There are some things in music that one can predict, such as, ‘Missy Elliott will release another good album’. Well, Missy Elliott has has just released another good album, and arguably her best…

As I slid the CD into the tray and pressed play, a sharp percussive sound, of amazing clarity, flew out of my speakers. Baby Girl/ Intro opens the album and hints at something interesting - sonically and musically. Pass That Dutch follows with its inventive, swirling rhythmic background and a typically lucid Elliott rap vocal. This is certainly set to be one of the dance tracks of the year, and is a supreme example of Timbaland’s masterful production throughout the album. Wake Up is next and Elliott warns her black brotehrs and sisters, “motherfuckers, better wake up…. Jagged, razor-sharp beats accompany Elliott and guest Jay-Z before Elephant Man makes a telling appearance in Keep It Movin. Elliott is in her element as she covers just about every black music genre including ragtime (a little gem in Ragtime Interlude), and soul with the moving ballad I’m Not Perfect.

THIS IS NOT A TEST is a diverse and poetic rap treat that pushes the genre into new and more inspiring territory where Elliot proves to be both king and queen. Sonically, it also breaks new ground with some of the best recording and production quality I’ve heard this year. This record is so right, it hurts…

4.5/5