Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there is some sexual content and strong language on this excellent album. Families listening together can go for the edited version (better than most) and/or compare this one with previous CDs on which producer Timbaland had a heavier hand.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Missy Elliott has a reputation for being a hip-hop innovator. Although it becomes increasingly difficult for any artist to break new ground on CD after CD, THE COOKBOOK sparkles with Missy's signature attitude and humor. On her sixth album, she's really flying solo for the first time; only a few of the tracks are produced by Missy's former collaborator, rapper/producer Timbaland. With star-studded cameos and female-empowering lyrics, track after glossy track delivers delightful and interesting musical surprises. Irresistible lyrics include "Hold up, I see a lot of folks in here sittin' round like your shoes too tight/If you wear a size 10, don't cram...in a size 6 ladies/be proud of your big...feet/We came to party up..." Parental mileage will vary on the sprinkling of four-letter words, but Missy's irrepressible spirit is infectious. She is fully, energetically present on every track.
Cameo providers include Mike Jones, Slick Rick, Ciara and Fat Man Scoop, Mary J. Blige and Grand Puba, American Idol star Fantasia, Vybez Cartel, and M.I.A. The album artwork is presented as though it were a cookbook, with sections described as Starters and Sides, Main Course, Desserts, and Liquid Refreshers -- and album credits appear under the heading "Nutritious Facts." This conceit somehow works; it ends up looking more classy than cutesy.
Highlight tracks "Remember When" and "Teary Eyed" prove without a doubt that Missy Elliott is growing as a singer, as well as an artist and innovator.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentLots of gleefully explicit sexuality. |
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ViolenceA few violent images. |
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LanguageShe's not shy... |
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Social BehaviorTerrific, empowering feminist message, using racist words... |
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CommercialismSome brand names mentioned. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA couple of drug and alcohol references. |
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