Supa Dupa Fly

This debut album from Missy Elliott is fine. Not great, but fine. The music is listenable, but this is definitely not where you will find Missy's most influential work. To me, this is an entry that could have been replaced with a more iconic Missy Elliott album, but this was instead chosen for its historical significance. Missy was part of a movement of validating and legitimizing the existence of female rappers in the mainstream, and this debut album represents that big push. That said, this album relies heavily on features and in my opinion, doesn't show off Missy's true prowess that she developed following this album. Missy's inclusion in this project is absolutely warranted. But I question the choice of this album. A weak 3.

Seriously, another missy Elliott album? The author of this book really did just fill gaps wherever hey. This just went on and on and on without end, yet another nameless rap album from the late 90s when it lost all character and started to sound like generic mass produced crap. This is the rap equivalent of poison or nelson. 2/5.

757 represent - Timbaland is easily in the GOAT conversation for production. The whole album is funky and soulful af, and so deep and rich. I could probably listen 10 times in a row and hear new elements. I really can't believe this was '97 - it feels way ahead of its time.

I don’t know if it’s the slower pace, the beats, or the samples used, but this is undeniably 90s and that it comfortingly familiar even when I have never heard any track beyond The Rain. Is this the best hip hop album? No. Would I put this on while I get shit done. Absolutely. I hover between 3 and 4 but I think pure nostalgia bumps this up to 4.

Had this at a 4/10 rating thirty minutes in halfway through, until I saw red upon realizing I was halfway through thirty minutes in! Snoozefest full of weak bars except for Lil Kim's past- left-field Finnegan's Wake reference, which I missed because I was catching Z's. Inexplicably in the top 100 of Rolling Stone's 2020-edition Top 500 Albums list, above and below some astronomically superior works. 3/10

I wish I liked this a lot more than I did. I liked the intro with busta in it, but past that the album was mostly downhill from there

Another week, another overlong hip hop album with too many songs and skits. Is there any point in the making of these albums where someone pipes up that maybe 17 songs is too many and 10 or 12 is more than enough. Some good stuff, a lot of average, the Busta Rhymes intros/outros are embarrassingly bad as is 'Missy's Finale', where she thanks the people who worked on the album. Same time next week?

Hit and Missy

This is Missy's first album and it feels like a freshman attempt. It's a bit jumbled and weak, missing that weird snap that makes a Missy joint so recognizable. It's far more generic R&B than hip-hop but the unique spark that makes Missy the queen is there, just barely visible, buried in the sand. I'm glad she dug it out for further albums. Sadly, there's not enough here to save this first one.

"Supa Dupa Fly" is the sound of a big step forward for the genre: I was struck by the feeling that in 1997, Missy Elliott developed a brand of hip-hop and R&B still celebrated and explored by women artists in the current scene. Themes of feminism, sex-positivity, body confidence and solidarity between women help to make the album a fresh and engaging listen, although the songs themselves weren't always up to scratch. The first half jumps out immediately, a result of all four singles being placed together at the very start. This isn't to say it's the best material, but it's certainly the most immediate, the most demanding of attention. I enjoyed Elliott's vocals across all of these tracks, as well as the scratchy bass hook in "Hit 'Em Wit da Hee", the brass sample and chorus of "Sock it 2 Me" and the soulful groove of "The Rain". In the second half (appropriately, from "Pass da Blunt" onwards) it all becomes hazier, mellow, more subtle- on first couple of listens, this is where my interest began to wane. Sensual slow jam "Friendly Skies" and the cool detachment of "Why You Hurt Me" both strike good tones but are overlong. "I'm Talking" is another weak link- there are surely stronger, smarter hooks she could have used than "my style of rapping/I'm such a good rapper." But "Izzy Izzy Ahh" and "Gettaway" are good fun and help prop up a weaker second half. A strong array of guest stars (Lil' Kim with a James Joyce reference, Da Brat with a lightning-speed rap, Ann Peebles via sample) add different perspectives to the music and all give distinct voices. And finally, Timbaland's production is bold and innovative throughout, with a lot of layers that are fun to unpack. As well as the sampling and rhythms, some of my favourite arrangements pushed beatboxing (the final minute of "Pass da Joint", the vocal percussion in "They Don't Wanna Fuck Wit Me", and the accompaniment to "Gettaway"). This just scrapes 4* and would have been stronger still if a couple of tracks were shaved off towards the end: it starts brilliantly and Missy Elliott's vocals made a great combination with the guest stars and Timbaland's production.

