To celebrate the release of “WTF,” the new video by Missy Elliott, I decided to compile some of my favorite Missy videos. She is a trendsetter that changed hip-hop when she entered the game. She can do it all – rap, sing, write, produce, dance, direct, whatever. One of the most innovative artists in rap history, here is just a small collection of Missy’s best visuals.
“The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”
The one that started it all. This video was so weird and brilliant, from the fake hill to the trash bag to the Puffy cameo.
“Sock It 2 Me” featuring Da Brat
Missy is my favorite Mega Man.
“Hit Em wit da Hee” featuring Lil’ Kim & Timbaland
Very Janet-like, this was one of the first times we saw Missy’s moves.
“Hot Boyz” featuring Nas, Eve & Lil’ Mo
If Missy took over a theme park, this would be the result.
“Get Ur Freak On”
Arguably Missy’s best track thanks to Timbaland’s Punjabi-inspired beat, the video isn’t as ridiculous as some of her other efforts, but still has some good (for the time) CGI, even if the spit the scene is gross. The cameos are dope too, particularly the late Nate Dogg at 2:44.
“One Minute Man” featuring Ludacris
The visuals here are so outlandish yet still dope from Missy acting like she’s in The Matrix to Luda’s verse in a sort of bedroom fun house.
“Work It” [Remix] featuring 50 Cent
In the early 2000s, a lot of Missy’s videos seemed like they were similar, but that’s only because they were weird and ahead of their time. Looking back they were all distinct and were a nice change from the typical rap video at the time. Here, she managed to get people to (try to) rap backwards and featured a white-hot 50 Cent.
“Lose Control” featuring Ciara & Fatman Scoop
One of the first time we saw a svelte Misdameanor, this video is bright and colorful, and is crisp enough to be a film. Weirdly, she’s never had a #1 hit – this reached #3.
“Up Jumps da Boogie” [Timbaland & Magoo featuring Missy & Aaliyah]
A wonderful song that shows the talent of this crew (Magoo not withstanding) and you can tell how close they all were. R.I.P. Aaliyah.
“Ladies’ Night (Not Tonight Remix)” [Lil’ Kim featuring Missy, Da Brat, Left Eye & Angie Martinez]
Missy shuts down the posse cut with her own unique brand of fashion. Call me crazy, but I don’t think Angie Martinez was really on the ocean when she’s riding the jet ski.
“Is That Yo Chick? (The Lost Verses)” [Memphis Bleek featuring Jay-Z, Twista & Missy]
Originally slated to be on Jigga’s Vol. 3 (it was on the bootleg that got “Un” stabbed), Bleek, who was not on the original, had it on his album. Jay and Missy have collaborated several times but, weirdly, few of them are singles.
“Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)” [Janet Jackson featuring Carly Simon, Missy & P. Diddy]
Disclosure: I only included this as an excuse to watch Janet.
“Oops (Oh My)” [Tweet featuring Missy]
Missy and Timbo bless Tweet with their magical formula.
“1, 2 Step” [Ciara featuring Missy]
A massive hit, this song reached #2 on the charts and went platinum.
Welcome back, Missy.
Christopher Pierznik is the author of eight books, all of which can be purchased in paperback and Kindle. His work has appeared on XXL, Cuepoint, Business Insider, The Cauldron, and many more. He has been quoted on Buzzfeed and Deadspin. Subscribe to his monthly reading review newsletter or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
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