Missy Elliott stands as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and influential artists, revolutionizing the genre with her unique sound and groundbreaking music videos. As the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, Missy Elliott’s catalog spans decades of chart-topping hits and genre-defining productions. With over 40 million records sold worldwide and four Grammy Awards to her name, her impact on hip-hop and R&B culture is undeniable. This comprehensive guide explores the 20 best Missy Elliott songs that showcase her extraordinary talent, including classics from her six platinum-certified albums and recent collaborative releases that continue to cement her legendary status.
Work It
Released in 2002 as the lead single from “Under Construction,” this track became Missy Elliott’s biggest commercial success and most recognizable hit. The song’s backwards vocal hook and innovative production by Timbaland created an instantly iconic sound that dominated radio waves worldwide. Peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, it showcased Elliott’s playful lyricism and unique ability to create memorable hooks. The accompanying music video, featuring Elliott in a distinctive inflated trash bag suit, became a cultural phenomenon and demonstrated her fearless approach to visual artistry.
Get Ur Freak On
This 2001 single from “Miss E… So Addictive” revolutionized hip-hop production with its fusion of bhangra-inspired beats and futuristic sound design. Timbaland’s production featuring tabla drums and unconventional rhythms created a template that influenced countless artists in the years that followed. The track earned Elliott a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and was later ranked by Pitchfork as the seventh-greatest song of the 2000s. Its infectious energy and innovative beat structure made it a global phenomenon that transcended traditional hip-hop boundaries.
Lose Control
Featuring Ciara and Fatman Scoop, this 2005 banger from “The Cookbook” exemplified Missy Elliott’s ability to create irresistible dance-floor anthems. The song’s pounding electronic beat combined with Elliott’s commanding flow created a track that became a staple at clubs and parties worldwide. Climbing to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, it demonstrated Elliott’s continued relevance and ability to evolve with contemporary sounds. The energetic production and memorable chorus made it one of her most enduring party starters.
The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
Missy Elliott’s 1997 debut single announced her arrival as a solo artist with unprecedented style and innovation. The Ann Peebles-sampling track featured groundbreaking production that sounded unlike anything else in hip-hop at the time. Hype Williams’ iconic music video, featuring Elliott in an inflated leather suit performing in a fisheye lens, became one of the most memorable visuals in music video history. The song’s success launched Elliott’s career and established her as a visionary artist who would reshape hip-hop’s aesthetic.
Hot Boyz
This 1999 track from “Da Real World” became one of Elliott’s biggest hits, spending a record-breaking 18 weeks at number one on the Hot Rap Singles chart. Featuring Nas, Eve, and Q-Tip on the remix version, the song showcased Elliott’s ability to curate collaborative masterpieces. The track’s sultry production and confident lyrics about seeking wealthy, attractive partners resonated with audiences worldwide. Its commercial success helped solidify Elliott’s position as one of hip-hop’s premier artists.
Gossip Folks
Released in 2003 from “Under Construction,” this track featuring Ludacris addressed critics and rumors with Elliott’s signature wit and confidence. The song’s guitar-driven production sampled David Pomeranz’s “Greyhound Mary,” creating a unique sonic landscape that stood out on radio. The music video launched the career of actress Alyson Stoner and featured memorable classroom scenes with the phrase on chalkboards. Elliott’s clever wordplay and dismissive attitude toward gossip made this an empowering anthem.
Sock It 2 Me
This 1997 single from “Supa Dupa Fly” featured Da Brat and showcased Elliott’s ability to blend hip-hop with R&B sensibilities. The song’s futuristic production and layered vocals over violin strings created a lush soundscape that was ahead of its time. The music video’s Mega Man-inspired aesthetic demonstrated Elliott’s commitment to creating visually innovative content. The track’s success helped establish Elliott as more than just a one-hit wonder.
