I’ve always felt that Missy Elliott has gotten too much credit. Too many times I’ve heard the label of genius attached to her name, when her partner in crime is much more deserving of the praise. In all fairness, while it is undisputable that Timbaland has hooked Missy up with some awe-inspiring production over the course of her career; Missy has taken it, flipped it, and ran with it. Probably better than most people would have. Missy is not a good lyricist by any means (she is barely a decent one), but that isn’t to say she is a bad emcee. Her flow is excellent and she constantly wraps her words around Timbo‘s banging drum arrangements with a detail and craft that too many ignore.
This Is Not a Test is appropriately titled to say the least. Missy has proven herself multiple times over the years and there is no doubt that she is capable of making a hit record. Much like Bubba Sparxxx‘s last effort, Mr. Mosley has hooked his longtime collaborator up with some incredible stuff. Pass That Dutch is currently the track rattling the fuck out of clubs and jeeps alike. Little more than a distorted bass line that sounds like a sound test and some hand claps, the track is as catchy as anything she has ever done. Keep It Movin’ may actually better it in terms of neck-snapping goodness, especially that break down at the end. Gotdamn! Speaking of which, her Jay-Z collabo Wake Up sounds strikingly like the latest Neptunes banger with Busta Rhymes (Light Yo Ass on Fire), with it’s hollowed out drums. I’m Really Hot is some more of Timbo‘s untouchable drum patterns blessed nicely by Missy‘s sporadic rhymes.
Where the album falls off for me is when things venture into the r&b territory. While I generally dislike the vast majority of today’s soul-less, hip-hop dickriding r&b, I still like good stuff when I hear it. None of it is particularly good here. Dats What I’m Talking About featuring everyone’s favorite pedophile is probably the best of the bunch. But tracks like It’s Real and I’m Not Perfect just do nothing for me.
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Still, there is some other good stuff scattered about. While the idea of Missy masturbating with her tools is enough to make me want to vomit, the Toyz Interlude is a nice little 70’s funk throwback. It pales in comparison to her 80’s hip-hop throwback Let It Bump. Its old school meets new school at its best and Missy‘s Schooly D inspired delivery and retro references are enough to make me smile. Paying homage; always an easy way to win me over. Pump It Up is fine until the track is littered by Nelly‘s gut-wrenching vocals. Personal feelings aside though, it is a pointless collaboration in the context of the album.
This Is Not a Test is by no means her best album, but it certainly serves its purpose and will get plenty of asses shaking. It certainly doesn’t hurt having Timbaland on your side. As her 5th release in 6 years, Missy continues to expand and develop her style without deviating from the game plan; making innovative music that is commercially accessible, but that is good music first and foremost.
