Customer Reviews

Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape

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NdegéOcello's fourth album Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape is a mesmerizing affair. It's triptych in quality: A blazing sociopolitical critique one minute, a soulful slow burner the next, the album then turns right around and becomes a conversation piece breathing with the sensibilities of Miles Davis. The multi-layered quality of this record is amazingly assembled. She returns true to form on her long awaited follow-up to 1999's Bitter.

Created almost a year before its forthcoming release date Cookie serves as a fine wine. It's lyrical virtues and musical possibilities are inimitable and only get better with age. The incendiary "Hot Night" serves as the perfect backdrop to a long, troubling summer with a blistering rap by Talib Kweli and sound bites by Angela Davis.

Ironically, Me'Shell makes prophecies for the year to come with lines like "Suffer in the World Trade paradise with me now" - the album being created nearly four months before the attacks on America. "God.Fear.Money" is a piece that demystifies the perception of celebrity ("I was way down for the revolution, until I found it was contingent upon some corporate sponsorship / And if Jesus was alive today, he'd be incarcerated with the rest of the brothas / Devil'll have a great apartment on the Upper East Side, be a guest VJ on Total Request Live'). The lyrics on Cookie are intelligent, witty and direct.

Cookie isn't all trouble funk though, laced within is a bouquet of sensual arrangements. "I ain't gon' pay your rent, all I got is love and time to spend, can I hang with you" is the plea to true love. "Berry Farms" is a no-holds-barred narrative on a past same-sex relationship with a girl who couldn't love her openly without shame and fear ("She had the kind of kisses that made you sad) and sports one of the most surprising lyrical bridges in years. She explores the gamut of elated ecstasy. "Trust" is among the sexiest songs of her career. Temperate yet mild, it simmers with anticipatory nectar ("Put your tongue in my mouth, make me wet, run your hands down my back, grab my [rear]). "Earth" is truly transcending, it floats above one's consciousness with the ubiquity of Roy Ayers.

It also marks a return to the bass playing ferocity that made her first two records Plantation Lullabies and Peace Beyond Passion instant classics and influential sample-templates (just ask Brian McKnight).

"Pleasure is the motivation," comments NdeGéOcello on "Better By The Pound" and indeed, the album is just that. With backing by such luminaries as Gil Scott Heron, Lalah Hathaway and Caron Wheeler, it's a sure thing. It is an album that will stay with you long after everything that currently sits on Billboard fades; Cookie only ripens and glows with time. All embracing, all encompassing, Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape is NdegéOcello in her element. Easily garnering cult status, she taps into the life of a moment and in turn crafts one of the strongest, most emotive and complex albums of a generation.

While all of the other reviews have covered the content of the album pretty accurately and thoroughly, I have to say how much respect I have for Meshell for unabashadly embracing her sexual identity. Her lyrics and songs about racism and political thought (I LOVE her cut with Talib Kweli) are to be expected but I did find some of her more political strongs with the soundbites from various black poets a bit forced and uneven (Countee Cullen just didn't quite "fit" with Gil Scott Heron, June Jordan or Etheridge Knight). A couple of her cuts also sounded like some of the joints on her other albums. But her erotic songs and lyrics about love and sexuality whether it be homosexuality, bisexuality or heterosexuality are extremely powerful and unapologetic. She lets us know that whether she loves women or men or both, her wants, needs and desires are strong, deep and passionate. Listening to her talk about her erotic experiences with Lalah Hathaway and Caron Wheeler singing backup both together AND individually is truly a sensual listening experience. Meshell makes you realize that we ALL have deep seated needs, wants and passions that exist whether we CHOOSE to repress or acknowledge them. She truly claims HER SPACE as a conscientious lover of black people, of both MEN and WOMEN, in her eternal struggle for acceptance, identity and justice in this crazy racist, sexist and homophobic world we live in. YOU GO GIRL.... Buy this CD, you won't be disappointed.

