This Is Not a Test!
This Is Not a Test! is the fifth studio album by American rapper and songwriter Missy Elliott, released on November 25, 2003, through The Goldmind Inc. and Elektra Records.[1][2] The album features production primarily from longtime collaborator Timbaland, along with contributions from Missy Elliott herself and others such as Craig Brockman and the Soul Diggaz, resulting in a 16-track project clocking in at 56 minutes that blends innovative hip-hop beats with dense, futuristic soundscapes.[3][4] The album includes guest appearances from artists including Jay-Z, Nelly, Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, and Beenie Man, with notable tracks such as "Pass That Dutch," "I'm Really Hot," and "Wake Up."[3][4] Upon release, This Is Not a Test! debuted at number 13 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 143,600 copies in its first week, and has since sold over 700,000 copies in the United States.[5][6] It was certified platinum by the RIAA on December 17, 2003, for shipments of one million units. Critically, the album received positive reviews for its creative production and Elliott's lyrical prowess, with Pitchfork awarding it an 8.5 out of 10 and praising its cohesion and avoidance of trends, while AllMusic gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting its experimental edge.[4][1] Singles "Pass That Dutch" and "I'm Really Hot" both achieved success on urban charts, underscoring Elliott's continued influence in hip-hop during the early 2000s.[7]Background and recording
Development
This Is Not a Test! served as American rapper Missy Elliott's fifth studio album, marking a shift back toward experimental hip-hop elements after the more mainstream, sample-heavy approach of her previous release, Under Construction (2002).[8] The project drew from influences including old-school hip-hop, funk, and electronic sounds, as Elliott sought to challenge conventional rap structures and explore boundary-pushing production techniques.[8][9] Key collaboration decisions emphasized Timbaland's central role as lead producer, aligning with Elliott's intent to rigorously "test" fresh, innovative beats beyond established formulas.[8][10] Development commenced in early 2003, with the album's core concept emerging from studio sessions inspired by Elliott's affinity for 1970s and 1980s funk samples, which informed its eclectic sonic palette.[9][11]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for This Is Not a Test! primarily took place at The Hit Factory Criteria in Miami, Florida, starting in mid-2003 and spanning approximately six months.[12] Additional sessions occurred at Skip Saylor Recording in California.[12] Timbaland oversaw most of the beat production, with contributions from Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, and the Soul Diggaz, while Missy Elliott handled the writing and performance of the vocals.[12] Guest vocalists, including Jay-Z on "Wake Up" and Mary J. Blige on the introductory interlude, participated during these sessions to add collaborative elements.[13] Elliott recorded her vocals in intermittent bursts amid ongoing health challenges from high blood pressure, which led to significant weight loss; her doctor considered hospitalization but it did not occur.[14] Her demanding approach in the studio, characterized by rigorous standards for ad-libs and effects, reportedly made the process intense for collaborators like Timbaland.[15] The album was completed and finalized in October 2003, shortly before its November release.Musical content
Style and production
This Is Not a Test! exemplifies experimental hip-hop through its fusion of futuristic, bass-heavy beats with electronic elements and funk influences, merging old-school rap flows with club-ready production designed for high-energy environments. The album's sound prioritizes bold, innovative textures over conventional structures, creating a dense yet accessible sonic palette that distinguishes it within early 2000s hip-hop.[4][9] Timbaland's production, which dominates the project, employs his hallmark sparse and off-kilter rhythms, accentuated by unusual percussion such as whistles, hand claps, and sirens, alongside minimalistic arrangements that emphasize space and impact, while Missy Elliott self-produces tracks like "Is This Our Last Time," complementing Timbaland's work. On tracks like "Pass That Dutch," these elements manifest in stripped-down beats featuring echoing hand claps and pulsating bass, evoking a robotic, rope-skipping intensity that underscores the album's playful aggression. This approach contrasts with denser contemporary productions, favoring sonic minimalism to highlight rhythmic innovation.