One Minute Man
From the 2001 album “Miss E… So Addictive,” this track featuring Ludacris became an anthem about setting standards in relationships. The song’s minimalist production allowed Elliott’s breathy vocals and clever lyrics to take center stage. Its hypnotic bassline and candid lyrics about rejecting inadequate partners made it both controversial and commercially successful. The track peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased Elliott’s ability to address adult themes with humor and confidence.
4 My People
This 2001 club banger from “Miss E… So Addictive” transported listeners directly onto the dance floor with its infectious energy. The song’s thumping beat and Elliott’s rapid-fire delivery created an irresistible party atmosphere. Its international success, charting in multiple European countries, demonstrated Elliott’s global appeal. The track’s celebration of dance culture and community made it a favorite among DJs and club-goers worldwide.
Pass That Dutch
Released in 2003 from “This Is Not a Test!,” this track showcased Elliott’s continued evolution as an artist. The song’s energetic production and call-and-response structure made it an instant party favorite. Elliott’s playful delivery and the track’s infectious hook demonstrated her ability to create memorable singles. The accompanying music video featured bold visuals that reinforced Elliott’s status as a visual innovator.
Beep Me 911
This 1998 track from “Supa Dupa Fly” featured 702, Magoo, and addressed themes of communication and relationship expectations. The song’s smooth production and Elliott’s vulnerable lyrics showed a different side of her artistry. The track explored the anxiety of uncertainty in relationships, asking for transparency from romantic partners. Its relatable themes and melodic production made it resonate with audiences beyond typical hip-hop demographics.
She’s a Bitch
From her 1999 album “Da Real World,” this track became an empowerment anthem that reclaimed potentially negative terminology. Elliott’s confident delivery and the song’s aggressive production created a powerful statement about self-assurance. The track addressed criticism and jealousy while celebrating female confidence and success. Its bold messaging and hard-hitting beat made it a standout in Elliott’s catalog.
WTF (Where They From)
This 2015 single marked Elliott’s return after a lengthy hiatus, featuring Pharrell Williams on production. The track’s innovative beat and Elliott’s energetic flow reminded audiences why she remained relevant. The music video’s creative choreography and visual effects demonstrated that Elliott’s artistic vision hadn’t diminished. The song served as a powerful comeback statement from one of hip-hop’s most influential artists.
Throw It Back
Released in 2019 as the lead single from her “Iconology” EP, this track showcased Elliott’s ability to blend contemporary trap elements with her classic sound. The song featured references to her career history and previous collaborators, creating a nostalgic yet forward-looking anthem. The music video starring Teyana Taylor demonstrated Elliott’s continued commitment to visual excellence. This track proved that Elliott could still create fresh, relevant music after years away from releasing solo material.
RATATA
Appearing on Skrillex’s 2023 album “Quest For Fire,” this collaboration with Mr. Oizo demonstrated Elliott’s adaptability across electronic genres. The track’s frenetic energy and Elliott’s commanding presence over bass-heavy production created an electrifying listening experience. This collaboration proved that Elliott remained a sought-after feature artist decades into her career. The song’s infectious hook and modern production introduced Elliott to a new generation of electronic music fans.
Take Away
This 2001 collaboration with Ginuwine from “Miss E… So Addictive” showcased Elliott’s versatility in creating smooth R&B tracks. The song’s slinky soul production and romantic themes demonstrated her range beyond hard-hitting hip-hop bangers. Elliott’s ability to seamlessly blend singing and rapping on this track highlighted her multifaceted artistry. The collaboration proved that Elliott could excel in creating music across multiple genres.
All N My Grill
This 1999 track from “Da Real World” featured Big Boi and MC Solaar, addressing relationship frustrations with humor and attitude. The song’s laid-back production contrasted with Elliott’s assertive lyrics about independence and self-respect. Its international flavor, thanks to MC Solaar’s French verse, demonstrated Elliott’s global artistic vision. The track became a fan favorite for its relatable themes and memorable hook.
