Alright, so a big part of Missy Elliott‘s legacy along with her crazy songs and crazy looks was her crazy videos. Those videos that were so weird, that used such strange costuming and visual techniques. Plus the videos almost always included something really funny/silly, some guest appearances by the top artists of the time, and amazing choreography that was copied countless times.Missy’s videos are truly what made her a star, and here are 10 of her best.
So, there are A LOT of people who maybe didn’t know who Missy Elliott was when she came and stole Katy Perry’s Halftime Performance. Some may have known who she was, but never got into her music. Hence the huge spike in Missy’s music on iTunes.
I notice her singles are doing great, but not necessarily her albums. I think if she had some sort of Greatest Hits album available, that would be a hit today, but since she doesn’t (crap! she actually DOES, it’s called “Respect M.E.” but it wasn’t released in the states) some people might be wondering where to start with her actual discography. And I’m here to help!
Here are the 5 Essential Missy Albums I think any one would enjoy.
1. “Miss E… So Addictive”
I picked this as the top choice because it was her most succesful. It had super hits “Get Ur Freak On”, “One Minute Man” and “Take Away”, but aside from that I think this album is probably her most FUN and her most diverse. I mean she has great R&B (“Old School Joint”, the aforementioned “Take Away”, “Step Off” with Tweet) and some great Hip Hop (“Slap Slap Slap”, “Dog in Heat” with Method Man), and there’s even a really good dance song on here that will blow your mind (“4 My People” featuring an amazing verse from Eve). It’s a really well rounded album, and I think that it being her third that she had become really comfortable in what she was doing. So, yeah start with this one.
The 5 BEST : Old School Joint, Get Ur Freak On, Take Away, One Minute Man, X-Tasy
2. “Supa Dupa Fly”
This debut is INSANE, and surprisingly not dated. You have to realize that the introduction of Missy also meant the introduction of her producer Timbaland who went on to become a big star just like Missy. At the time of this release, those Timbaland beats were so new and unique and totally not like anything you had ever heard before. I think because both of them were so new, the album and it’s production have a tendency to get kind of one-note towards the end. It’s also a little moody and slow towards the end, but the album is definitely front-loaded with some #BANGERZ. This is a good place to follow up, but don’t lose all faith in Missy if you don’t like this entire album.
The 5 BEST : Friendly Skies, The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Beep Me 911, Pass da Blunt, Sock It 2 Me
3. “Under Construction”
Missy’s 4th album was also her attempt at creating a concept album, as “Under Construction” deals with her trying to re-build Hip Hop. And there are songs like “Wake Up” and “Back in the Day” that go along with that message. The album is overall really fun though because almost every song pulls from something out of the Old School Hip Hop days of the 80’s, like “Funky Fresh Dressed” or even hit singles “Work It” and “Gossip Folks” that have huge chunks of samples from 80’s Hip Hop classics. Mixing the old with the new was a genius idea, and paying homage to an era that MADE her the artist she is was also a nice touch, making this a really enjoyable album.
The 5 BEST : Gossip Folks, Work It, Go To the Floor, Nothin’ Out There, Funky Fresh Dressed
4. “Da Real World”
Personally this is my favorite album by Missy, it’s really dark in both lyric and production vibes. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but for me I loved it because she and Timbaland continued to look forward and make innovative beats that no one ever heard of. Among the stand outs are first single “She’s A Bitch”, the Eminem assisted “Bus a Rhyme”, the ratchet-“The Boy Is Mine” track with Lil Mo “You Don’t Know”, the Beyonce duet “Crazy Feelings” and the Cash Money all star featured “U Can’t Resist”. Those songs right there show the diversity of the album, from hardcore rap sounds to slow jammed R&B. It might be one you have to grow into, but it’s definitely a great and timeless album.
The 5 BEST : She’s a Bitch, Crazy Feelings, Smooth Chick, U Can’t Resist, You Don’t Know
5. “The Cookbook”
Simply because this 2005 album was the very last time we’d be able to buy a new album from Missy. OVERALL it was a decent outing, but something felt OFF. For one, she worked with more producers and actually Timbaland’s productions aren’t even the majority here as we have some from Pharrell “On and On” and some from Rich Harrison “Can’t Stop” and some Scott Storch “Meltdown”. In fact, Timbaland only produces two songs on here so that’s probably why the album felt a little odd. Still I think this is essential (I actually prefer “This is Not a Test” to this album) because it was her last recording, and whenever she comes out with new material you will know where she left off musically.
The 5 BEST : Lose Control, Joy, Partyime, Can’t Stop, Click Clack
Yay Patriots!!!
