Iconology [EP]
by Missy Elliott
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Aug 23, 2019
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Variety
    Aug 24, 2019
    93
    Excellent but tantalizingly brief. ... Although the four new songs on “Iconology” feel more like a hearty appetizer than a full meal, they also find Elliott covering more stylistic ground in 12 minutes than most artists can in exponentially longer time.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Aug 26, 2019
    90
    “Iconology” is a brief reminder of the performer’s genius. Across the five tracks here — four new cuts plus an alternate, a cappella take on one, “Why I Still Love You” — Elliott offers a crash course on what has made her a vital voice in hip-hop and R&B and an in-demand collaborator in the years since she delivered her last project, 2005’s “The Cookbook.”
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 26, 2019
    90
    Elliott’s latest body of work, the fittingly titled ICONOLOGY, is a taut collection of slinky, self-assured hip-hop that fuses throwback sensibilities with the rapper’s trademark futurism.
  5. PopMatters
    Sep 5, 2019
    80
    Iconology is Missy's welcomed returned and a hopeful teaser for upcoming projects.
  6. HipHopDX
    Aug 28, 2019
    78
    In a time where her late age peers getting major release priorities get more experimental, introspective or attempt to follow trends, Iconology works as a reminder of Missy’s DNA not only in the recent explosion of female rappers but pop music in general.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 24, 2019
    75
    That Iconology wound up being a five-song EP, with two of those tracks having the same bones, was a bit of a letdown. But the material is still strong, with Elliott showing how she can flip and reverse even the most tired pop tropes.
  8. Rolling Stone
    Aug 30, 2019
    70
    Iconology is only 15 minutes of music, so it leaves you hungry for more.
  9. AllMusic
    Sep 11, 2019
    60
    ICONOLOGY is a good placeholder while fans wait for the next chapter of Elliott's brilliance, but overall seems truncated and undercooked.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 26, 2019
    60
    All in all, ‘ICONOLOGY’ is Missy putting a gun in the face of her haters and daring them to say something. She wants them to doubt her just so she can pop off with some zany game-changing vision that’ll set the world on fire. But she’s not ready to unload a full clip just yet. Rest assured, though – it’s coming.
  11. Pitchfork
    Sep 3, 2019
    46
    It settles for the safe and familiar. Throw it back.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 40
  3. Negative: 10 out of 40
  1. YouknowImRight
    Aug 26, 2019
    10
    Bringing it back again with her style of hip-hop! I love this new video and the best makes me move. She doesn't need to do anything else butBringing it back again with her style of hip-hop! I love this new video and the best makes me move. She doesn't need to do anything else but be herself. Brilliance follows her every move we are so lucky to have such an amazing artist of this generation!… Full Review »
  2. KrannerGanner
    Aug 25, 2019
    1
    Elliot is undeniably an icon, an innovator and one of the most talented artists of her generation. But after a classic string of albums in theElliot is undeniably an icon, an innovator and one of the most talented artists of her generation. But after a classic string of albums in the late 90’s and early aughts, she took a long break in her career. Her return is... underwhelming. A boring opener, with cheap sounding beats, and a sleepy sounding Elliot set the tone for the rest of this EP. Boring, uninventive and often just plain terrible, the only highlight is a slow burner featuring Sum1, where, unfortunately Elliot seems to fade into the background. Add in some awful production from Timbaland, and intensely irritating autotune/melodyne and you have one of the biggest disappointments of the year.… Full Review »
  3. Zandhr
    Aug 25, 2019
    0
    A very disappointing project, it’s been over a decade since she’s dropped an project and this is what she comes back with? none of the songsA very disappointing project, it’s been over a decade since she’s dropped an project and this is what she comes back with? none of the songs were as lyrical as her past work, and the lead track is horrific and unlike missy to drop something as horrible as that.… Full Review »
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