By 2002, Missy Elliott had already solidified herself as a top tier artist in Hip Hop — and music period — with her first 3 solo albums, Supa Dupa Fly, Da Real World, and Miss E… So Addictive. She did so by staying true to her creative identity and marching to the beat of her own drum. Under Construction, her fourth album, would be no different.
Released in November 2002, Missy picked up where she left off from her previous efforts providing the world with danceable and fun records. She didn’t disappoint with “Work It,” the first single from the album.
[Tune In To HipHop-Album-Debate, “The Podcast” Every Tuesday and Friday!]
“Is it worth it,” Missy raps in the chorus. “Let me work it. I put my thang down, flip it and reverse it.”
What was so genius about Missy is the fact the following line was reversed.
“Work It” peaked at the 2 position on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“Gossip Folks,” the album’s second single, was another upbeat cut that worked well on the dancefloor. Ludacris lend his vocals on the single. It too made the US Billboard 100, peaking at the number 8 position.
Aside from the singles, Missy used classic 80s and 90s Hip Hop as the blueprint to create the album. She did a cover of Method Man’s “Bring the Pain,” featuring the Shaolin legend himself. The aforementioned “Work It” samples Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three’s “Request Line” and RUN-DMC’s “Peter Piper.” She borrows U.T.F.O.’s flow and cadence (“Roxanne, Roxanne”) to create “Funky Fresh Dressed.”
The album was more than Classic Hip Hop renditions. The Virginia native had some advice for the ladies in “Pussycat.” Personally, that is one of my favorite Missy records. “Nothing Out There For Me” featuring Beyoncé was a nice overlooked track.
Childhood friend and longtime producer Timbaland handled a bulk of the album’s production.
Under Construction found much success on the charts, peaking at the number 3 and 2 spot on the US Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, respectively. In addition, the album was certified double platinum.
Under Construction holds sentimental value due to it’s dedication to Aaliyah, whom had just passed untimely in a plane crash the year prior. In addition, to the victims of the September 11 attacks.
Missy Elliott’s ‘Under Construction’; Classic, Dope, Regular, or Garbage?
Polls Are Closed!!
Regular – 50%
Dope – 50%
Garbage – 0%
Classic! – 0%