Okay I actually didn’t watch the Superbowl, or Katy Perry’s Halftime Performance… but it’s kind of PERFECT that Missy Elliott was Katy’s “Surprise” guest last night, and it’s also perfect that Missy stole the show and has since had a huge spike in single and album sales on iTunes.
Perfect because I had planned on doing a Missy #WCW Day this week. But I’m going to post a MINI-Missy Day today with just three posts. I decided to do it today because I’d be a fool not to, I mean I can only imagine lots of people are Google Searching her today – and I’d love to get some of those hits!
So let’s start out with my 25 Favorite Missy songs! And Yes, I’m qualified to post and rank this because I am a HUGE Missy fan, and have been from the very beginning. Anyway, here goes the first post of a potentially fun Missy Monday!!
25. Beep Me 911
24. HOT
“Don’t carry guns, Kick Ass with a chain… you know what I’m sayin’… Don’t carry guns, Kick ass with a chain (WAAT-AA!!!)”
It’s no secret that my enthusiasm for the Grammys and other award shows has waned over the last few years. Nominees have been either very predictable or very unworthy, and instead of trying to make sense of it all I try to just ignore them. This Friday, the nominees for the 56th Annual Grammy’s were announced and it seems like the academy is trying to turn things around. I have to admit that while scrolling through the list, I caught myself smiling and very proud of the nominees (even some of the snubs). This year seems to be a really great mix of artists with actual talent who deserve the extra Grammy shine, instead of the Academy favoring the biggest selling artists of the year just because they’re popular. Mainly, and selfishly I’m sure, what made me smile the most was that I was seeing some of my favorite music of the year up for big awards, which normally doesn’t happen.
So instead of going through the full list of nominees, let’s start with the ones that genuinely made me smile.
Kendrick Lamar is up for 7 Grammy’s including Album of the Year and New Artist
Daft Punk and Kendrick Lamar for Album of the Year.
“Random Access Memories” was easily one of my favorite albums of the year. I expected Daft Punk’s huge hit single “Get Lucky” to get lots of Grammy love, but didn’t expect the album to be in the Top category. Even though it is truly deserving, Grammy’s tend to relegate Electronic music to their own specific category, so I was pleased to see the album being appreciated among the rest of the great artists.
I was happy to see Kendrick Lamar up for Album of the Year category simply because I think he’s awesome. There hasn’t been a Hip Hop Album from a new, fresh, young artist like Kendrick up for this Top award in a long time, so it was nice to see and he’s definitely the one who deserves to break that pattern.
(Kendrick Lamar photo by Ben Miller, http://www.benmillerphoto.com)
James Blake, Kendrick Lamar and Ed Sheeran for New Artist.
Grammy’s never seem to get this category right. James Blake and Ed Sheeran are nowhere near NEW artists as Blake released his second full length album this year, and Sheeran’s “+” album has been available since 2011, and he was nominated for Song of the Year last year. The weird criteria for this category is confusing, but they are both great artists and very deserving of their nominations. And again, I just like Kendrick and he has a great shot at actually winning this prize.
The Snubbing of Justin Timberlake.
It was expected that Justin Timberlake would lead the list of nominees this year, he had the best selling album through most of the year, and is a Grammy darling. He racked up 7 total, which is great, but he didn’t find himself in any of the Top categories. His first album not to be nominated for Album of the Year. While it’s surprising, I personally feel like the snubbing is “Justified” so to speak. “The 20/20 Experience” album was hardly anything groundbreaking, and even though plenty of undeserving Albums have been nominated in this category, I’m glad at least this one didn’t get through. I feel this is the Grammy’s trending away from giving nominations to the popular, top-selling hits and being more critical about the actual material.
“The Next Day“, David Bowie’s first album in 10 years, was great in that it was current but also paid tribute to the amazing career he has had. Many are complaining that the Rock categories are filled up with too many “older” acts, but I feel that both of Bowie’s nominations for Rock Album and Rock Performance are well deserved, even if he’s probably not going to win.
Tame Impala grab their first Grammy nomination for Alternative Album
Tame Impala and Vampire Weekend for Alternative Album
“Lonerism” is an amazing album, but Tame Impala are one of those groups that I think may be TOO underground to get the attention of Grammy voters. Luckily that’s not the case this year as the group get their very first Grammy nomination for Alternative Album. When I saw their name I actually did a double take before I smiled, they probably have little chance of winning but I’m happy to see them being recognized for a great piece of work.
I was also happy to see Vampire Weekend in this category, specifically because I felt “Modern Vampires of the City” should have been up for Album of the Year and I thought they might have been ignored altogether. This one nomination is fine, and knowing they have a good chance of winning it is ever better, but I feel they got snubbed in some of the bigger categories. If not Album of the Year, than “Diane Young”, one of the most fun and clever songs of the year, should have gotten Record of Song of the year.