In a year of processed pop and dumbed-down r&b, the fourth and best album from Meshell Ndegeocello is a breath of fresh, revitalizing air. Here is an album that pulls no punches, makes no compromises, and is lyrically blunt as anything you'll listen to this year. A potent fuse of funk, soul, and jazz, "Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape" has our heroine breaking down the myths of fame, religion, and sexuality on these tracks which sample spoken words by Gil Scott Heron, Dick Gregory, and Angela Davis. Standouts include the potent "Dead Nigga Blvd (Pt 1)" and the sensual slow jam "Trust." The disc also has a slammin remix of "Pocketbook" which has guest appearances by Tweet and Redman. This CD stands a very good chance of appearing on many people's Top Ten Lists of 2002, and if there are no better records after it, "Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape" will be my album of the year. It's self-reflective without being self-interested. It's insightful without being preachy. And it's hip without ever cowering to popular trends. A marvelous, towering achievement.

Somebody's gotta say it. Soul music has been unfulfilling lately. Raphael Saadiq's solo debut wasn't instant vintage like he said it was, musiq's second album lacked the variety that his first album had, and Jazzyfatnastees haven't made an album in three years. Thankfully, Meshell NdegeOcello came back with her follow-up to the dark Bitter album, Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape, to save us all.

Wannabe cool people sweat Alicia Keys and India.Arie for singing, writing, and playing their own instruments when Meshell's been doing all that stuff for years. And she sounds as good as she did when she dropped "Dred Loc" in 1993. Songs like the knee-slappin' "Pocketbook" will keep listeners happy, but when she brings guests to the party, it's even more fun. Talib Kweli lights up the "Hot Night", while Caron Wheeler (of "Back to life, back to reality" fame) sings background for a few tracks.

For people looking for that "Outside Your Door" love jam, check out "Trust" with its s-l-o-w stroke, subtle piano licks, and lyrics so steamy that I can't mention them on here. And "Earth" is in the same vein as that song but is more romantic. Never one to stay in one genre, Meshell brings in elements of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and blues while she plays her bass, joining the soundscape of instruments such as the harmonica, cowbell and even rock guitars. This should convince rock fans that she's more than the featured artist on John Mellencamp's "Wild Nights". And don't think that spoken word isn't her thing anymore: "Barry Farms" has an interesting storyline and excerpts from Gil Scott-Heron and Etheridge Knight keep things moving and make this more of a historic kind of record.

If you're too Top Ten-ish to feel the vibe on this album, don't worry: the Rockwilder remix of "Pocketbook" featuring Redman, Missy, and artist du jour Tweet is just for you. But don't fret, Meshell fans: this is a mainstream attempt that actually works, as Meshell works well with the other ladies and Redman says, "I ain't goin' nowhere like Puff and Ben Stiller" (remember the "Bad Boy 4 Life" video?). Though Meshell's sexuality had prevented her from selling lots of albums in the past, let's hope that she can sell records today because Cookie is worth the cash.

O.K.
I live in the u.k and had to get this on import, was not cheap but worth every pound!!
I have been checking out Michelle's web FreeMyMind and loved the samples of the songs from her new album.

Any way the album was not a let down. I feel this will be looked upon as a very important album when critically looked at in say fifteen-twenty years. Socialy aware and as relevent an album as u will find. Espially after Sept 11. There is not a weak track on the whole album. It is not an easy listen though. It took me a few rotations to feel the vibe. But once it has got u, ure hooked. Killer songs like the title track 'Dead Nigger Boulevard' and the funk of God Fear and Money ,Barry Farm are raw. The sensual songs are absolutely to die for quite Princely. But I am a big Prince fan so I don't see any thing wrong in that. Truth and Earth are beautiful songs to get close to your partners absolutely beautiful.

Rounding this brief critique of the album I can just say check it out. U will not be let down and if ure anything like me this will become one of ure favourite albums. Peace

In art, there's not caring what people think and allowing that to open you up to the potential of your messages and abilities, and there's not caring what people think and becoming too self-referencing, too closed off to what makes you appeal to people and growing from that knowledge. Meshell NdegeOcello is that first cat, and we are given THE best record of her career because of it.

Even after having been shelved for months, "Cookie" is as fresh today as it was ahead-of-its-time when she started putting it together. The funkiness of her earlier efforts is upfront and apparant here without the baggage of having anything to prove. Somebody has obviously let her loose with a budget, plenty of time, and a studio of choice, and she's given us a record that smashes conventions and showcases more heart than any record out yet this year.

