I wasn't really sure
what to expect from this album; I'd really only come across the odd single and
guest vocal from Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. I knew that she was more
interesting than your average rapper, but couldn't have told you why.
Interestingly, the
first rapper you hear on the album is Busta Rhymes, and I was a bit concerned
that this could be an album where 'feat' dominates the sound - thankfully that
is not the case. Hit Em Wit Da Hee is soulful, and the interplay between Lil' Kim
and Missy is great, with some beautiful harmonies against a soft yet crisp
beat. Sock It 2 Me takes it up a notch, with an epic feel to the soundscape.
Even songs I don't particularly like, such as Friendly Skies, sound fantastic,
and that song sounds like a pre-cursor to eponymous-era Beyonce.
Thankfully the album
does away with the curse of 'skits' that seem to dominate so much Hip-hop of
this era, and the interludes here almost pass as songs in their own right. The
album does lose momentum slightly towards the end, with the slow beat, soft instrumental
approach ending up a bit samey to my ears - the beats on Best Friends and Why
You Hurt Me are pretty similar for example.
One thing worth
noting about this album is how high the production values are; it really
benefits from listening to it on a decent sound system. And Missy's voice is
superb; whether rapping or crooning on a chorus, there is a really soulful edge
to her delivery.
Chloe's album
rating: 6
Chloe's favourite
track: 4. The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
Olly's album rating:
7
Olly's favourite
track: 3. Sock It 2 Me
Next week is 901.
Felt Mountain by Goldfrapp.
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