Foxy Brown has grown up a lot since her 1996 debut, Ill Na Na, and that maturity shows on her new set. In the past five years, the 21-year-old rapper has survived a world of drugs, suicide attempts, and torrid love affairs—all of which she chronicles on Broken Silence. “A Letter” (featuring Ron Isley) paints an intimate portrait of the artist writing an apologetic suicide letter to her family. That said, there are a few tracks reminiscent of Brown’s more traditional fare, such as “B.K. Anthem,” a straight-up club track. “Candy,” which features Kelis, is a musical striptease, with Brown taunting listeners with her sexual prowess. She also taps into her West Indian roots on such tracks as “Tables Will Turn” and “Saddest Day.” Brown’s best set so far, Broken Silence showcases her many musical faces.—RH
