Missy Elliott, also known as Misdemeanor or Missy Misdemeanor Elliott, is one of the most influential and innovative artists in hip-hop and R&B history. With her unique flow, catchy beats, and futuristic music videos, she has left a lasting impact on the music industry. Throughout her career, she has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Her music has also been sampled by other artists and used in films and television shows. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Missy Elliott songs of all time, celebrating her contributions to the world of music. From her early hits in the 90s to her more recent collaborations with artists like Pharrell Williams and Ciara, Missy Elliott’s music has continued to push the boundaries of what we expect from hip-hop and R&B. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her music for the first time, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a trip down memory lane with some of Missy Elliott’s most iconic hits.
1. The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
“The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” is a classic hip-hop song that introduced Missy Elliott as a game-changer in the industry. Released in 1997, the song features a heavy bass line and a catchy hook that invites listeners to join in on the fun. Missy’s clever wordplay and unique flow, combined with Timbaland’s innovative production, make “The Rain” a true standout. The accompanying music video, directed by Hype Williams, is just as memorable, featuring Missy’s iconic inflatable outfit and futuristic visuals. Overall, “The Rain” marked a pivotal moment in hip-hop and solidified Missy Elliott’s place as a trailblazing artist.
2. Get Ur Freak On
“Get Ur Freak On” is a hip-hop classic that showcases Missy Elliott’s unique and boundary-pushing approach to music. The song features an infectious beat and a memorable hook that has become instantly recognizable. The lyrics are a perfect representation of Missy’s fearless style, as she raps with confidence and attitude. The song’s production is complex and layered, with multiple elements and samples blended together seamlessly. “Get Ur Freak On” has become a timeless party anthem and a staple of early 2000s hip-hop.
3. Gossip Folks
“Gossip Folks” is a high-energy hip-hop song by Missy Elliott featuring Ludacris. The song was released in 2002 as the second single from her album “Under Construction.” The track’s funky beat, catchy chorus, and humorous lyrics make it a fan favorite. The song features samples from “Double Dutch Bus” by Frankie Smith and “Blind Alley” by The Emotions. The lyrics take aim at those who love to spread rumors and gossip, with Elliott mocking the “folks” who talk behind her back. The song’s music video, directed by Dave Meyers, features an all-star cast of celebrities and pays tribute to classic TV shows like “Soul Train” and “The Brady Bunch.”
4. Work It
“Work It” is a hit single from Missy Elliott’s 2002 album “Under Construction”. The song features a catchy beat with Missy’s signature quirky rap style and is known for its iconic backwards chorus. The lyrics are playful and humorous, with Missy boasting about her skills and inviting others to join in the fun. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy for Best Female Rap Solo Performance. Its popularity has continued through the years, with the song frequently used in pop culture and even featured in a Super Bowl commercial. “Work It” remains one of Missy Elliott’s most well-known and beloved songs.
5. Lose Control
“Lose Control” is an energetic and infectious dance anthem that was released in 2005 as the lead single from Missy Elliott’s album, “The Cookbook.” The song features guest vocals from Ciara and Fatman Scoop and is known for its catchy hook and iconic video, which features a futuristic dance party. The beat of the song is a combination of hip hop, electronic, and dance music, with a pounding bass and pulsing synths that create a high-energy atmosphere. Missy Elliott’s rap verses are quick and sharp, and Ciara’s sultry vocals add a touch of sensuality to the track. “Lose Control” became a huge commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning Missy Elliott a Grammy nomination for Best Short Form Music Video. It has since become a beloved classic in the world of dance and hip hop, with its infectious chorus and irresistible beat inspiring many imitators and remixes over the years.
6. Beep Me 911
“Beep Me 911” is a classic Missy Elliott song from her debut album, “Supa Dupa Fly.” The song features R&B group 702 and showcases Missy’s signature blend of hip hop and R&B. The track’s futuristic beat and catchy chorus make it a standout on the album, which was released in 1997. The song features Missy’s witty and confident lyrics, as she commands her lover to call her anytime, anywhere, no matter what. The track also includes a spoken intro and outro from Timbaland, who produced the song along with Missy. “Beep Me 911” was a hit on both radio and video channels, and is still widely regarded as one of Missy’s best songs to date.
7. One Minute Man
“One Minute Man” is a hit song by Missy Elliott, featuring Ludacris and Trina. The song was released in 2001 as the second single from her album “Miss E… So Addictive”. The track is an up-tempo hip hop and R&B song with a catchy beat and funky horns. It’s about men who are not able to satisfy women in bed and only last for a minute. The song is known for its memorable chorus, featuring Trina’s vocals, and the rapped verses of Elliott and Ludacris. The video features Missy and her crew in futuristic outfits dancing in a spaceship. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a top 20 hit in several other countries. It also received critical acclaim, with many praising the song’s production and Missy’s catchy lyrics. Overall, “One Minute Man” showcases Missy’s skills as a rapper and producer and is a staple of her discography.
8. 4 My People
“4 My People” is a high-energy, bass-heavy track that showcases Missy Elliott’s signature style of blending hip-hop and electronic beats. The song features pounding drums and a catchy chorus that encourages listeners to get up and dance. Elliott’s rapid-fire flow is on full display as she delivers clever wordplay and boasts about her skills as a performer. The track also features an infectious sample from Funkadelic’s “Get Off Your Ass and Jam,” adding to its funky, party-ready vibe. With its infectious beat and memorable hook, “4 My People” has become one of Missy Elliott’s most beloved tracks and a staple of her live shows.
9. Sock It 2 Me
“Sock It 2 Me” is a classic Missy Elliott song that was released in 1997. The track features rapper Da Brat and was produced by Timbaland, known for his signature beats and innovative sounds. The song has a funky and catchy hook that will have you singing along in no time. Missy and Da Brat trade verses over a bouncy beat, showcasing their skills as fierce female MCs. The track is playful and cheeky, with lyrics that boast about their abilities as rappers and their success in the music industry. The song also features a sample of the 1979 hit “Funky Worm” by the Ohio Players, adding a nostalgic touch to the modern production. “Sock It 2 Me” was a commercial success, peaking at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top 10 on the US Rhythmic chart. It remains a beloved song in Missy Elliott’s discography and a testament to her influence in hip-hop music.
10. Pass That Dutch
“Pass That Dutch” is a high-energy hip hop track by Missy Elliott, known for its catchy chorus and infectious beat. Released in 2003 as the lead single from her album “This Is Not a Test!”, the song was produced by Timbaland and features his signature futuristic sound. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to “pass the Dutch” or share their marijuana, while also showcasing Elliott’s lyrical skill and playful sense of humor. The track’s music video, directed by Dave Meyers, features colorful visuals and futuristic themes, with Missy leading a dance party in a futuristic spaceship. “Pass That Dutch” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its innovative sound and Missy’s confident performance. The song has since become a fan favorite and a staple of Missy’s live shows.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