Tamar Braxton, one of my favorite albums of 2013 earned 3 Grammy nominations
Tamar Braxton‘s Triple nominations.
It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a #Tamartian, and I’ve been loving Tamar’s “Love and War” album since it came out. I was hoping she would be a sure thing for Contemporary R&B Album, but you can never be too sure. When I saw that she grabbed three nominations in the R&B categories I was ecstatic. Braxton is up for R&B Performance and R&B Song for “Love and War” and Contemporary R&B Album (which I personally think she should win, but who knows how that will play out).
Fantasia, Kelly Rowland & Missy Elliott for R&B Song
“Without Me“, the track from Fantasia’s nominated album “Side Effects of You“, was such a banger when I first heard it, I thought it was destined to be a massive urban hit. Months later with a peak of only #26 on the R&B chart I feared the song was totally ignored, so I was glad to see this collaboration with Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliott up for an award.
(Side Note: How did “Pusher Lover Girl” by Justin Timberlake get into this race?)
Kanye West‘s “Yeezus” for Rap Album
Scrolling through the nominee list I was surprised when I didn’t see Kanye West listed much, so I was happy to see him get at least Rap Album (he’s also up for Rap Performance for “New Slaves”). He’s been nominated and won in this category for every single album he’s put out. He might not win, but it’s nice to see his most daring and risky album wasn’t ignored or under-appreciated because of his other antics.
Pharrell, a front runner for Producer of the Year
Pharrell Williams for Producer of the Year.
This nomination was a bit of a no-brainer, Pharrell was responsible for two of the biggest hits this year and regained a lot of relevancy as an in-demand producer. We just have to think back to the early 2000’s when The Neptunes were making hit after hit and were continually ignored by the Grammys. Those past snubs worried me about his chances this year, but sure enough he was there and set to win this trophy.
Capital Cities “Safe and Sound” for best Music Video.
I just recently saw the “Safe and Sound” video a few weeks ago at a bar, and it sort of blew my mind. The video is a time traveling, upbeat, fun, visually engaging video with lots of dancing that makes you laugh and makes your jaw drop. I’m very happy to see it in it’s deserved place as one of the best videos of the year.
Overall, I don’t have that many complaints which is a refreshing feeling around Grammy time. I would have loved to see Alt-J, Solange, Beach House or K Michelle among others nominated, but I wasn’t really expecting it. I was surprised that Janelle Monae and Phoenix didn’t get any nominations at all. I also thought very highly of The Strokes‘ latest album, but it, like all of their previous work, was ignored.
In the end, this years’ nominees have somewhat restored my faith in the Grammy system, and I may even do a Prediction blog post as the awards come closer. I’m most happy that my musical favorites are being recognized this year, so maybe I DO know what I’m talking about.
The 2013 MTV Video Music Award nominations were announced yesterday. And since I don’t really watch videos, and I loathe one of the top nominees Macklemore & Ryan Lewis I didn’t even bother to look at the list. That, and the fact that a lot of times the MTV VMA’s just nominate and award the Popular acts of the year and not the best Videos (read this).
Sometimes though, they get it right. And this Top 10 is to celebrate those videos that in my opinion were worthy of the Top prize.
10. Missy Elliot “Work It”, winner in 2003
Missy became known for her crazy videos, and FINALLY the MTV Awards gave her the top prize. And this IS one of her craziest videos so it’s fitting.
9. Lady GaGa “Bad Romance”, winner in 2010
GaGa came on the Pop landscape and out-Britney’d Britney! This is the kind of video Britney’s handlers would NEVER allow her to make, with all the typical pop confections (killer choreography, sleek sets and images, and beauty shots gallore) but with an added edge. MTV was gonna give GaGa the top prize at some point, and this is the deserving video.
8. Pearl Jam “Jeremy”, winner in 1993
A really haunting, dark, intense video that spoke to the times. Pearl Jam was battling Anti-Bullying before it became the “In” thing to do. Great video and it matches the song perfectly.
7. Rihanna “We Found Love”, winner in 2012
I’ve said far too much about this video already, but let me just say it gives me chills every time I watch it. Such a heartbreaking story of Young Love.
6. Jamiroquai “Virtual Insanity”, winner in 1997
The year this video came out, EVERYBODY was hypnotized by it. Jay Kay is doing what he does best, he had canned heat in his heels and he had to dance it off. And the sort of “treadmill” effect added a whole new trippy element to make this a worthy Video of the Year.
