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2004 September: Vibe

JOI: TENNESSEE SLIM IS THE BOMB

4 STARS

If her last album was Star Kitty's Revenge, then this is her redemption. On Tennessee Slim Is The Bomb, Joi sings like she loves herself so thoroughly that, if she transformed into a feline, she would lick herself silly. Narrated by "Uncle" George Clinton, who offers poetic relationship wisdom between each track, this is a delicious declaration of unwavering feminine funk.

Guided by Dr. Funkenstein, Joi personifies music and love on the low-slung "I'm So Famous." She continues to reach new heights on the spiritually rich "Co-Stars," "That's the Truth," and "Another Rocket," where she scrapes the sky with the lyrics, "Sugar, you oughtta know by now that I just wanna fly to the moon / And even if you won't take me, I know there'll be another rocket comin' by soon."

While much of the music embodies her name, Joi unveils heartache over ex-husband Big Gipp on "Gravity": "The rap game stole my man from me... I'll always love him, even though he forgot how to." This testament to self-love completely captures joy and pain, sunshine and rain, and confirms this kitty doesn't merely meow, she roars.

Laura Checkoway