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.
Making a great album is not easy. Making another one is even tougher. However, the task of making three great albums in a row is a rare feat indeed, one that the vast majority of hip-hop artists, even the great ones, have failed to do.
There have been a multitude of studies and stories done on the connection between geography and success. In the history of hip-hop, one of the most fertile grounds for superstars has been Brooklyn. For proof, think about the fact that Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G. and DMX all went to George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School together.
What began as a simple roundtable discussion with some up and coming rappers quickly turned into a cypher.
Jay Electronica’s “Exhibit C” was a masterpiece, “a magical moment—one he nor any other rapper in the past five years could top,” but it came out in December, 2009. We’re approaching the sixth anniversary of its release and all Jay has given us in the intervening years are some (admittedly pretty great) guest appearances and songs.
Although he’s now know more for acting and hosting, LL Cool J is one of the greatest artists in hip-hop history and he used to put on a hell of a show. This performance of “Mama Said Knock You Out” on Showtime at the Apollo is nothing short of fantastic.
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.
As a favor – one that you did not ask for – I’ve compiled a list of twenty songs that I think casual hip-hop fans should know.
“All you n—s that said that I turned pop, or The Firm flopped/Y’all are the reason that Dre ain’t been getting no sleep”
– Dr. Dre, “Forgot About Dre”
This comes off a DJ Clue tape. For the album version, they switched up the beat and Nas spit a completely different verse. I prefer the original, which was only ever heard on mixtapes.
Nas and The Notorious B.I.G. are two of the greatest rappers in history.
The Passion of Christopher Pierznik 