Da Real World
Encyclopedia
Da Real World is the second studio album
by American rapper by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott
. The album is noted for adding a raunchier and darker style to Missy's music, as well as the repetitive usage of "bitch" in a majority of her songs. The album also featured a comeback by female rapper, Lil' Kim
, who was on hiatus for a short period of time, due to the death of Notorious B.I.G.; the album also added a bit of controversy when Elliott's former protégé Danja Mowf was cut from the album and replaced by Redman on the track, "Dangerous Mouths". The album includes the singles "She's a Bitch
", "All N My Grill
", and "Hot Boyz [Remix
]", and includes guest appearances by Timbaland
, B.G.
, Juvenile
, Lil' Mo
, Nicole
, Beyoncé, Eminem
, Gina Thompson
, Lady Saw
, Da Brat
, Aaliyah
, Big Boi
of OutKast
, Lil' Kim
, MC Solaar
& Redman.
. Elliott said that the album was dedicated to the victims of the Columbine High School massacre
of April 20, 1999.
In early March 1999, "She's a Bitch
" was sent to radio 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 early 2000, the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA with reported U.S. sales of 1.1 million.
AllMusic gave the album 4/5 stars, and quoted, "... it's clearly a Missy Elliott album in most respects, with Timbaland's previously trademarked, futuristic-breakbeat production smarts laced throughout..." and that, "... 'Busa Rhyme' turns out to be the best track off the whole album."
Toure, of Rolling Stone, gave the album 3/5 stars. He stated, "... even if Da Real World isn't a successful one, the album, somewhat, recalls Queen Latifah
..." He also stated that Elliott's style was "tantalizing - a daring young woman from the Dirty South".
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by American rapper by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott
Missy Elliott
Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...
. The album is noted for adding a raunchier and darker style to Missy's music, as well as the repetitive usage of "bitch" in a majority of her songs. The album also featured a comeback by female rapper, Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
, who was on hiatus for a short period of time, due to the death of Notorious B.I.G.; the album also added a bit of controversy when Elliott's former protégé Danja Mowf was cut from the album and replaced by Redman on the track, "Dangerous Mouths". The album includes the singles "She's a Bitch
She's a Bitch
"She's a Bitch" is a song recorded by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott for her second album, Da Real World . Produced by Timbaland, it was released as the album's debut single, and despite an expensive music video directed by noted video director Hype Williams, the song peaked only at number 90 on the U.S...
", "All N My Grill
All n My Grill
"All n My Grill" is the second single from Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's 1999 album, Da Real World. The song featured Big Boi of Outkast and vocal ad-libs from her former protege, Nicole Wray. The song had more success than the first single, "She's a Bitch".-Music video:The video was directed by...
", and "Hot Boyz [Remix
Hot Boyz
"Hot Boyz" is the title of a number-one Hip hop/R&B single by rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott featuring Lil' Mo. The remix version of the song was an urban hit featuring Nas, Eve, and Q-Tip...
]", and includes guest appearances by Timbaland
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
, B.G.
B.G. (rapper)
Christopher Dorsey , better known by his stage name B.G. , is an American rapper and actor, from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his music career signed to Cash Money Records in 1993 with Lil Wayne as half of the duo The B.G.'z...
, Juvenile
Juvenile (rapper)
Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper, He is also a former member of hip-hop group the Hot Boys . At the age of 19, he began recording raps, releasing his debut album Being Myself in 1995...
, Lil' Mo
Lil' Mo
Cynthia Loving , also known by her stage name Lil' Mo, is an American R&B singer, Washington, D.C. radio personality, songwriter & record producer. She is best known for collaborating with artists such as Ja Rule, Angie Martinez, Sacario, Missy Elliott, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Fabolous, and for her...
, Nicole
Nicole Wray
Nicole Monique Wray, also known as simply Nicole, is an American R&B and hip hop singer. Her 1998 debut single, "Make It Hot"—written and produced by Timbaland and co-written by and featuring Missy Elliott—was certified gold.-Musical career:...
, Beyoncé, Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
, Gina Thompson
Gina Thompson
Gina Thompson is an American R&B vocalist. Born to Edward L. Thompson, Sr. and Eugenia Thompson, Gina Thomson began singing at an early age and was signed to her first recording contract with Mercury Records shortly after graduating high school.-Recording career:Nobody Does It Better was Gina...
, Lady Saw
Lady Saw
Lady Saw is a Jamaican reggae singer, known as the queen of dancehall.-Biography:...
, Da Brat
Da Brat
Shawntae Harris , better known as Da Brat, is an American rapper and actress. Her debut album, Funkdafied, sold one million copies, making her the first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album.-Early life:...
, Aaliyah
Aaliyah
Aaliyah Dana Haughton , who performed under the mononym Aaliyah , was an American R&B recording artist, actress and model. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 10, she appeared on the television show Star Search and performed in concert alongside...
, Big Boi
Big Boi
Antwan André Patton , better known by his stage name Big Boi, is an American rapper, song-writer, record producer and actor, best known for being a member of American hip hop duo OutKast alongside André 3000. His work in the duo has produced six studio albums. During the duo's hiatus, he and André...
of OutKast
OutKast
Outkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
, Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
, MC Solaar
MC Solaar
MC Solaar is a francophone hip hop and rap artist. He is one of the most internationally popular and influential French rappers....
& Redman.
Background & 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 slumpSophomore slump
A sophomore slump or sophomore jinx refers to an instance in which a second, or sophomore, effort fails to live up to the standards of the first effort...