She does a lot more "rapping" on tracks that feature it at all (I guess that's what we're calling her spoken word vocal style anymore) than on other efforts, and while it starts off a little preachy early on, it levels off into a more generally warm approach and politic not long after the first couple of tracks and then, to top it off, the music begins to REALLY take off about track 4 (the wickedly fun "Priorities 1-6", a slow jam that isn't slow, but definitely jams).

Last year, when I heard the bevy of guest artists that were to appear on her record, I was scared. I thought we would be subjected to the kind of meandering, check-collecting playing that a lot of cats submit for other artists' offerings, but Meshell takes firm control at every turn, keeping the record firmly in pocket. That's saying a lot when you have guests the likes of Marcus Miller, Lalah Hathaway, Missy Elliot and Caron Wheeler (thank God she's still doing her thing). It never resorts to unfunky tripe; everyone sounds like they really wanted to be on this record and its the fresher for it.

She takes more chances with a track's instrumentation than I've seen in a long time. I prided other artists this year for giving
us a little more "umph" in terms of content and style, but Meshell takes more left turns and drops more errant bass notes in the weirdest of places than anyone since I don't even know when. The record has an earthy, smokey quality that's not even going to be touched this year by anybody, and on tracks like the monstrously funky "Jabril" and "Trust", these production decisions are in full effect. Her 2 interludes don't even take any prisoners.

And who's writing slow jams like this sister today? Nobody:
(again, the tricky) "Priorities 1-6"; "Trust" (in which we are treated to not only the most self-assured bass line in recent slow jam memory, but the first of a number of Caron Wheeler appearances...Hallelujiah); "Earth" (another slow jam that doesn't subscribe to regular notions of ballad tempo, but, through clever arrangement and lyrics, can be used right alongside your Isley Brothers goods); the unstoppable "Jabril"...these are ballads borne of not only intelligence, but bleed divine experience of a sensual nature by the artists involved. These serenades want to show you how to love from scratch, and by God, they are some funky monsters indeed.

The best R&B record of the year so far, though I'm sure NdegeOcello would frown at the categorization. And I really liked the Glenn Lewis and Jill Scott records. The sister is, simply, taking no prisoners here. A beautiful, haunting record.

Meshell Ndegeocello is often called an "iconoclast".
But that label is why to vague for an artist as unique,mind-blowing and intriguing as Meshell.
Blunt and ballsy,Meshell tells it like it is-from her sometime radical views on Black life to her unapologetic stance on her sexuality to her depth-filled perspectives on religion.This sista is one musician that obviously cares NOTHING if folks don't get her style.
This admirable gene has allowed Meshell to release three rich,
powerful gems:1993's "Platation Lulliabies",1996's "Peace Beyond
Passion",and 1999's beautifully melancholy "Bitter".

Not slacking a minute,Meshell followups "Bitter" with the anticipated "Cookie:The Anthropological Mixtape",her fourth offering that is sexy,moving,bold,brave,beautiful,funky,loose,
free,and rich.This is very meaningful music.Don't come to "Cookie" looking for fluff.And don't let the danceable
Rockwilder/Missy Elliot/Redman/Tweet-assisted remix of "Pocketbook" fool you:Meshell is not compromising her unique
and fearless indiuvality for radio spins.

The music on "Cookie" is very atmospheric and has tricky harmonies.Meshell's voice is still husky and distinctive.She does more rapping and speaking than singing on here than she did on previous albums.Opening with the righteous strut of "Dead Nigga Blvd.
(Part 1)" on which Meshell justifyingly questions the motives and merits of so-called "playas" and "ballers".Concluding with a snippet of a speech by Dick Gregory.And the sultry
"Hot Night" brims with protest and real fire.Featuring a shining
Talib Kweli and snippets of Angela Davis.With it's slight salsa
rhythm,Meshell still proves that she DOES not fit in any catagory(which explains for a lot of Meshell's lack of mainstream success:they can't figure her out easily).

But the real gem here(arguably) is "Priorities 1-6".
This song is pure beauty.Smooth.Sexy.Meshell pulls off that undenying feeling of self-assured sensuality that only she can.
It's atmosopheric.And it's lyrics just fit so right.I can't elobrate on this song in a easy way.But it's just so beautiful.No doubt,"Priorities 1-6" is one of Meshell's certified classics.

