Recorded 1998–1999 Artist Missy Elliott | Length 64:09 Release date 22 June 1999 | |
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Released June 22, 1999 (1999-06-22) Similar Missy Elliott albums, Contemporary R&B albums | ||
Da real world show1 lil wayne 50 cent katt williams dmx rick ross cartoon
Da Real World is the second studio album by American hip hop recording artist Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, that was on released June 22, 1999, by EastWest Records America. The album is noted for adding a raunchier and darker style to Missy's music, as well as including the overt political use of the term "bitch". The album also featured a revival by female rapper Lil' Kim, whose career was on a hefty toll from the untimely death of mentor The Notorious B.I.G. The album also added a bit of controversy when Elliott's former protégé Danja Mowf was omitted from the album and replaced by Redman on the track, "Dangerous Mouths".
Contents
- Da real world show1 lil wayne 50 cent katt williams dmx rick ross cartoon
- Background and singles
- Critical reception
- Track listing
- Songs
- References
The album includes the singles: "She's a Bitch", "All N My Grill", and "Hot Boyz (Remix)", alongside guest appearances by B.G., Juvenile, Lil' Mo, Nicole, Beyoncé of Destiny's Child, Eminem, Lady Saw, Da Brat, Aaliyah, Big Boi of OutKast, Lil' Kim, MC Solaar & Redman; along with background vocal contributions from Lil' Mo and Gina Thompson ("Busa Rhyme").
Background and singles
Originally titled, She's a Bitch, Elliott commented on the choice for the title as a positive way of expressing herself as a "strong woman in power"; she also stated that she felt very pressured while recording this album, and explained that she was afraid of experiencing a sophomore slump. Elliott said that the album was dedicated to the victims of the Columbine High School massacre of April 20, 1999.
On March 4, 1999, "She's a Bitch" was sent to local radio stations all over the United States as the lead single for the album.
Da Real World was released on June 22, 1999. It sold an estimate of 131,000 copies within its first week, and debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200, making it Elliott's second top ten album in a row.
Elliott went on to release two additional singles: "All N My Grill" and "Hot Boyz (Remix)", featuring Eve, Nas, & Lil' Mo.
In February 2000, the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA. As of November 2015, it has sold 1,068,000 copies domestically.
Critical reception
Da Real World received acclaim from music critics. Keith Farley of AllMusic declared it an "excellent follow-up" and added that "it's clearly a Missy Elliott album in most respects, with Timbaland's previously trademarked, futuristic-breakbeat production smarts laced throughout." Entertainment Weekly felt that "Da Real World marks steps in several right directions — both for rap and for understanding the never-ending battle of the sexes."
Touré of Rolling Stone compared the album to George Lucas's 1999 epic space opera Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) and wrote: "Da Real World is much-anticipated and futuristic, with a hype that outstrips the reality. The concept is more interesting than the execution." He added that "even if Da Real World isn't a successful one, the album, somewhat, recalls Queen Latifah."
Track listing
Songs
1Mysterious (Intro)1:07
2Beat Biters4:24
3Busa RhymeEminem5:01