. Elliott said that the album was dedicated to the victims of the Columbine High School massacre
Columbine High School massacre
The Columbine High School massacre occurred on Tuesday, April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Columbine, an unincorporated area of Jefferson County, Colorado, United States, near Denver and Littleton. Two senior students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, embarked on a massacre, killing 12...
of April 20, 1999.
In early March 1999, "She's a Bitch
She's a Bitch
"She's a Bitch" is a song recorded by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott for her second album, Da Real World . Produced by Timbaland, it was released as the album's debut single, and despite an expensive music video directed by noted video director Hype Williams, the song peaked only at number 90 on the U.S...
" was sent to radio 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
All n My Grill
"All n My Grill" is the second single from Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's 1999 album, Da Real World. The song featured Big Boi of Outkast and vocal ad-libs from her former protege, Nicole Wray. The song had more success than the first single, "She's a Bitch".-Music video:The video was directed by...
" and "Hot Boyz (Remix)", featuring Eve
Eve (rapper)
Eve Jihan Jeffers , is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and actress. Her first three albums have reached a total of over 8 million albums sold worldwide. She has also achieved success in fashion as she started a clothing line titled "Fetish." She won a Grammy Award in 2002 for the...
, Nas, & Lil Mo.
In early 2000, the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA with reported U.S. sales of 1.1 million.
Reception
The album met generablly favorable reviews.AllMusic gave the album 4/5 stars, and quoted, "... it's clearly a Missy Elliott album in most respects, with Timbaland's previously trademarked, futuristic-breakbeat production smarts laced throughout..." and that, "... 'Busa Rhyme' turns out to be the best track off the whole album."
Toure, of Rolling Stone, gave the album 3/5 stars. He stated, "... even if Da Real World isn't a successful one, the album, somewhat, recalls Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
..." He also stated that Elliott's style was "tantalizing - a daring young woman from the Dirty South".
Track listing
- "Mysterious" [Intro]
- "Beat Biters"
- "Busa Rhyme" (featuring EminemEminemMarshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
) - "All n My GrillAll n My Grill"All n My Grill" is the second single from Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's 1999 album, Da Real World. The song featured Big Boi of Outkast and vocal ad-libs from her former protege, Nicole Wray. The song had more success than the first single, "She's a Bitch".-Music video:The video was directed by...
" (featuring Big BoiBig BoiAntwan André Patton , better known by his stage name Big Boi, is an American rapper, song-writer, record producer and actor, best known for being a member of American hip hop duo OutKast alongside André 3000. His work in the duo has produced six studio albums. During the duo's hiatus, he and André...
of OutKastOutKastOutkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
and Nicole WrayNicole WrayNicole Monique Wray, also known as simply Nicole, is an American R&B and hip hop singer. Her 1998 debut single, "Make It Hot"—written and produced by Timbaland and co-written by and featuring Missy Elliott—was certified gold.-Musical career:...
) - "Dangerous Mouths" (featuring Redman)
- "Hot Boyz"
- "You Don't Know" (featuring Lil' MoLil' MoCynthia Loving , also known by her stage name Lil' Mo, is an American R&B singer, Washington, D.C. radio personality, songwriter & record producer. She is best known for collaborating with artists such as Ja Rule, Angie Martinez, Sacario, Missy Elliott, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Fabolous, and for her...
) - "Mr. D.J." (featuring Lady SawLady SawLady Saw is a Jamaican reggae singer, known as the queen of dancehall.-Biography:...
) - "Checkin' For You" (featuring Lil' KimLil' KimKimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
) - "Stickin' Chickens" (featuring AaliyahAaliyahAaliyah Dana Haughton , who performed under the mononym Aaliyah , was an American R&B recording artist, actress and model. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 10, she appeared on the television show Star Search and performed in concert alongside...
and Da BratDa BratShawntae Harris , better known as Da Brat, is an American rapper and actress. Her debut album, Funkdafied, sold one million copies, making her the first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album.-Early life:...
) - "Smooth Chick"
- "We Did It"
- "Throw Your Hands Up" [Interlude] (featuring Lil' Kim)
- "She's a BitchShe's a Bitch"She's a Bitch" is a song recorded by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott for her second album, Da Real World . Produced by Timbaland, it was released as the album's debut single, and despite an expensive music video directed by noted video director Hype Williams, the song peaked only at number 90 on the U.S...
" - "U Can't Resist" (featuring JuvenileJuvenile (rapper)Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper, He is also a former member of hip-hop group the Hot Boys . At the age of 19, he began recording raps, releasing his debut album Being Myself in 1995...
and B.G.B.G. (rapper)Christopher Dorsey , better known by his stage name B.G. , is an American rapper and actor, from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his music career signed to Cash Money Records in 1993 with Lil Wayne as half of the duo The B.G.'z...
) - "Crazy Feelings" (featuring Beyoncé)
- "Religious Blessings" [Outro]
- "All n My GrillAll n My Grill"All n My Grill" is the second single from Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's 1999 album, Da Real World. The song featured Big Boi of Outkast and vocal ad-libs from her former protege, Nicole Wray. The song had more success than the first single, "She's a Bitch".-Music video:The video was directed by...
" [Remix] (featuring MC SolaarMC SolaarMC Solaar is a francophone hip hop and rap artist. He is one of the most internationally popular and influential French rappers....
& Nicole WrayNicole WrayNicole Monique Wray, also known as simply Nicole, is an American R&B and hip hop singer. Her 1998 debut single, "Make It Hot"—written and produced by Timbaland and co-written by and featuring Missy Elliott—was certified gold.-Musical career:...
)
- There is an alternate unreleased version of "Crazy Feelings" featuring Destiny's ChildDestiny's ChildDestiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
.
Release history
| Region | Date |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages... |
June 24, 1999 |
| United States United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... |
June 22, 1999 |