
5 Reasons We (Still) Need Missy Elliott Back

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Reason #1: We’re dying for Missy to collaborate with the rap chicks currently running the game.Remember in 1997 when Missy worked alongside Angie Martinez, Da Brat, Lil Kim and Left Eye for “Ladies Night?” We need more of that unity among women rappers. Think how big it would be if Missy were to gather Azealia Banks, Iggy Azalea and Nicki Minaj all together on one track (Missy worked with M.I.A and Azealia on a track titled “Bad Girls”). The girls could learn a thing or two from the veteran MC.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Reason #2: Missy has always been a trendsetter.Have you ever wondered what inspires Missy’s wardrobe choices? There’s no denying she has swag and isn’t afraid to push the envelope. Remember in “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video when she sported garbage bag-like garb? Or in the early 2000’s when she created an Adidas track suit frenzy?
Designing her own pieces, Missy adds her own flare to ordinary things. It’d be interesting to see what Missy’s closet looks like now and what sartorial tips we could pick up.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Reason #3: We miss Missy’s innovative visuals.From starring in a musical alongside Ciara and Fatman Scoop in 2005’s “Lose Control” (not to mention Tommy Lee’s random desert cameo) to transforming into a dark futuristic cowboy-hat-wearing, rhinestone-covered alien in 1999’s “She’s A Bitch,” Missy has always taken the unconventional trip into mainstream.
Even if the visuals don’t always match the lyrical message, they still keep you watching. Many artists these days lack the originality Missy always exuded. If Missy comes out with a visual album, a la Beyonce, the possibilities are endless.
Photo Credit: Vevo

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Reason #4: Her collaborations were epic.Missy is known for her great collaborations, whether she recruits a diverse group of artists or lends a helping hand to pop divas like Mariah Carey—see: 1999 “Heartbreaker,” alongside Da Brat. Missy has always proven to be versatile and skilled at handpicking talent. Who could forget the infectious beat and rhythm, “Get Ur Freak On,” with Timbaland behind production and Nelly Furtado’s vocals? We’d like to see who Missy chooses from this generations’ new artist to work with—her J. Cole collaboration, "Nobody's Perfect," was pretty much fire.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Reason #5: We need an old-school female rapper back.Let’s face it: Lil Kim is on mommy duty; Foxy Brown is unheard from these days, and who knows what Da Brat has been up to since being released from jail. While there’s a solid presence in the female rap game with Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks, it’d be epic to have someone from an older generation make a comeback and show these kids what true innovation looks like.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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