Another slow gem is "Trust"."Trust" features the debut of several appearances on the long lost Caron Wheeler(!).Caron's trademark voice is still as smooth and pretty as it was on Soul II Soul's famed hits years ago.Lithing and passionate,"Trust"
like "Priorities" is a brillant,flowing slow jam that only Meshell can master.I love this one,personally.

The too-funky "Pocketbook",the go-go setting of "Barry Farms"
which blunty accounts a bittersweet same-sex relationship,
the quaint "Earth" and "Jabril" as well as "GOD.FEAR.MONEY"
and "Better By he Pound"-both hella FUNKY keep "Cookie" consistent and nearly seamless.And one can't fail to mention the
mesmerizing "Akel Dama(Field of Blood)" which features the words of Gil Scott Heron,Countee Cullen,and Etheridge Knight and Meshell's honest,poigant poetry over a
steady heartbeat and stark beat.Again,it's simply powerful.

The aforementioned Talib Kweli,Caron Wheeler,Tweet,Redman all guest appear to "Cookie" along with
Lalah Hathaway(another sorely missed talent) adding even more warmth and diversity to an almost flawless album.

Meshell easily does it again.Delivering yet another powerful
testament that like all three of her previous albums will still stand years after their release."Cookie:The Anthropological Mixtape" is
a must-own and is without a doubt one of 2002's best albums.
Adding some meaning and beauty and warmth and pride in an otherwise pointless musical landscape.

I was so thrilled to hear of Me'shell's new outing and she is back and as bad as ever!!!! The opening track starts with "You sell your soul like you sell a piece of a** and it is all uphill from there! She takes absolutely NO prisoners!!! This CD is reminiscent of her first two outings which were quite simply phenomenal. Her fourth offering has a strong rock sensibility with cutting edge observations about society, religion, politics, love and of course sex. She beautifully fuses such musical genres as rock, jazz, soul, new age and R&B punctuated by startling poetic additions as well as spoken works from the likes of Angela Davis and Dick Gregory, no less. It reminds me of the Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron work prevalent in the 70s. Some of the poetry is heartbreaking and the observations are harsh, painful, but nonethless evoke discussion. This is a classic example of such works by the above-mentioned and most notably Marvin Gaye in his social commentaries but from a feminine perspective. The observations of these artists are just as timely today as they were 30 years ago which I think is another point Me'shell is trying to make. This may also explain why this CD evokes memories of the quinessential black female revolutionary of the 70s with the big 'Fro, just oozing sensuality. In this case however, it is an equally senusal female who is bald, black, and beautiful. If you have problems with a woman celebrating the love of another woman, this CD is also not for you. But if we can embrace such blatant opportunitsts as Eminem and producers/manufacturers, you can certainly deal with thought-provoking commentary from the likes of Me'shell NdgeOcello! This CD is so exciting that I went back to purchase the accoustic one just before this one which is totally different but no less exhibits the range and talent of this remarkable artist. If you are ready to elevate your mind and get ready for a wild ride, pick this CD up. You are indeed in for a thrill. It is not for the faint of heart but is a must for any music collection. This CD just [flows]!!!!!!!!

Cookie is the FUNKIEST...just the right mix of consciousness and pure musicianship. I bow to her bass. It's like that. "Earth" is the TRUTH...Gregoir's harmonica is almost as stunning as the lyrics on that joint. I'm a fan for life. I'm that fan that will buy her music even if she's singin the Popeye's menu. I'm there.

More hip-hop based than any of her other efforts but just as compelling as her other works. This is my favorite album by her followed by Peace Beyond Passion and Comfort Woman. Maybe it's just that she is just as convincing and self assured as an MC. She definately has the material putting her in the realm of more discerning hip hop artist like the Roots, J5, and Tribe. Is there anything she can't do? The album isn't straight hip hop either. It still has jazz and funk. She is amazing. Favorites include Dead Nigga Blvd, Pocket Book, Hot Night and Earth which features brilliant vocals and a welcome return by Caron Wheeler and Lalah Hathaway...