Missy has not just redefined pop music shes consistently reinvented it.
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This list was published on September 4, 2019, when Missy Elliott releasedICONOLOGY.
While were still waiting for a new album, were republishing this ranking ahead of her performance at Coachella.
Her obsession with all things future took firm hold on its follow-ups, 1999sDa Real Worldand 2001sMiss E … She easily eclipsed many of the younger artists who performed the same night.
Joy featuring Mike Jones,The Cookbook(2005)
Who is Mike Jones?
Easy to forget, but even easier to fast-forward through the opener to 2005sThe Cookbook.
Dats What Im Talkin About featuring R. Kelly,This Is Not a Test!
(2003)
Collaborations with R. Kelly are tainted, especially in hindsight.
Step Off,Miss E …
Though this deep album cut sounds dated, Elliotts off-beat meter keeps it somewhat suspenseful.
It fits with parent albumUnder Constructions retro theme, but as a standalone, its anticlimactic.
Yall must be dumb as hell if you think thats my cell.
Whatcha Gon Do featuring Timbaland,Miss E …
So Addictive(2001)
The bumbling Whatcha Gon Do arrived onMiss E …
So Addictive, an album that sustained Elliott and Timbalands future-sound streak.
Its Real,This Is Not a Test!
Instead of showing, she tells: They think we done!
All we do is make hits!
X-Tasy,Miss E … Dont Be Cruel featuring Monica and Beenie Man,This Is Not a Test!
At that, it does little to hook you in, with soft-boiled, distracting instrumental choices.
Is This Our Last Time featuring Fabolous,This Is Not a Test!
Itchin,Miss E …
So Addictive(2001)
Hollering on a track is an art.
Meanwhile, Bey passionately decries the peer-pressuring in favor of staying home with her man.
Toyz Interlude/Toyz,This Is Not a Test!
Pump It Up featuring Nelly,This Is Not a Test!
Im Not Perfect featuring The Clark Sisters,This Is Not a Test!
So Addictive, she takes it to church with a robust lineup of some of gospels finest.
Each has a turn to outdo the other, making for a grand vocal spectacular.
It felt almost too familiar, and yet, still welcome as one of the liveliest of her post-Cookbookcuts.
Swat Dat Fly, unreleased (2010)
Weird for the sake of weird has always been Elliotts M.O.
Old School Joint,Miss E …
Simultaneously fresh and classically nostalgic, the feel-good fete of decades past bumps, halts, and grinds.
Baby Girl Interlude/Intro featuring Mary J. Blige // Outro featuring Mary J. Blige,This Is Not a Test!
(2003)
Elliott bookendsThis Is Not a Test!with two crisp piano-kissed vignettes.
Beyonces soprano glides over Elliotts stacked vocals, bringing a gospel element to the midnight-storm ballad.
& Whiz Kids 1983 track Play That Beat Mr. D.J.
It lacks the urgency of its source material but digs it up from the crates for a lively interpolation.
featuring Da Brat and Ms. Jade,Miss E … (See also: Stickin Chickens.)
Way ahead of her time.
Let Me Fix My Weave,This Is Not a Test!
(2003)
Elliotts ability to alter her accent and delivery at any given turn speaks to her versatility.
Its fine that it exists, but it didnt necessarily need to.
Cool Off,Iconology(2019)
After all these years, Elliott is still a dance-floor commander.
Hers is just as upbeat and chaotic the reintroduction of a classic to the next generation.
Keep It Movin featuring Elephant Man,This Is Not a Test!
4 My People featuring Eve,Miss E … (Discounting, of course, her remix of Jack Us Take U There with Kiesza.)
Elliott exudes confidence in her relationship through peacocked rhymes, giving way for a full-bodied chorus from theAmerican Idolalum.
helped furtherDa Real Worlds tomorrowland theme.
The forthright tribute came off as both vulnerable and uplifting, all at once.
One Minute Man (Remix) featuring Jay Z,Miss E … Pharrell Williams constructs a beat with booming bass notes and zippy bubble synths, topped by high-level boasts.
Gettaway, featuring an out-the-gate verse from Space (who?
One Minute Man featuring Ludacris,Miss E … Its hard to argue that without her, it has the same spark.
Elliott ushers his hit into her world, repurposing lyrics from the source material for a satisfying redo.
Spelling Bee Interlude/Spelling Bee,This Is Not a Test!
So Addictive (Intro) featuring Tweet,Miss E … After 2012s so-so Triple Threat and 9th Inning, this felt more like a grand return.
Take Away featuring Ginuwine and Kameelah,Miss E … Dog in Heat featuring Redman and Method Man,Miss E …
The remix for Hit Em Wit Da Hee is a rare exception, executed well.
Let It Bump,This Is Not a Test!
asks Elliott) and a knocking throwback beat.
A filthy concept this catchy gets gold stars.
Wake Up featuring Jay Z,This Is Not a Test!
Its hip-hop in its best form: whip-smart couplets, compelling instrumentation, and legitimate demands for change.
Ragtime Interlude/Im Really Hot,This Is Not a Test!
One Minute Man (Remix) featuring Ludacris and Trina,Miss E … Lick Shots,Miss E …
Bomb Intro/Pass That Dutch,This Is Not a Test!
It culminated in a wall-of-harmony chorus accentuated by 702, giving way to a typically nasal cameo from Magoo.
(Not to mention the stuttering beat, its doomsday-esque bounce all chords and kicks.)
It was a tool of empowerment, delivered through some of Elliotts most impeccable rhymes.
Get Ur Freak On,Miss E …
So Addictivelooked like Elliott was suiting up for intergalactic battle.
But when it came toUnder Construction, they did the opposite.
Work It is, on the surface, a song about getting laid.
But at its heart, its about conveying ownership over ones sexuality.
The chorus is about scouring the land for a big dick, censored by an elephants honk.