Wanna like this more than I do. Some of the beats are really eccentric and I like that but it just doesn't completely gel for me. I think it's the combination of the more r&b sung elements that throw me off. Favorite track is "Izzy Izzy ahh" where she's doing this kinda laid back ODB thing. I like it when she gets more nonsensical and playful like that.

I’m a firm believer in the idea that any album that is given the accolade “must hear before you die” should be able to transcend the time in which it was made. This album has a song called “Beep Me 911” on it. I doubt there is a human alive today under the age of 35 who knows what that meant. Supa Dupa Fly is the posterchild for an album that is “of its time”. It’s not terrible, but it’s a 27 year old time capsule to my ears.

I love Missy E, but this one is a miss. Too many Timbaland ad libs and iffy features. Best track: Hit 'Em wit da Hee

Hard to contextualize this one. Progressive female rapper from the 90's. Groovy jams. Trouble is I can't remember if this was breaking new ground or just sounding like what else was out there at the time.

Missy, you are indeed supa dupa fly, Hip hop albums don't always age well, but this one is still damn fine after all these years. If I was going to edit, I would cut the skits and guest spots (I mean, why did we need Busta Rhymes to introduce the album? No offense to Mr Rhymes). Missy's flow is on point, and pairs wonderfully with the consistently funky fresh production from Timbaland. Great choice to keep a consistent vision across the whole album, although tracks maintain their individual identity. Love the singles (obviously), but this one is a great listen throughout.

Beep beep.... Missy Elliott's debut album is a perfect introduction for those who want to dig into why she remains a influential figure in pop, R&B and hip-hop nearly twenty-five years on. Apart from the Busta Rhymes stuff and the spoken word outro, almost every song here is a banger from the hits to the deep cuts. An essential listen all around. Favorites: Hit 'Em With da Hee, Sock It 2 Me, The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Beep Me 911, Pass da Blunt, Best Friends, Don't Be Comin' (In My Face), Why You Hurt Me, I'm Talkin'.

Another classic album in one of my favourite genres. Very much of its time, but Missy is one of the best and it was great listening to all her early stuff again. A couple of the tunes on the 2nd half of the album dragged a bit but on the whole it was great fun to listen to.

This album is really a trip to listen to in 2021. It's all about the vibe, above all else. The standard formula is Missy's smooth vocalizing setting the scene of a blunt smoke-filled room in late 90's NYC, followed by a guest emcee coming in to lay down the raps. It is maybe a tad repetitive, but it makes for an excellent chill album that's easy to listen to.

No. 239/1001 Busta's Intro 2/5 Hit 'Em Wit Da Hee 3/5 Sock It To Me 4/5 The Rain 3/5 Beep Me 911 3/5 They Don't Wanna Fuck Wit Me 3/5 Pass The Blunt 3/5 Bite Our Style 3/5 Friendly Skies 4/5 Best Friends 4/5 Don't Be Comin 4/5 Izzy Izzy Ah 3/5 Why You Hurt Me 3/5 I'm Talkin 4/5 Gettaway 4/5 Busta's Outro 3/5 Missy's Finale NR Average: 3,31 Fun, easy to listen 90s rap Album.

was better than I expected, although wouldn't listen again I also didn't hate it

I started off thinking that this was yet another boring album that’s on here for some historical or music critic reason but by the end I was totally on board. The vocals are basically nick cave from the boatman’s call mixed with frank Sinatra but the production is on a whole other level of mixing genres and it’s all really beautiful sounding

A hip hop album with strong R&B influences. I'm sure this album was a major impact on encouraging female artists into the industry. The main appeal is the fantastic production by Timbaland which gives it a very futuristic funky sound to lots of the tracks (you should just see the videos), from space sound effects to robotic drones. Out of this world beats consistently throughout. That being said, despite her sexy voice, I don't think Missy is a great rapper, and for most of the second side, I was just curious what Timbaland was going to try to do.

