'Misdemeanor': Why It's A Crime to Not Credit Missy Elliot As An Iconic Trailblazer
Credit: Missy Elliot’s Instagram
When Missy “Misdemeanor’”Elliot burst onto the hip-hop scene with 1997’s, “The Rain” she changed the way we saw music videos forever. In the Hype Williams-directed video, the five-foot-two full-figured Virginia native wore the freshest, curliest ringlets of black crisp finger waves as she took centerstage in various scenes not only showcasing her best footwork but bragging about being the flyest (as she rightfully should) in the most memorable fashions styled by June Ambrose. The most iconic outfit that many remember from the video is Missy’s all black shiny inflatable trash bag suit and matching black, blingy shades.
Missy went on to release other hits from Supa Dupa Fly following after “The Rain,” ‘s success including: “Sock It 2 Me,” “Hit Em Wit Da Hee,” and “Beep Me 911.” Supa Dupa Fly sold 1.2 million copies and achieved platinum status. It laid the foundation for Missy’s artistry, who became known for her witty wordplay, effortless pen game and unique sense of fashion.
She has proved herself to be a force to reckoned with in the mostly men’s playhouse. Since her 1997 debut album, she’s sold 7.6 million in album sales and won four Grammy’s. Her last album was 2005’s The Cookbook, spawning hit-singles, “Lose Control,” “Teary Eyed,” and “We Run This.”
With everything Missy has achieved she is undoubtedly one of the most innovative entertainers of the decade for all the trailbazing moments she’s presented in hip-hop culture, specifically music videos. When many think of creativity, Missy Elliot is usually one of the names to mind. Many were shocked to learn that she wasn’t nominated for last year’s MTV Video Music Award’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Instead Jennifer Lopez took home the award. With just two weeks away, (Aug. 26), it looks like Missy Elliot will finally receive the award we all know that she deserves. As the saying often goes, give people their flowers while they’re here, this is exciting and both iconic to see Missy achieve this well-deserved feat.
In this beautiful season of Black Girl Magic and all its glory, it’s inspiring to see Missy receive such an honor as the Video Vanguard Award recipient because for the longest she was the only black woman with a full-figured stature confidently and effortlessly holding down female rappers. She showed mainstream media that she could still be sexy without having to take off all her clothes. She made it cool to just rock Adidas with a Juicy Couture jogging suit, a headband and wristbands or just any attire that was Tomboy-esque but still feminine with hella long acrylics and freshly laid swoop bangs.
To celebrate this amazing accomplishment in hip-hop and music history period, I’ve curated a list below of the 15 best Missy Elliot music videos! P.S. of course “The Rain,” made the list!
The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
2. Beep Me 911
3. Sock It 2 Me
4. Hit Em Wit Da Hee
5. Hot Boyz
6. She’s a B***h
7. One Minute Man
8. Get Ur Freak On
9. Gossip Folks
10. Work It
11. Pass That Dutch
12. Lose Control
13. Ching-A-Ling
14. WTF (Where They From)
15. I’m Better feat. Lamb