Future Brown

Missy Elliott’s Super Bowl moment said plenty about hip-hop’s current creative drought. This timely set from four style-hungry producers recalls Elliott’s turn-of-the-century heyday, with post-national street beats and an army of fresh MCs and singers. It feels like a genuine next-generation moment. Dominican-American MC Maluca spits hot Spanish over a synthesized koto melody, dancehall queen Timberlee rides a sci-fi bounce, and grime vet Riko Dan flows basso profundo. Opening and closing the proceedings is rising Chicago bad girl Tink, sounding like Scarlett Johansson’s Her character after too much digital tequila. This future looks good.