Fantastic beats from Timbaland, and some bomb features as well. It is unfortunate that I find Missy Elliot herself to be so dreadfully boring. I genuinely do not get her hype someone please explain it to me.

Moronic, low brow and pretty obnoxious in parts. Propped up by a host of thoroughly skanky guests.

This was a big barrel of wank. That’s my review.

I have to be honest, I had to just skim through this album because I really did not like it. Now I need to go cleanse the palate with some King Crimson or something. Favorite Track(s): “Friendly Skies”

I'd rather take a cheese grater to my eardrums than listen to this again.

Yeah awesomeness

Super justified in being here due to how much it pushed forward the concept of women in rap. Plus, it’s just chock full of bangers.

she’s a genius, always has been and always will be

Is it too long? Possibly. Is it still supa dupa fly? Definitely.

First listen and it sounds extremely fresh - it doesn't sound like an album from 90s. Timbaland's production is incredible throughout and combined with Elliott's diversity of flows every song has at least one transition or moment that is a complete and welcome surprise. Although I'm not rating albums based on historical influence - I can't believe how much hip-hop owes to this album. I have been listening to each album twice to find the songs I want to skip and this one did not get a single skip - even the slow songs are excellent. Has to be a 5.

Supa Dupa Fly is Missy Elliott's debut album, and was so very successful that it made her into a star. Her raps are based in soul and R&B; she makes melodic, danceable tracks that live somewhere near where hip hop mixes with funk. This is an amazing album - an incredible mixture of styles and influences. Elliott helped expand the range of sounds in 90s hip hop, and opened doors for women in rap and hip hop.

This was not really my genre, but I absolutely loved every track. So good. Five stars.

This was the flyest album I’ve ever heard. Timbaland is insane on this one. I didn’t really know or appreciate his work that much up to this point but this absolutely proves that he’s one of the best to ever do it. The mixing was insane too. This album that wants to sound like the 2000s sounds much better than most of the big albums in that era. Loved it front to back

I loved this. I thought her other album Under Construction was just OK, even though I remember liking her. This album, though, is fire. I loved the chill grooves; the beats were fantastic; and she's a commanding and versatile performer.

Supa Dupa Fly is a game-changing debut that exploded every expectation of what hip-hop — and hip-hop production — could sound like in the late ’90s. Missy Elliott arrived fully formed, blending futuristic style with fearless originality, and Timbaland’s production flipped the script with off-kilter beats, space-age rhythms, and deep, head-nodding grooves. Nothing else sounded like this in 1997 — and honestly, nothing really has since. Missy’s flow is sharp, playful, and unpredictable, and she knows exactly when to flex and when to float. “Hit Em Wit Da Hee” is a bold opener that sets the tone immediately, blending haunting strings with that signature Timbo bounce. “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” remains one of the most iconic singles of the era — strange, stylish, and hypnotic, with Missy riding the beat like nobody else could. And “Friendly Skies” brings smooth R&B vibes, with Ginuwine’s silky vocals playing perfectly off Missy’s laid-back delivery. The guest list is stacked, and every feature hits: Busta Rhymes, Aaliyah, Lil’ Kim, Da Brat, 702, Ginuwine — all of them bring heat without overshadowing the star. Missy isn’t just holding her own among big names — she’s setting the pace. Supadupa Fly was ahead of its time and somehow still sounds like the future. Inventive, iconic, and endlessly fun — it’s a flawless introduction to one of hip-hop’s most visionary artists. Favorite song: "Friendly Skies"

let's goooooooooo this is the first one I've known ahead of time incredible album all the way through. futuristic, bangers, lyrically excellent.