[16][9][4] The album introduces innovations like the integration of video game-inspired sound effects and distorted bass lines, signaling a pivot from Missy Elliott's prior futuristic explorations toward more visceral, party-oriented rap vibes that amplify club and street appeal. For instance, "I'm Really Hot" showcases thick, layered synths intertwined with echoing video game noises, whistles, and scratches, building a modernized bass foundation that propels the track's energetic momentum. These techniques contribute to the album's cohesive yet varied landscape, spanning 16 tracks over 56 minutes.[16][9]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of This Is Not a Test! emphasize themes of empowerment, party culture, sexuality, and self-confidence, with Missy Elliott asserting her dominance in the male-dominated hip-hop landscape through bold, unapologetic declarations of autonomy.[17] Drawing on hip-hop feminism, Elliott reclaims derogatory terms like "bitch" to signify strength and self-assurance, positioning herself as a role model who challenges patriarchal norms and promotes black women's agency.[17] Tracks such as "Wake Up" critique materialism in rap by urging listeners to prioritize inner worth over superficial possessions like "fly car, rims, jewels," using humorous exaggeration to highlight the emptiness of such pursuits.[18] This thematic focus extends to party culture, where communal celebration serves as a site of liberation, blending festive energy with calls for unity and resilience rooted in Elliott's Baptist upbringing and experiences of overcoming childhood trauma.[18] Elliott's lyrical style is characterized by playful braggadocio, double entendres, and call-and-response hooks that incorporate urban slang and futuristic imagery, creating a hypnotic, inclusive vibe.[4] For instance, she employs sci-fi motifs like robot-like movements and deep bass evoking technological innovation in "Pass That Dutch," where lines such as "Pumps and a bump and you want to hurt somethin'" use repetitive phrasing and internal rhymes (e.g., "bump" echoing "Dutch" across verses) to build a rhythmic, trance-inducing effect that mirrors the track's party anthem quality.[4] Double entendres abound, as seen in guest verses like Jay-Z's wordplay on "rectum" and "David Beckham" in "Wake Up," blending humor with sharp social commentary.[4] The overall tone shifts from aggressive confrontations of industry inequities to celebratory affirmations of joy, with hooks often co-written to enhance catchiness and communal participation.[4] Specific tracks delve into body positivity and independence, reinforcing Elliott's role in subverting beauty standards that favor thinness and whiteness. In "I'm Really Hot," she celebrates her full-figured physique with playful self-description like "Boy, I'm a fit / You can call me Missy / With the Krispy, Crème filled, Twinkie," promoting self-love and sexual desirability for plus-sized black women while rejecting male objectification.[17] Similarly, "Toyz" asserts sexual independence through explicit references to self-pleasure—"A toy, every girl must have a toy / It works for me and lasts longer than the battery"—framing erotic autonomy as a form of empowerment that disrupts male-centric narratives in hip-hop.[17] These elements align with broader motifs where sexuality functions as a "religious" force, per Audre Lorde's framework, fostering spiritual and communal power in songs like "Wake Up," which intertwine erotic energy with calls for self-respect and resistance.[19]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from This Is Not a Test!, "Pass That Dutch", was released on October 14, 2003.[20] Produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, the track peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 48 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[21] Its energetic, bass-heavy production contributed to strong urban radio and club play, emphasizing danceable rhythms over mainstream pop appeal.[22] The accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers, showcased surreal and colorful visuals, including animated sequences and vibrant choreography that highlighted Elliott's innovative style.[23] The second single, "I'm Really Hot", followed on March 23, 2004.[24] Also produced by Timbaland and Elliott, it reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 16 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[25][26] The song's upbeat tempo and confident lyrics targeted club audiences, aiding in sustaining the album's visibility through targeted urban promotion. The music video, directed by Bryan Barber, focused on high-fashion elements, dynamic dance routines, and bold aesthetics to complement the track's playful energy.[27] No additional official singles were released from the album, though tracks like "Spellbound" received limited radio airplay in urban markets without formal promotion as singles.[13] Both "Pass That Dutch" and "I'm Really Hot" were selected for their club-friendly appeal, helping to drive album sales via targeted radio and video exposure rather than broad pop crossover.Marketing efforts
