Ever since Missy Elliott debuted her "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" music video in 1997, we knew she treated music videos like an art form. Ever since then, the hop hop mogul has continued to dazzle us with her music video concepts and unmatched choreography. (Plus, she slays in Lizzo [1]'s recent "Tempo" music video [2].) So, we can't say we're surprised that Elliott will finally be the recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award [3] at the 36th annual MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 26. In fact, we truly think it's been a long time coming.
To celebrate this impressive and well-deserved honour, we rounded up her eight best music videos of all time. Keep reading to see her work it.
"Gossip Folks" by Missy Elliott
Is there anything more emblematic than Missy Elliott in an Adidas tracksuit? "Gossip Folks" gifts us Missy Elliott and Ludacris conquering the high school drama and taking no prisoners. The choreography in this music video is some of Elliott's best, which is a major feat considering she was working with a high school cafeteria.
"Lose Control" by Missy Elliott feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop
In 2005, Elliott worked with video director Dave Meyers to release something completely earth-shattering. Like a phoenix, Missy rises from the ashes and what comes next can only be described as sweat-inducing. Did we mention Ciara and Fatman Scoop are there to bring the heat too?
"Work It" by Missy Elliott
This video would be a chart-topper even without the Halle Berry [4] cameo. In case you can't tell, those are real bees flying around the hip-hop goddess and a break-dancing montage to rival any scene from Step Up.
"Get Ur Freak On" by Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott plus giant hoop earrings is an automatic recipe for music video success. In "Get Ur Freak On," we've got underworld combat scenes, amazing costumes, and celebrity cameos for days.
"One Minute Man" by Missy Elliott feat. Trina and Ludacris
We'd love reservations to the "Get Ur Freak On" hotel, but we'll settle for a virtual tour in the "One Minute Man" music video. The set design on this music video would make Wes Anderson proud, and the choreography, as usual, is on point.
"WTF (Where They From)" by Missy Elliott feat. Pharrell Williams
There's a lot to unpack in this music video — from the disco-themed costumes to the mind-boggling puppet show.
"The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" by Missy Elliott
This video started it all and put Missy Elliott on the map. There should be entire college courses dedicated to "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" because of its position as a cultural movement. It features eye-catching '90s styles; cameos from Timbaland, Lil' Kim, Da Brat, Puff Daddy, and more; and some of the slickest dance moves you'll ever see.
"Throw It Back" by Missy Elliott
You'll have to excuse us, because we need a minute to process the "Throw It Back" video. The technicolor delight has a lot to unpack and we don't even know where to begin. From the power suits, the perfectly synchronised dancing, and incredible hairstyles — it's everything we imagined and more.