I remember when I bought this album at release, and played the living hell out of it. At my first job doing clean up at a bagel shop, I was allowed to listen to music and this was one of the albums on constant rotation. It still holds up, and its wild that this has less than a 3 average, but considering what some people give 5s, I’m not at all surprised they can’t handle hip hop well.

Girls are playas too. I think missy elliot is really really underrated. As we gain a bit of perspective and the alpha male bs gets its rightful critical rejection this stuff will show just what hip hop could really be.

There’s only one Missy Elliott—her flow and skill are unmatched, especially when combined with Timbaland’s beats. And kudos for giving multiple female rappers guest spots!

She's fantastic!

Loved it

Great album. She’s got such talent.

Great!

Really bad ass album by one of the all time greatest. Missy misdemeanor Elliott is a hip hop titan and I really miss her style in modern music.

10/3/24. Missy is one of the best! First time giving this album a full listen and each track brought something to the table. I'm also at the point now where Timbaland's production and sound is nostalgic, but still very good. Loved the variety of hip hop and R&B put on by Missy.

Streets ahead of all those dick swinging Gansta bores from around the same time.

Oh hells yes! This is fantastic. Only ever heard the hits. But the whole album is great. Excellent flow all the way. Makes me wish I could smoke blunts with Missy all day. Innovator. Creator. Iconoclast.

Perfect album, no notes.

A unique and fantastic hip hop album.

Debut album from the legend. Missy and Timbo teamed up and set the blueprint for hip hop in the years to come. Sock It 2 Me/The Rain/Beep Me is an incredible 3 song run.

Missy is the GOAT

Solid gold. Peak Timberland, rising missy = banger. missy remains an underrated talent, despite being rated highly.

She way great from the jump and has only improved since.

Straight fire

COOL

I think missy could've made some real proper all time greats but was held back to some extent by the industry expecting her to be tied into the mellow rnb side of things. This is almost there and has tracks that would be at home on an all time great hip hop album but the whole tracklist doesn't quite get there and that's super dissapointing to me because Missy had the ability if she'd been allowed the freedom that other artists were at the time. That being said this album is still a great time and a really enjoyable time capsule for this period

This is a classic...for its production and uniqueness. And within the album, although she touts her "rapping," I think she knows it. She brings a style and it feels largely improvised, but it's a great groove. Also, it means my man Busta made the list. Which is validating some.

It is Supa Dupa Fly. My wife grew up listening to Missy Elliott. This album sounds like a good time.

she's so cool

Chill and energetic all at once. Captures the moment in time but also timeless.

Missy being missy

Pass da blunt love to see it

Amazing. So fun. Legendary. Love love love. I can’t stand the rain!

Makes me want to walk like Christoper Walken in that Fat Boy Slim video. Favorite track is Why You Hurt Me.

Even though I found a lot of Apple Music's Top 100 albums of all time to be...divisive, I can totally see why this album is on there (though I don't know its placement on the list, probably somewhere stupid). I'll admit that I listened to about half of it relatively passively so I didn't listen to a lot of the lyrics. I was struck by the beats and rhythms for almost every song. Catchy and dynamic shit here. I like Missy's voice as well and the features on this album are always a cool treat and never overstay their welcomes. Cocky and confident but never undeserved. I will definitely be listening again. 5

This is the funkiest rap album I can remember ever hearing. It's awesome. Favorite track: Don't Be Coming (In My Face)

Absolutely shocked by how negative these reviews are. Maybe just because I'm a huge fan of Timbaland, but I think this album is fantastic

Missy Elliott had years of experience as a writer and performer before releasing her debut. That maturity shows. In addition, her close working relationship with influential producer Timbaland is on full display here as well. This is an exceptional release. It was not written for me. This is a black urban album from a woman's perspective. That in and of itself would put it on my list. However, the music is creative and exceptional throughout. Timbaland's style (I call it stutter stop production, but I am sure there is a better phrase) became ubiquitous in the decade, but I am not sure the work with Miss Elliott is not the peak.

