Missy Elliot
By Lara Hendrickson
Features Editor

Whether you like her or not, you’ve got to admit: Missy Elliot has guts.

Elliot’s latest CD, “This is Not A Test,” is just as boldly musical as her pervious albums, if not more so. The newly slimmed down Elliot took it upon herself to become even more provocative as she pushes the boundary between comfort and uncomfortable.

As an R&B writer, producer and arranger in the 1990’s, Elliot was involved in over 20 No.-1 hits for artists such as Aaliyah, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Her first album, Supa Dupa Fly, released in 1997, immediately went to the top of the charts, with collaborations with artists such as Lil’ Kim and Busta Rhymes. In 1999, Da Real World paired her with the likes of Eminem, and the album that followed, Miss E “... So Addictive,” finally put her on the charts as one of the most influential hip hop artists of her time. In 2002, “Under Construction” solidified her spot in rap history, and “This is Not a Test” will keep her there.

Known not only for her unique rhythmic style, Elliot became known for her eccentric and visually stunning videos. “This is Not a Test” promises more and more of those with songs such as “Pass That Dutch,” “Wake Up” and the ballad “I’m Not Perfect.” The songs have a different (to say the least) beat and promise loads of energy. Like her other albums, “This is Not a Test” is assuredly of the upbeat variety, and may only want to be played by the light-hearted. And the young-at-heart. And definitely not the faint of heart.

If you qualify, be sure and pick up a copy and dance to it in the privacy of your room only.