“I'm Better” [ft. Lamb]

It’s now 12 years since the American populace was blessed with a Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott record (there are rumors that entire albums are being sat on). And as of late, she’s only offered tantalizing glimpses. But thankfully, “I’m Better” marks her third single in as many years. The song is Missy moving at half-speed, but growing older doesn’t mean getting sluggish. Her flow here is nonchalant, wizened, and conversational. Produced by frequent collaborator Lamb (who with Missy co-produced tracks for Fantasia, Monica, and Jazmine Sullivan), he lays down a hook that’s basically supine, and spacious enough for Missy to parallel park her jeep. Even at this cold syrup pace, Missy still dazzles, from her black lip gloss to her trademark glossolalia, drizzling in shouts to “Scandal,” Bruce Lee, and her dudes in Orlando. Missy at the turn of the century was hype in hyperspace, she was information overload back when we all still rocked dial-up modems, so having her ease back feels just right for 2017. As we all try to not feel overwhelmed by information, taking it a little bit slower can make it better.