupa Fly if I have), but I thought this album was fantastic. The beats were catchy, the rapping was great, and the lyrical content was outstanding. "Gossip Folks" and "Work It" are both so much fun, but they still feel like they belong on an album with a bit more serious of a tone. Is it gimmicky that she raps backwards in "Work It?" If that's what you think, keep it to yourself, because I think it's genius. I loved that Missy Elliott talked about loss (both personal grief and collective grief in a post 9/11 world), how her vision of hip hop shapes how she makes music, and criticisms of women in music. The duets were really great, especially "Nothing Out There for Me" with Beyonce. Missy Elliott raps with a personal brand of swagger that I don't think I've ever heard before; if I had to summarize it, I'd say it's a 'powerful confidence with a the perfect sprinkle of realistic humility.' I've been trying to stay away from albums on this list that I haven't listened to before, but I'm really tempted to listen to Supa Dupa Fly tonight, because this album has been rattling around my brain all weekend.

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Tue Jun 13 2023
5

Call it nostalgia (even tho I’m hearing roughly 12/13 songs for the first time today) but I loved this Both Missy & Timbaland bring out their respective best artistic qualities in each other, & the guests (e.g. TLC, Method Man) are also pretty excellent. I may have just had back-to-back 5-star hip-hop records (where’s that kid who only listens to the Beatles, Floyd & Queen now?), but while I’m still digesting the Outkast one, this more straightforward outing is easier to deliver a verdict with. HL: “Bring the Pain”, “Back in the Day”, “Slide”, “Funky Fresh Dressed”, “Can You Hear Me”, “Work It”

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Thu Jun 15 2023
5

Give me some of this in a bun. Varied, and I even like the slower singy ones, which doesn't often happen for me on rap albums!

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Mon Oct 02 2023
5

It’s Missy. What else is there to say?

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Sun Oct 08 2023
5

Our eldest cat is named after Mossy Elliot. This album is awesome. Old school hip hop at its finest.

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Sun Nov 26 2023
5

Holy shit, this is good. Missy is an all time great and no, not all time great “female rapper”. She’s here to remind you just who she is - she’s funny, sexy, biting and brilliant. Under Construction maintains the fire right to the end.

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Wed Jan 17 2024
5

Fun samples and catchy beats with lyrics that are clever, sexy, and heartfelt. Missy Elliott has swagger and this album is fantastique!

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Wed Jan 17 2024
5

Well, this was exceptional, wasn’t it? I was especially pleased with the transition from yesterday’s outstanding album…I couldn’t have dreamed it up any better!

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Wed Feb 07 2024
5

Straight fucking bangin’. Really really tasty shit

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Mon Feb 12 2024
5

One of the best albums to come out of the early 2000’s

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Wed Feb 21 2024
5

WOW, <3 Missy Intro/ Go to the Floor - Message is authentic and raw, you can tell Missy is above the bullshit and on some. Set it Off!!!! Coming out swinging She delivers both smash radio hits and introspective emotional tracks on the album. As she said it herself, she is "Under Construction" working on herself and I'm here for it. You can hear Missy's influence in pretty much every female hip hop artist out now. They all want to be flashy and spit bars, but they lean too heavy on sexuality 🍑 to sell records and unfortunately that works (discussion for another place/time). Missy uses a fresh combo of funk, RnB mashups, old school hip hop, and her own Missy style to Bring the Pain and WORK IT! Combine her flow with production from Timbaland... shyyytttt it's a wrap... game, set, match! 🎾 I need a glass of water after this one 🥵🔥

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Thu Feb 22 2024
5

Why have I only heard the hits? Great album. Timbaland at his best too. Before he became a parody of himself.

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Mon Feb 26 2024
5

Doesn’t feel dated. Missy definitely doesn’t get enough credit.

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Sun Mar 17 2024
5

A great listen. Had not heard it before.

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Fri Sep 18 2020
4

Much more fun and consistent than I gave it credit for

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Mon Feb 01 2021
4

Girl power, roliga voice overs med, bra beats timbaland!

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Thu Jan 14 2021
4

Not my style, but I can recognize the historical influence.

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Fri Apr 23 2021
4

Such great focus, production, and performances. Not wild about every song but this is my favorite Missy album for sure.

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Wed Apr 28 2021
4

Man, I remember listening to this back in the 2000s. But, I don't remember having this much fun.

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Fri Jan 22 2021
4

What an album! I am not a hip hop fan, but this album is incredible. The guest appearances are a who's who of hip hop. The content is sometimes funny and thought provoking. Other times a little raunchy, but always entertaining.

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Sat Jun 12 2021
4

So many bangers! Loses the plot a little in the second half (really didn't like Pussycat or the Beyoncé collab) but otherwise so solid. 3.5

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Mon Feb 15 2021
4

Better than I remember. Fun album. Adding to my collection.

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Fri Apr 30 2021
4

Very slick - Missy Elliott makes it all seem effortless. Fave track - gonna have to go with "Work It" - love that the gibberish after the lyric "reverse it" really is the vocal track reversed. Always fun to hear people attempt it in karaoke! 😆

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Fri Jun 11 2021
4

This was actually well good - so didn't expect to love that! What a grooooze

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Thu Mar 11 2021
4

Entgegen aller Lästereien, die im Gruppenchat stattfanden, fand ich das gerade richtig geil. Hat mich irgendwo abgeholt und mit in eine richtig geile 2000er-Sause genommen. Mit Bauchfrei, Bauchnabelpiercing und Hüftjeans. Würds mir sicher wieder anhören! Mega entspannend.

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Sat Apr 17 2021
4

Good record! A lot of LPs of this era fall flat in spots, but this held me throughout

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Thu Apr 01 2021
4

Highlights: Work It, Gossip Folks, Back in the Day, Play That Beat, Can You Hear Me This might be one of the most important hip-hop albums of all time: It's prescient (Bill Gates and Donald Trump? Jay-Z for president?), it's old-school even for its own time, but it maps out the future of hip-hop ("Back in the day...Hip-hop has changed"), and it wouldn't be Missy if it wasn't also foul-mouthed and that's OK. Hip-hop isn't my style, but I can't deny that Missy Elliot is the salesperson for the genre.

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Sat Jul 03 2021
4

Pues qué más que decir? Pues que me gustó. Todo un sonido que definió los inicios de los 2000, grandes colaboraciones con artistas que hasta la fecha son vigentes y unos beats superpegajosos que inevitablemente alcanzarían la popularidad. Aparte de Work It y la que hizo con Jay Z, me gustó Play that Beat, está super good vibes el sonido. Mood: Me siento bichota sin salir de los 2000.

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Mon Jun 14 2021
4

Missy Elliott is a lot of fun on this album! The production stands out and her confidence makes this worth listening too. It's not the best hip-hop by any means, but Missy Elliott has cemented herself in the history of hip-hop and it's well-deserved by all accounts.

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Sun Jan 24 2021
4

classic, idk what else to say. bomb ass features from method man, jay z, beyonce, tlc.. pretty good

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