Tasty

Kelis has always been game to subvert expectations. "Caught Out There," from her 1999 debut, Kaleidoscope, had her storming the airwaves with a chant of "I hate you so much right now!" After a sophomore disc that didn't see release in America, she returns with "Milkshake," a schoolyard taunt for grownup girls. The minimalist Neptunes production was an obvious first single from Tasty, but the CD hardly stops there. From collaborations with Andre 3000 ("Millionaire," a showcase for the OutKast frontman's falsetto) and Nas (the randy "In Public") and a rap-rock exercise ("Keep It Down") to irresistible updates of early-'80s R&B ("Protect My Heart," "Glow"), the disc offers plenty in the way of potential follow-ups. While less playful than some of her past work, Tasty brings a raised eyebrow and good humor to the 21st century sex-u-up template. --Rickey Wright