Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Under Construction? She said it, I didn't.
Before you feel like hitting the "NO" button, let me explain why I'm not completely feeling this album. The album is so experimental that at times you might not know what kind of script Missy is on. For one thing, there are a lot of samples from '80s hip-hop on this album. I mean, I'm all for hearing Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C., but if I wanted to hear them, I would just pop in their albums.There are some great tracks on here like "Go To The Floor", "Work It", "Can You Hear Me", and "P-cat". And "Back In The Day" features Jay-Z, and although I've heard better lyrics from him, his tone kind of sounds like he sounded back in the Reasonable Doubt days, and that's always good. But there's a lot of filler on this album too, like the necessary song-featuring-Beyoncé track "Nothing Out There For Me". "Gossip Folks" sounds like every song from Miss E...So Addictive, and "Hot" sounds like a generic remix of "Work It". And speaking of that, the hidden track is another version of "Work It" with a verse courtesy of 50 Cent. 50's verse is good and all, but the thing is that he only raps at the beginning; then the rest of the song is the same (music, lyrics, etc.). And another thing, why is there so much talking on this album? I know Missy is trying to clear up things, but maybe she should've just done all that at once. To be honest, it seems like every other song is good on this album. I would still listen to it over her last album, but it's not without its problems. Oh well, at least it's not a total bomb.
Rating: - a hip-hop classic
the problem with a lot of stuff that passes itself off as hip-hop these days is, the albums aren't tight enough. you get a few good songs but nothing that resembles a completely thought-out record with no filler. not so with missy elliott's "under construction". the album flows perfectly from one song to the next, and each track is incredibly diverse from the other and well-produced. missy experiments with different vocal and lyrical styles, and demonstrates a true appreciation of the roots of hip-hop music. there is a genuine love for what we refer to as "old school" running all through these songs, the best of which is "gossip folks", which is simply explosive in every way possible. i can't quit listening to it. the entire album is astounding, all the beats and samples are ingeniously assembled, and there are hooks everywhere. i don't buy a whole lot of this kind of music anymore (except of course, outkast, who are at the top of the game right now) because there isn't a whole lot of originality happening. however, i have to recommend "under construction" to anyone with any soul or love in their body. (the only reason i didn't give it 5 stars is because i like the old chubby missy better than the thinner "new" one, and don't agree with her using weight loss as the centerpiece for the title of the record).
Rating:  - Funky Fresh Dressed To Impress
Missy Elliot is the lighthearted party girl of the generation. She is all about having fun and getting paper. Being a creative mastermind and experimental guinea pig, she's the one that tries the new styles, flows, and beats. And on this album she mixes elements from the old school type rap. She's definitely not afraid to spit some nonsense on a track as witnessed by the first great single Work It ( also features a remix with 50Cent). She definitely has talent; a knack for creating hits that people love, songwriting, and beat making. She does have a flow and a pretty good singing voice but She's not a lyrical genius. DUH...and if you listen to this cd thinking she's Eve or Rah Digga then YOU are the fool.Missy addresses these haters as well as reminiscing on the past on Back In The Day feat. Jay-Z. She tells how it was back in the day when they had fun, danced, battled. Jay-Z rips his two verses and they really impressed me. It was on point. Bring The Pain samples RZA's brilliant beat and guests Method Man. Method Man's flow was butter on here. P-Cat is a nice smooth song, Play The Beat, Hot, Can You Hear Me feat. TLC ( which is a tribute to fallen soldiers Left Eye, Aaliyah, 2Pac and others ) and "Nothing Out There For Me" feat. Beyonce Knowles are all tight songs. The best song undoubtedly though is Funky Fresh Dressed. It sports an incredible beat and Missy spitting what may be her BEST flow EVER. She ripped that track to shreds. Missy Elliot is a true hip hop artist. She writes songs, produces, sings, raps on her own projects and also does work for other artists. And Most of it is natural. That's what I call talent. Not some wack wannabe 'lyricist' kicking 'knowledge' and struggles to stay on beat. Missy Elliot is real and this album reminds me of why I love hip hop so much. Recommended.
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