Missy Elliott - The Cookbook CDs • Vinyl Records • LPs • Music Albums

such as Rich Harrison and Scott Storch step in -- and the result is Elliott's least cohesive, most conventional album yet. The best tracks, including the techno-fied, Ciara-spiced single "Lose Control," tend to be produced by Elliott herself; the worst moments (the dire faux crunk of "Click Clack") arrive when she resorts to following trends. But Elliott does succeed in getting her freak on with some of her new collaborators: With its doomy synth bass and Arkanoid sound effects, the pummeling, Neptunes-produced "On and On" suggests that Elliott isn't done inventing pop's future.

For her sixth album, the inimitable Missy Elliott gives fans another stellar collection of neck-breaking party jams that embrace the old school while taking hip-hop to brand new levels. Bubbling production, witty lyricism and soulful singing create a bouillabaisse of funkiness; cameos by Slick Rick, Grand Puba and Mary J. Blige spice it up even more.