Wow. How did this come out in 1997 am still sound like the future in 2022? The production and rapping were both great and it clearly influenced everyone from OutKast to Drake who pushed hip hop to be more ambitious as a genre. And this was a debut album?! Extremely bold but it works! I never heard this before and will need to relisten to fully grasp it all.

This album is super-duper fly.

Missy created a classic album with this one!

5/5. Every song was enjoyable and fun and the beats were amazing. Some okay songs but no bad ones.

When this album appeared, I cheered aloud! So excited to finally see Missy on the list. Top notch!!!

Great samples. Very entertaining. Loved it.

great

Incredible album. You could tell Missy and Timbaland we’re gonna be stars from the beginning.

crying, screaming, throwing up this album is so good!!! sock it 2 me, the rain, izzy izzy ahh were so good. something abt the sound of this album rlly tickled my brain in the best way. pass da blunt SENT MEEEE lmao bc pass the dutchie has been on my rotation lately & i did not expect to hear it here. I love how she references some rlly classic songs in such an original way, it's rlly well done ❤️❤️❤️

A quarter century old and still sounds fresh and modern as can be.

Another incredible debut

This was great! Loved her voice.

Just a transcendent hip-hop record that still feels groundbreaking 25 years later.

Always a pleasure.

They don’t wanna fuck w me!!

Missy is a queen. Point blank, period.

this is a great album! Missy is so cool and I absolutely love seeing this on the list

so good! so many killer features and production is on point on every single track!

More Missy, yes please

Early Timbaland and Missy. Some of the greats.

Supa Dupa Good xD

Okay, the album is really silly, but Timberland's production is masterful. Hip-Hop and R&B crossover is usually very bad, but this somehow works well.

Wow this sounds a lot like college, even though I never consciously sought it out.

8/10

This was nice to have in the background playing - not necessarily my type of hip hop however.

Surprisingly fun album -- would warrant a closer listen

Favorite: Sock It 2 Me Least Favorite: Why You Hurt Me

I loved this album! All the songs were so good in my opinion. I was vibing to the whole thing. It was groovy, catchy, and fun to listen through. I'd give this one a 4.5 if I could, but I'll round down because I know there are better albums out there.

Liked it more than I thought was going to, kind of anticipated it’s inclusion on historical context, female progression in rap with rnb tones and there is that cd age run time, but as said pleasantly surprised how much enjoyed it. Not going to claim any knowledge about the album but Happily listen again 4 Star

Missy Elliott is someone I probably heard of before when I was a kid, listening to mainstream music with my sisters in the early 2000s and catching songs like "Work It" and "Get Ur Freak On". I hadn't gotten into her until this year with her performance at Coachella, which included the first two singles from her debut, Supa Dupa Fly. After listening, I consider this a respectable first record. Missy commanded the mic on this album, alternating between smooth R&B singing and laid-back chill rapping over the high-end dancehall-inspired production from Timbaland. The ease with which she expresses her womanhood, in both the demand to be respected and the desire for intimacy with her partners, is astounding over these phat breakbeats with a few notable compositions built off samples. Not to mention, the number of guest appearances that bolster this record with their respective talents to make this feel like a joint effort, including Lil' Kim's opening verse on "Hit Em wit da Hee", Da Brat's closing rap on "Sock It 2 Me", and Aaliyah's sultry delivery opposite Missy on "Best Friends". My only complaint with this debut is that it's rather long. This included multiple interlude tracks, including intro and outro tracks from Busta Rhymes, who serves as a hype man for this record, but doesn't feel necessary to the overall experience. Also, the self-gratification on Missy's part became a bit egregious to me towards the end, such as the lyrics of "I'm Talkin'" coming off as no more than "I'm great" and "look how well I rap". Still, I overall enjoyed Supa Dupa Fly as the first big step for Missy Elliott, becoming a major influence for many female rappers to come.