Missy Elliott, rap’s freakiest visionary, had never toured. Until now

by

As a longtime fan of Missy Elliott, I can’t contain my excitement as I witness her embarking on her first headline tour at the age of 53. When she first burst onto the rap scene in the late ’90s and early 2000s with her groundbreaking collaborations with Timbaland, she captured our imaginations with her alien brilliance and fearless creativity. Her music was unlike anything we had heard before, and her confidence that it would endure for decades proved to be well-founded.

During Missy Elliott’s initial concert tour as a headliner, her unique alien-like rap style left audiences in awe. She was certain that her quirky, trailblazing collaborations with producer Timbaland during the late ’90s and early 2000s would continue to captivate listeners for generations. After the first night of her tour in Los Angeles, hip-hop welcomed a fresh superstar who filled arenas.

The year was 2024. The show was Thursday.

As a cinema devotee and avid fan of rap music, I find it hard to believe that at the age of 53, one of the genre’s most influential and prolific artists had never embarked on a tour before. It’s as if I stumbled upon an intriguing piece of trivia during a casual conversation that no one would buy without double-checking the facts. I can almost imagine myself excitedly sharing this seemingly unbelievable tidbit with my friends, only to have them frantically pull out their phones and search for confirmation on Google.

Over forty million records have been sold of her music, with hits that continue to be cherished and leave us in awe. Generations of artists have been influenced by her. She has been officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but only those whose careers began at least 25 years prior are eligible for this honor.

Welcome to the road, Miss E. Glad to have you here at last.

Elliott dramatically transformed the sound and feel of rap music through albums such as “Supa Dupa Fly” (1997), “Da Real World” (1999), and “Miss E … So Addictive” (2001). Timbaland’s beats were characterized by their cool, harsh tones, while her rapping was fiery and passionate. Tracks like “She’s a B—” and “Get Ur Freak On” showcased the innovative new pleasures that could be discovered with an open mind (and a few taboo themes – these records were quite sexually charged).

Missy Elliott performing on her first headline tour in 2024.
(Alexis Smith / crowdMGMT)

After taking the stage at a packed and noisy Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night, she addressed her fans by saying, “You’re all innovative thinkers if you chose to be here with me tonight.” This was a compliment to those who appreciated her unique perspective in the past, as well as those who continued to support her during this significant career risk.

As a big fan of Elliott’s music, I have to admit that it’s been a while since she put out a new full-length album, back in 2005. Therefore, her tour today is bound to include some nostalgic moments. However, the energy and power of her performance made every song feel fresh and relevant. During “Throw It Back” from her latest EP “Iconology,” she playfully declared, “I raised all these hits, you know. Don’t expect another Missy like me, there won’t be.”

As a film enthusiast and rap fan, I can’t help but marvel at the unique artistry of certain rappers. Who else back in 2001 could have casually dropped an obscure MDMA reference like “Here’s a glass of orange juice, let’s go X it out” on their hit track “4 My People,” making it sound alluring and provocative, not just once but again in 2024? And who else could have owned the stage with such flair as she did on “She’s A B—,” swirling a billowing, colossal cape around her like a modern-day superhero, reminiscent of the grandiose costumes from her cherished Hype Williams-directed music videos?

Missy Elliott paved the way for artists like Doja Cat to express themselves freely on stage, despite the pressures of social media and the fear of failure. Her bold and unapologetic performances in the past set the stage for today’s artists to experiment and push boundaries, making music an exhilarating journey for both creators and audiences alike. Without Missy Elliott’s trailblazing “Pussycat” performance, Doja Cat’s daring closing act at Coachella with mud-wrestling during “Wet Vagina” might not have been possible.

Elliott continues to excel as both a skilled technical rapper and songwriter, surpassing others with his unique vocal abilities and intricately crafted verses that effortlessly dance around complex beats. During her performance, Elliott introduced longtime collaborator Timbaland to perform their early hit “Up Jumps da Boogie,” showcasing their extraordinary musical compatibility that is a rarity in today’s music scene.

Missy Elliott performing on her first headline tour in 2024.
(Alexis Smith / crowdMGMT)

Despite her complex emotions towards performing that have kept her away from stages for an extended period, her ability wasn’t the issue. Her recent appearance on Thursday was a testament to this, as she looked magnificent in spite of her past battles with Graves’ disease. She soared above the audience on a floating platform, confidently walked in front of a cornfield adorned with UFOs, and swiftly switched between extraordinary costumes at a pace reminiscent of Beyoncé.

During the late ’90s and early 2000s, Elliott believed that American Black music experienced a remarkable bloom. This period saw the fusion of traditional skills with contemporary technology and media, resulting in innovative creations.

At the Grammy’s tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Busta Rhymes once again shined, delivering an explosive opening performance filled with powerful breath control and commanding stage presence. In the mid 2000s, Ciara, the sultry R&B singer, made a significant mark on the charts, taking over from Missy Elliott in songs like “Oh,” “Goodies,” and “1, 2 Step.” During her performance on Thursday, Ciara combined her sizzling sexuality with contemporary soundscapes. Her set demonstrated that these hits continue to hold a prominent place among the most influential pop and R&B tracks from their time.

In unity, the four of them presented a compelling case that they had foreseen the future years ago. Now, they have brought this vision to life on stage for everyone to experience. – E, still captivating.

Read More

2024-07-18 20:35