Ching-A-Ling
Released in 2008 for the “Step Up 2: The Streets” soundtrack, this track maintained Elliott’s reputation for creating infectious dance songs. The song’s playful production and Elliott’s confident delivery made it a standout on the compilation. Though not released on a solo album, it demonstrated Elliott’s continued ability to create commercially viable music. The track’s club-ready sound kept Elliott’s name relevant during her extended album hiatus.
I’m Better
From the 2019 “Iconology” EP, this track featured Elliott reflecting on her career and dismissing competitors with characteristic confidence. The song’s modern production incorporated contemporary trap elements while maintaining Elliott’s distinctive style. Her lyrics celebrating longevity and sustained excellence resonated with longtime fans. The track served as a reminder of Elliott’s unmatched legacy in hip-hop.
Cool Off
Also from the “Iconology” EP released in 2019, this track was described by critics as recalling hip-hop’s foundational elements. The song’s production featured distorted basslines and frenetic energy that paid homage to early hip-hop aesthetics. Elliott’s delivery demonstrated that her skills hadn’t diminished despite time away from releasing music. The track’s futuristic production proved that Elliott continued pushing sonic boundaries decades into her career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Missy Elliott’s biggest hit song?
“Work It” remains Missy Elliott’s biggest commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2002. The song’s backward vocals, innovative production, and iconic music video made it a cultural phenomenon that defined early 2000s hip-hop. Its enduring popularity has made it one of the most recognizable songs in hip-hop history.
How many Grammy Awards has Missy Elliott won?
Missy Elliott has won four Grammy Awards throughout her illustrious career, with nominations spanning three decades totaling 22 nods. Her Grammy wins include Best Rap Solo Performance for “Get Ur Freak On” and recognition for her groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop production. These accolades represent just a fraction of the numerous honors she has received for her musical innovations.
What was Missy Elliott’s first solo album?
“Supa Dupa Fly” released in 1997 was Missy Elliott’s debut solo album, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200. The album sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and featured the iconic single “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” This groundbreaking release established Elliott as a visionary solo artist following her work with the group Sista.
Is Missy Elliott still making music today?
Yes, Missy Elliott continues making music and performing, with her most recent solo releases coming from the 2019 “Iconology” EP. She has also appeared on collaborations including “RATATA” with Skrillex in 2023 and has worked with contemporary artists throughout recent years. Elliott completed her first-ever headlining tour “Out of This World” in 2024, demonstrating her continued relevance and artistic vitality.
What makes Missy Elliott’s music videos so innovative?
Missy Elliott’s music videos revolutionized the medium through groundbreaking visual effects, creative costuming, and imaginative storytelling. Working frequently with director Hype Williams, she created iconic imagery including the inflated suit from “The Rain” and the fisheye lens effects that became her signature. Her videos consistently pushed technological and creative boundaries, earning her the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 2019.
How did Missy Elliott influence hip-hop culture?
Missy Elliott transformed hip-hop through her innovative production techniques, unique visual aesthetics, and fearless approach to artistry. She broke gender barriers in a male-dominated genre, becoming the first female rapper inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her influence extends across multiple generations of artists who cite her futuristic sound and creative vision as inspiration.
What is the Iconology EP about?
Released in 2019 after a 14-year hiatus from solo releases, “Iconology” represented Elliott’s return to music with five tracks spanning pop, hip-hop, and R&B. The EP received favorable reviews for its nostalgic yet contemporary sound, featuring tracks like “Throw It Back” and “Cool Off.” USA Today described it as a masterclass in Elliott’s distinctive artistic style.
Who are Missy Elliott’s most frequent collaborators?
Producer Timbaland has been Missy Elliott’s most consistent collaborator since the beginning of her career, crafting her signature futuristic sound. Other frequent collaborators include Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and various artists from Elliott’s production work including Aaliyah, Tweet, and Ginuwine. These partnerships have resulted in some of hip-hop and R&B’s most memorable tracks.
For more great content about hip-hop legends and contemporary artists, explore our extensive songs collection. If you’re looking to enhance your music listening experience, check out our earbud comparisons and headphone reviews to find the perfect audio equipment for enjoying Missy Elliott’s innovative production.