For me some of the best music from the RnB and Hip Hop music genre came out during the 90's. I remember hearing music from the like of R.Kelly, Jodeci and of course the introduction of the female rapper and Hip Hop artist Missy Elliot, and her producer collaborator Timbaland. It was also the time that Missy and Timbaland introduced the likes of Aaliyah and Ginuwine to our ears, using their vocals over their musical genius sounds and lyrical inviting tracks. I was, and still aml a huge fan of Aaliyahs, and it still saddens me that she is no longer around to make music and be the all round entertainer that she could have been. Being an aaliyah fan, it was hard not to like and be instantly grabbed by Missy and Timbaland, as it was hard to hear a track from Aaliyah without the lyrical and production influence of Missy Elliot and Timbaland. It was my early liking of Aaliyah that made me buy Missy's first ever Album 'Supa Dupa Fly' and I can say after listening to the album I have no regrets at all doing so.

During the time it was released (1997) Missy Elliot's Album was seen as a ground breaking debut album, and was hugely influential to the genre of music throughout the late 90's and early 2000 era. It was a daring release of experimental and futuristic sounds that was way beyond its years, but it was this daring aspect of this album that made it such a huge success for Missy Elliot and began her and Timbalands triumph breakthrough as being the most sort out artists, producers and lyrical writers in the music business.

For me, it was the unique collaboration between Missy Elliot and Timbaland that made this album such a hit, with the groovy, slow downed drum and bass beats and mastering of rhythmic musical tones made for an album that was different, and made for a fresh and welcoming introduction to the music scene.

Missy in this album showcases her truly versatile talent; being a rapper, singer, song writer and producer and is able to excels in each area so well on this album.

The album itself starts off with a bang, with noticeable collaboration with rapper Busta Rhymes in the "Busta's Intro" that instantly grabbed my attention.
From then on Missy Elliot makes the album her own, with songs like 'Sock it to me' illustrating her great vocal ability and clever often amusing raps over a groovy beat.
Best Friends is a track the feature the late Aaliyah, and is about friends standing by each other no matter what. It was a track that really showed the closeness between the two, and how comfortable both are at experimenting different vocal arrangements; which for me makes for another great track.
Friendly Skies is another one of my favourites from the album and feature singer Ginuwine. It shows off the soulful essence that Missy so effortlessly processes, being not the most vocally talented singer, she is still able to make songs catchy and vocally inviting.
I found majority of the tracks to be woman-empowering and was reminiscent of the times that spice girls were making their mark with the whole girl power movement.

My favourite track from the whole album has to be 'Rain'. It is such a groundbreaking track, with influential sounds and catchy vocals. The music video made for this track is ground breaking in itself. I remember seeing missy in a huge inflatable suit, dancing in the rain while she sings the vocals of the track. The Timbaland contribution to this track really makes this song stand out from the rest; it makes you want to sing along to the catchy lyrics while at the same time bop your head to the infectious beat.



==TRACKLISTING==

1. Busta's Intro

2. Hit 'Em Wit da Hee - Da Brat

3. Sock It 2 Me - Da Brat

4. Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)

5. Beep Me 911 - 702

6. They Don't Wanna F** Wit Me

7. Pass da Blunt

8. Bite Our Style (Interlude)

9. Friendly Skies

10. Best Friends - Aaliyah

11. Don't Be Commin' (In My Face)

12. Izzy Izzy Ahh

13. Why You Hurt Me

14. I'm Talkin'

15. Gettaway

16. Busta's Outro - Busta Rhymes

17. Missy's Finale



==VERDICT==

Overall a great debut album from Missy Elliot, it was something fresh and new to the music scene, and even today I find it still sets its self apart from tracks out today; making this album timeless and a great RnB/ Hip Hop album.

9/10