The album This Is Not a Test! was released on November 25, 2003, through The Goldmind Inc. and Elektra Records, with initial marketing efforts targeting urban and hip-hop audiences via radio airplay and music video networks. Promotion emphasized Elliott's signature innovative visuals, including bedazzled sweat suits and gold chains inspired by 1980s hip-hop fashion, which she showcased at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards to evoke old-school aesthetics.[28] Heavy advertising centered on video rotations for lead single "Pass That Dutch," which received significant play on MTV and BET despite its edgy content limiting some daytime airings.[23] Elliott bolstered the campaign with media appearances, including a 2003 visit to BET's 106 & Park alongside Timbaland to discuss the album and single.[29] The rollout extended to a supporting tour in 2004, the Verizon Ladies First Tour co-headlined with Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, featuring Tamia as an opening act and spanning approximately 30 dates across North America from March to April.[30] International efforts were more limited, focusing on markets like the UK and Japan, where the album saw a special edition release and Elliott performed a promotional concert in Tokyo.[31]Critical reception
Reviews
Upon its release in November 2003, This Is Not a Test! received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its innovative production and high energy. The album holds a Metacritic score of 79 out of 100, based on 21 reviews, reflecting broad acclaim for Missy Elliott's creative risks and Timbaland's boundary-pushing beats that infused hip-hop with futuristic flair.[32] Several prominent outlets highlighted the album's artistic strengths. Rolling Stone awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, commending Timbaland's contributions with the remark, "Why anybody would choose to spend their life without a copy of This Is Not a Test! is a mystery," emphasizing the beats' infectious pull and Elliott's commanding presence.[33] Pitchfork gave it an 8.5 out of 10, dubbing it Elliott's "dark, dense" best work to date and lauding its cohesive 16 tracks under 60 minutes, including standout cuts like "Pass That Dutch" for their "skyscraping" energy and "next level" sparse, siren-driven production.[4] AllMusic rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, viewing it as an evolution of party-rap that maintained Elliott's playful edge while adapting to shifting genre trends.[1] Entertainment Weekly awarded it a B, praising the "infectious hooks" from Timbaland's stuttering electro beats, ominous bass, and ear-catching sound effects that kept the album vibrant.[34] Criticisms focused on perceived inconsistencies. The Guardian rated it 3 out of 5 stars, arguing it felt less cohesive than Elliott's prior efforts, with dragging ballads and sparse grooves that echoed past hits, often letting the beats overshadow lyrical depth—"This Is Not a Test is relatively aimless."[15] Despite such notes, the album's release amid hip-hop's transitional phase toward crunk and electro influences shaped 2003 year-end discussions, as evidenced by its 24th-place ranking in The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critics' poll with 380 points from 41 voters, underscoring its role in elevating female rap representation.[35]Accolades and rankings
Upon its release, This Is Not a Test! earned placements on several year-end critic lists, reflecting its strong reception within hip-hop and broader music criticism. It ranked #10 on Slant Magazine's Top 10 Albums of 2003, praised for its innovative production despite some uneven moments.[36] The album also appeared at #26 on Rolling Stone's list of the 50 best albums of 2003, highlighting Missy Elliott's continued evolution in rap.[37] Additionally, it placed #24 overall in The Village Voice's 2003 Pazz & Jop critics' poll, the highest-ranking hip-hop album aside from OutKast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.[35] The album and its singles garnered notable award recognition, though without major Grammy wins for the project itself. Elliott won the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist in 2004, an accolade tied to the success of This Is Not a Test! and its promotion of her as a leading figure in the genre.[38] The lead single "Pass That Dutch" won Video of the Year at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards Japan for its bold visuals and cultural impact. In retrospective rankings, This Is Not a Test! was included at #87 on Slant Magazine's list of the 100 Best Albums of the 2000s in 2010, underscoring its role in Elliott's streak of critically acclaimed releases during the early 2000s.[39] Despite lacking additional major award victories, the project's honors contributed to Elliott's reputation for consistent innovation and acclaim in urban music circles.Commercial performance
