The Cookbook
WithThe Cookbook, the innovative Missy Elliott proves to the masses she is a musical mad scientist whose artistic abilities are unparalleled and without peer. Elliott is a quadruple threat: rapper, singer, songwriter and producer; add that to her woman-empowered lyrics and Missy's ability to be a musical and mental role model is inarguable.  As a producer, Missy Elliott knows how to build a great project by incorporating the best talent available, an easy task since so many want to work with her. Not surprisingly,The Cookbookis filled with a world-class guest list. That very large list includes American Idol winnerFantasia, cRunk&B; queenCiara, old-school rapperSlick Rick, dancehall sensationM.I.A.(on the drumline-heavy "Bad Man") and the current queen of soul,Mary J. Blige.  In a reversal of roles, "My Struggles" finds Missy singing "Ya'll don't really know my life, y'all don't really know my struggles" while Mary J. raps over a sample of herself from "What's The 411." One unexpected surprise is Missy sings out more than on previous releases. The bare-bones "Remember When" is a definite standout, a 70's-inspired slow jam highlighted by her honest lyrics, sweet falsetto and jazz-affected tones. The beautiful melancholy of "Teary Eyed" is another standout, an amen-inducing testament to a relationship gone wrong and the beginning of the healing process. To hear Missy sing with full rawness and no bravado is a further testament to her talents and will likely bring an even larger audience into her fold.-- Denise Sheppard