Missy Elliott - Under Construction

Attention B-girls and boys: Missy Elliott is officially over it. Like her homegirl Mary J. Blige, the rap diva declares, "no more drama." Time to get back to the essence. To that end, Under Construction bubbles over with a combination of ridiculously slamming beats and clever old-school references--not to mention a slew of guest stars. Based on the rhyme schematic from UTFO’s "Roxanne Roxanne" and featuring Ms. Jade’s tight-laced drawl, "Funky Fresh Dressed" draws on several classics, including the Beasties' "Paul Revere." Missy croons and Jay-Z namedrops his way through the loose-limbed "Back in the Day." Ludacris injects some new jack Southern flavor into the sinuous anti-hater’s anthem, "Gossip Folks." "Work It" features a catchy chorus and an absolutely insane Timbaland track. As is to be expected, Aaliyah’s presence looms large over the proceedings, especially on the classic Misdemeanor-style hip-hop and R&B hybrid, "Nothing out There for Me." Missy’s rap adlibs play second fiddle to the song’s lush vocals, as Beyoncé fills the diva role previously occupied by the late, great Aaliyah. --Rebecca Levine