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.

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

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.

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

"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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

Hit and Missy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Reveal reaction: This should be fun! OK, I was right, it was a lot of fun! I've never really been that interested in Missy Elliot, so this is the first time I've heard this entire album. On one hand, it's a capsule to a time in hip hop where Timbaland was EVERYWHERE, and on the other hand, it's really unique in a way that I never realized. Off the top of my head, I can only point to Lauren Hill as an example of an artist whose album is as equal parts singing and rapping - and equally comfortable with each. This album isn't as good as the timeless Miseducation of Lauren Hill, but it definitely deserves the love it gets. Great album that sounds of its time, but not anachronistic.

Gave this one a pass at the time because it seemed so corny and glitzy, but it turns out to be much more enjoyable than I expected! Timbaland sounds much less gimmicky in retrospect. I guess stuff is just a bit flat these days, so older material stands out for me in a way it didn’t before. And Missy has nice flow!

Missy Elliott yup yup

For the first 25 minutes, I could not for the life of me understand why I have not listened to this every day for the last twenty years. Then after the first 25 minutes, I understood exactly why. The latter songs aren’t filler, not exactly. But they don’t hold a candle to the orgasmic pleasure of the first half of the album. (Side A? Could this be The Chronic redux? No idea, I got this on CD.) All that said. It is a very good album.

good production

It’s alright. Low 4

Fun with all of the different artists!

I actually have really like this. Never heard any of these songs. I have heard the name plenty but don't know any of her songs. But this has had good energy the whole way through. Imma give this one a 4. oh looking at her top songs I definitely know all those. I love Work It!

Missy > Nicki

For all intents and purposes, this is more of a Timbaland album than a Missy Elliot joint. Other than Phil Spector, I can’t think of a producer who leaves their imprint quite as distinctive as Timbaland. Maybe Metro Boomin is as close as we’re going to get to a modern example, but I still don’t find his work as eponymous as Timbaland’s beats. At the very least this album should have co-credits. With that said, Supa Dupa Fly is only a couple years out from Timbaland’s popularity prime when Aaliyah would be running up the charts. And to her defense, Missy is both creatively and publicly allegiant to Timbaland, who she vocally credits whenever it makes sense to do so. 4/5

Timbaland staking a claim

Nostalgia!

Decent album. Not Missys best, but still a solid, decent album. 4/5

Under the wing of still-new producer Timbaland, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott would debut with a bonafide classic single The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly). That success would make the album's title a no-brainer, but that came with a whole set of challenges. Entering into the world of hip-hop as a woman required taking an R&B edge, but Elliott was more than capable of making it work for both sounds. She was able to stand out on her own two feet, a rapper with a soulful edge and the attitude to assert herself in a male-dominated field. Her flow is matched with Timbaland's cutting-edge beats that gives each track enough room to breathe. Stunning debut album.

Very entertaining record. Missy shines in her debut album, but Timbaland kind of steals the show for me. The production is absolutely wild. Worth hearing for the L/R panning alone.

Alltid bra när man sjunger om knark )

Quite sweet actually

Even better than the last Missy album I got, which I also quite enjoyed! Thank you MissDemeanor for some great tunes on what ended up being a very difficult Election Day!

Incredibly sexy music. Don't know a single word of the lyrics but the beats were almost hypnotic; I was completely locked in during the entire hour. The lyrics sounded nice too but I listened to them as another instrument in the track rather than a singer saying things. Almost a 5, all things considered