Music Review: This Is Not a Test
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that there's a lot of sexy stuff here
-- including a track all about sex toys and some references to
oral sex. The adult language and concepts definitely make this
for a more mature listener. But the singer's fairly feminist
perspective does provide a positive counterpoint to other
hip-hop artists whose tracks are often drenched in misogyny.
Families can talk about how women are typically portrayed in
music, including how they represent themselves; you may also
want to talk about how Elliot's own sexier appearance fits with
our society's expectations of its divas.
Missy Elliot's got a sleeker look, and the album's packaging has a tough militant look, but from the first single "Pass That Dutch" to retro sounding "Let it Bump," THIS IS NOT A TEST is full of fun and clever lyrics and loops. Elliot's ballads are a little less interesting, having a similar tone that grows a little tired by album 's end. But all in all, there's plenty here to groove to, laugh at -- and even be inspired by. Get ready for some serious sex talk; references include oral sex and sex toys, plus a graphic appearance from R. Kelly. But the album's messages are overwhelmingly positive. From the anti-materialistic "Wake Up" ("if you ain't got a cellular phone, it's all right) to "Pump it Up", which praises big girls ("Love my gut, so f*** a tummy tuck"). Even silly "Toys" is about women satisfying their own sexual needs ("I don't need no help in pleasing me").
Elliot proves she's well-versed in music history, and in league with current hip-hop stars; she makes references to Prince and LL Cool J and does a super sexy take on the Salt "N Pepa classic "Push It" -- plus listeners are treated to appearances from everyone from Nelly, Mary J. Blige, and Jay-Z. Ultimately, this is a mature album in lots of ways: adult in language and in themes. Best of all, though, it's still fun.
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