“From the Vaults” – a new feature on NeoSoulCypher.com dedicated to showcasing classic talent and music that still hits today from the ranks of Neo Soul and Classic Hip-Hop.
Missy Elliott is one of the greatest music talents and legends of all time. She has amassed some of the most iconic songs, videos and production credits in the history of all music, not just Hip Hop. While Queen Latifah has been a triple threat by rapping, singing and acting at the highest levels, her contemporary Missy Elliott, has her triple threat status planted firmly in music (rapping, producing and video visionary). I would argue, that combined with her originality and authenticity, she has left an impact that rivals that of the highest regarded music icons. Who really has done it better than Missy?
The fact that Missy’s hits still hit today, from “Get Ur Freak On”, “Work It,” “Lose Control,” “One Minute Man,” “Gossip Folks” to “Hot Boyz”, is a testament to the strength of her production, vision and originality. Missy started out in a group known as Sista in the mid 1990’s and became a member of the Swing Mob collective along with childhood friend Timbaland. Missy and Timbo collaborated as producers on a number of truly impactful R&B acts, including Aaliyah, SWV, Total and 702. In 1997, Missy hit us with Supa Dupa Fly, her debut album, which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, the highest charting debut for a female rapper at the time. “Sock It 2 Me” was the first single off the album. With Da Real World in 1999, Miss E… So Addictive in 2001, Under Construction in 2002 and This is Not a Test in 2003, Missy became a worldwide force making us all take note of her incredible dopeness.
Missy’s music videos rival her actual music in originality, artistry and impact. My personal favorite is “Lose Control,” where Missy with Ciara, Fat Man Scoop and others hit us with a dazzling array of images fueled by the energy of the first rate dancing and the Missy produced beats. Working with video directors like Hype Williams and Dave Myers, Missy’s videos take us on wild ride, amping us up, thrilling us yet redefining the genre at every step. Missy was able to set the terms for her persona on the strength of her look, aesthetic and brilliant video concepts. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Missy reminded us of her incredible impact on music and videos, with the style and story behind the Throw It Back video – an ode to her past songs and videos with 2019 flair and “trapness.”
As the Throw It Back video reminds us, there will never be another Missy – “the innovator of all innovators, the game changing sensation.”
Check out my Top 5 from Missy:
- “Lose Control”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na7lIb09898
- “Work It” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjIvu7e6Wq8
- “Get Ur Freak On”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPoKiGQzbSQ
- “The Rain”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHcyJPTTn9w
- “Funky Fresh Dressed”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOiNSxgURac
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#missyandtimbo
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