5. Aerosmith “Cryin”, winner in 1994
This was the beginning of Aerosmith and Alicia Silverstone’s 90’s love affair. Like “We Found Love” it chronicles a sincere but dangerous love affair ending in one of the funniest “F You’s” in Music Video history.
4. Beyonce “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”, winner in 2009
Well, Kanye said it right “Beyonce had one of the best videos of ALL TIME”. The now iconic look, the much-copied choreography and the amazing editing and camera work make this a true Classic.
3. Outkast “Hey Ya!”, winner in 2004
Not much to say really, this is just one of THE most FUN videos ever.
2. Lauryn Hill “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, winner in 1999
Sometimes it feels like this video is underrated, but rest assured it’s Amazing. And so very detailed in the comparison of 90’s and 60’s Black youth, every shot is perfectly done and the song and video really say something important that not a lot of Video of the Year winners do.
1. Peter Gabriel “Sledgehammer”, winner in 1987
This remains one of the, if not THE, Best videos of the 1980’s. Gabriel blew peoples minds with this one. And even now with technology being greatly improved, it’s still so captivating and hypnotic.
Last year, I got really into discovering the legacy of Bob Marley and The Wailers. And much like The Beatles, I love Marley not only for the amazing music but also for having a very inspirational career. There are the undeniable Reggae classics like “Jammin” “Is This Love” “Turn Your Lights Down Low” and (my favourite) “Waiting in Vain”, and aside from the singles Marley delivered some truly amazing albums in “Natty Dread” “Burnin” and the epic “Exodus”. What I think is amazing about his career is that for one, he basically carried the whole Reggae genre on his shoulders and introduced it to the masses in the U.S. and Worldwide which in turn inspired dozens of artists in very different genres. Though he did have his fun songs, Marley also was very politically driven and used his music to let the world hear the voice of the oppressed in Jamaica, which actually translated quite well in the U.S. during the 1970’s. And I think the most admirable thing about Marley’s too short career was that he used his music to make a change. He used his music, his image, his celebrity and fame, and his power to make positive changes in his community. In videos and in different biographies, it seemed like he actually put his community above himself and was never really selfish or let his success go to his head and make him forget about what’s really important. A truly inspirational genius.
You don’t even really have to dig too deep into Stevie’s musical catalogue to know that this man is incredibly talented. His lyrics are beyond amazing, and of course he has a great voice. One of the highest regarded musicians of all time, with all the gold award trophies to prove it. If you do happen to dig deeper, which I did last year, you will realize that Stevie is one of the more diverse artists in our history. Of course he was part of the Motown machine in the 1960’s, he truly emerged in the 1970’s. And listening to any of those albums, “Music on My Mind” “Innervisions” “Songs in the Key of Life”, you will see he never boxed himself into one genre. He experimented with Country, Reggae, Pop, Funk, R&B even Rap in the early 80’s. A risk taker who loves music, and has contributed some of the most well crafted music of all time.
8. Kanye West This guy is well on his way to topping my list if he keeps going the way he’s been the last four albums. I think I can personally relate to his music more than any other artist on this list. I love the fact that he’s not the stereotypical Rapper of today, he’s Himself and not scared of it. He wasn’t scared to rhyme about working at the Gap on his first album instead of pretending he was a drug dealer or something like that. Things like that make me respect him on a personal level, and his music and how it just keeps getting better and better each album makes me respect him on that artistic level. He… like Prince… is always forward thinking, original and creative, gives you something outside of the norm but is still accessible to the masses. Genius!
9. Missy Elliott/Timbaland (tie) Don’t really know what I can say that hasn’t already been said about these two. They are just so far left and do their Own thing, and always have. The most unique, creative hip hop artists since they both were introduced on the scene. Admittedly, they both have fallen off considerably. Timbaland mainly because he keeps producing the same types of tracks over and over. And Missy only because she’s been gone so long. I still will love them for the great music they gave me from 1996-2002ish…
10. OutKast I honestly don’t know where to start when it comes to talking about these ATLiens Outkast. Who really knows what’s going on with them at the present moment, but they have consistently produced some of the best Hip Hop albums of all time. In fact if you ask me, “Aquemini” and “The Love Below/Speakerboxxx” are two (or three) of the best albums Period. Simply put, they have had an incredible career. The two very different personalities of Big Boi and Andre 3000 work well on their own (as best evidenced in the aforementioned double album, and even on their most recent and underrated “Idlewild” album) but are just as good and sometimes better together. And what seemingly might be taken as gimmickry (Andre 3000’s bizarre fashion sense, Big Boi’s obsession with booty in his videos) to hide minimal talents, is completely not the case with this duo because from their beginning they proved they have the skills in both delivery and their writing and production. I hope there is at least one last album from the pair, and i’d have no doubt that it would be another classic.