The Cookbook

 Review

Common Sense Media says

One spicy dish after another. Not for kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's some sexual content and strong language on this excellent album. Families listening together can go for the edited version (better than most).

  • Terrific, empowering feminist message, using racist words...
  • A few violent images.
  • Lots of gleefully explicit sexuality.

What's the story?

On her sixth album, Missy Elliott is really flying solo for the first time; only a few of the tracks are produced by her former collaborator, rapper/producer Timbaland. 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. 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..." 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. 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.


Is it any good?

 

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. With star-studded cameos and female-empowering lyrics, track after glossy track delivers delightful and interesting musical surprises.

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.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how this CD compares with previous CDs on which producer Timbaland had a heavier hand.


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great CD, note the parental advisory sticker
This CD is not for those below their middle teens. Other than that, it's a great CD. Elliott shows her producing talent well, as well as her dynamic rapping skills. There are some iffy songs the CD could do without. There is the usual amount of sexual content (including an entire song devoted to it) and harsh language, but it's the usually Missy fare so those who have previous CDs by her will be unphased.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
November 12, 2011
 
it may be called the cookbook, but its recipes are anti-kid-oriented
The sexual happy-go-fun-land-time in the music world, full of gleefully salty language, endless product placement, several drug references, you name it! Maybe not Missy's spiciest album (big shocker), but definitely not one aimed for kids. "We Run This" may not be as spicy as other songs like "She's a B--ch", or "Get Ur Freak On", but it's definitely spicy on its own level.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
SHE DID IT AGAIN!
MISSY ELLIOT IS A WONDERFUL ARTIST. SHE IS CONSTANTLY BRINGING OUT FRESH NEW MUSIC FOR HIP HOP LISTENERS. MISSY HAS A WILD BUT MANNERABLE WAY OF EXPRESSING HER SELF. SHE ALWAYS HAS WONDERFUL MUSIC!!!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
OK for kids over 11
It shouldn't get that rating because its not THAT BAD. You can't understand half of what she's saying any way.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Incredible
This Cd is not to be missed by anyone. If your kids are asking for it, buy the edited version. It is done alot better than other edited music. However the edited version does not edit alot out and there is still some sexual innuendo and bad language. In terms of the uncensored album, there is very strong language, more sexual content than 50 Cent and R.Kelly together. There are also some descriptions of violence and drug content. But that does not stop it at any costs from being one of the best albums released this year.

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Teen, 15 years old
January 18, 2010
 
OK GET THE CLEAN ONE
Lose Control Is A Positive Dancing Song Get The Clean Version

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Missy Elliott
Release date:July 5, 2005
Label:Atlantic
Genre:Hip-hop
Parental advisory:Yes
Edited version available:Yes

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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