Chart performance
This Is Not a Test! debuted at number 13 on the US Billboard 200 chart on December 13, 2003, with first-week sales of 143,600 copies.[5] It also reached number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spent 28 weeks on the Billboard 200 overall. The album ranked number 47 on the year-end 2003 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Internationally, the album peaked at number 49 on the UK Albums Chart[40] and number 39 on the Australian Albums Chart.[41] Compared to Missy Elliott's previous album Under Construction, which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200, This Is Not a Test! achieved a lower position amid a saturated hip-hop market in late 2003.[6] Strong urban radio airplay helped sustain its performance, keeping it in the top 50 of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for several months.[42]| Chart (2003–2004) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 13 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 3 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 49 |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 39 |
Sales certifications
This Is Not a Test! was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 17, 2003, for shipments exceeding 1,000,000 units in the United States.[6] It was also certified Gold in Australia (35,000 units), Canada (50,000 units), and the United Kingdom (100,000 units).[43] The album's total US sales reached approximately 705,000 copies by 2015, lower than Elliott's previous Platinum-certified releases due to waning momentum after its strong debut and limited mainstream pop crossover. Worldwide, it has sold an estimated 1.185 million units.[43] In the 2020s, streaming has bolstered the album's reach, with over 124 million plays on Spotify as of November 2025, contributing to its enduring digital footprint.[44]Track listing and credits
Track listing
The standard explicit edition of This Is Not a Test! features 16 tracks with a total runtime of 56 minutes and 12 seconds. All tracks are written primarily by Missy Elliott (credited as M. Elliott), often in collaboration with producers such as Timbaland (T. Mosley), unless otherwise noted. Production is mainly handled by Timbaland, with contributions from Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, and others. Guest features appear on several tracks, including multiple appearances by Jay-Z. The clean edition uses altered titles for explicit content tracks (e.g., "Dats What I'm Talkin About" remains the same, "Speak Ya Clit" as "Don't Be Cruel"). Digital platforms may use clean titles.[45][13][46]| No. | Title | Writers | Producer(s) | Featuring | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Baby Girl Interlude / Intro" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland, Missy Elliott | Mary J. Blige | 2:13 |
| 2 | "Bomb Intro / Pass That Dutch" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland | — | 3:37 |
| 3 | "Wake Up" | M. Elliott, S. Carter, T. Mosley | Timbaland | Jay-Z | 4:05 |
| 4 | "Keep It Movin'" | M. Elliott, O. Bryan, T. Mosley | Timbaland | Elephant Man | 3:39 |
| 5 | "Is This Our Last Time?" | M. Elliott, J. Jackson, K. Mack, L. Owens | Souldiggaz | Fabolous | 5:26 |
| 6 | "Ragtime Interlude / I'm Really Hot" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley, C. Brockman | Timbaland, Craig Brockman | — | 3:31 |
| 7 | "Dats What I'm Talkin About" | M. Elliott, C. Brockman, N. Stewart, R. Kelly | Missy Elliott, Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart | R. Kelly | 4:48 |
| 8 | "Speak Ya Clit" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland, Missy Elliott | Beenie Man, Monica | 4:32 |
| 9 | "Toyz Interlude / Toyz" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland | — | 2:52 |
| 10 | "Let It Bump" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland | — | 2:50 |
| 11 | "Pump It Up" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland | Nelly | 3:05 |
| 12 | "It's Real" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley, C. Brockman | Timbaland, Craig Brockman | — | 2:52 |
| 13 | "Let Me Fix My Weave" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland | — | 3:59 |
| 14 | "Spelling Bee Interlude / Spelling Bee" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland | — | 3:34 |
| 15 | "I'm Not Perfect" | M. Elliott, T. Mosley | Timbaland | The Clark Sisters | 3:49 |
| 16 | "Outro" | M. Elliott | Missy Elliott | Mary J. Blige | 1:21 |