Missy Elliott - "Da Real World" (1999)

[B-Boy]

Released 20 years ago, peaked at #13 (lower than her debut), and spawned the singles, "She's A Bitch", "All N My Grill" and "Hot Boyz". The latter held the Guinness World Record for the longest #1 on the Billboard Rap charts at 18 weeks and became her most successful single from the album.

It's my favorite album/era in terms of art direction, concept (shoutout to The Matrix), sound, and videos. It feels dark and theatrical thanks to Timbaland's string samples, mid-song beat changes and Missy going toe-to-toe with the likes of Eminem, Redman, and Lil' Mo. Also, Missy keeps it real on the lyrical front. My favorite deep cuts are "You Don't Know", "Stickin Chickens", "U Can't Resist" and "Crazy Feelings". The album is truly ahead of it's time.

Lastly, I wanted to buy this album when it was on the shelves, but I know my parents weren't having it. lol. On the other hand, I would've felt weird owning an album with this kind of content. But those singles and those beats were crazy.

Here is Missy giving us a glimpse into the year 3000.

[🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲]

It was a good album, but I don't love it as much as Supa Dupa Fly and Miss E...So Addictive. My fave tracks are All In My Grill, Hot Boyz, Hey Mr. Dj, and She's A Bitch.

[Zinc.]

[back2blk]

All N My Grill held this album together for me. It's not really a standout, but I did love me some Stickin' Chickens.

[ogletree8701]

This album is my favorite. Missy and Timbaland have some creative juices that combined well. This album is darker than the first but this album still slaps!!