"Me I'm Super fly, super duper fly." How did this song come out in 1997? S/o to Timbaland for the bonkers drum programming and sample ("I Can't Stand the Rain by Ann Peebles); the song still sounds just as fresh as it did 2 decades ago. And the music video featuring Missy in an… INFLATED TRASH BAG!!! Supposedly a big middle finger to the execs that doubted her marketability, the imagery remains one of the most iconic moments of hip-hop that was also light-years ahead (Hype Williams!) of what was happening then. The rest of the album follows suit, with Timbo's lean, stuttering rhythms laying down the ongoing bounce and Missy spitting her tight, complex, and creative raps about womanhood, relationships, demand for respect, and more. In addition to the hits it produced—"Sock It 2 Me" (Missy's robot costume in this vid is so dope also), "Beep Me 911," "Friendly Skies," "Hit Em Wit Da Hee," and "Pass Da Blunt"—the impact that the album had on female artists that followed is undeniable. Lastly, the stellar guest list that includes Busta Rhymes ("Busta's Intro" so sick!), Ginuwine, Queen Latifah, Lil' Kim, K-Ci & JoJo, and Aaliyah… This is the first reissue of the album since the initial 1997 release, recommended.

• 20th anniversary edition
• single sheet double sided credits insert
• music label: Atlantic 1997 / 2017

reviewed by nakinboots 07/2017