Missy Elliott returns to "Throw it back"

Missy released a new EP Iconography. Obviously she gave us a music video too. Who you think this is?!

As has been a thing with Missy since her 4th album Under construction, "Throw it back" is all about paying homage to what was and should be. But it's a different take this time. Missy isn't just bragging about paying homage to classic figures in Rap of yesteryear, but herself.

An induction into the Songwriters hall of fame and her long overdue Video vanguard award (which she'll be honoured with at the VMA's on August 26th) officiate Missy within the mainstream. But even before these achievements, Missy could brag all day long. Her impact, influence and artistry ain't ever been in question. She been that bitch. Damn right homage should be paid.

Missy gives you about 4 different concepts in one video which could have made 1 video in itself. We coulda had a whole video of Missy and her dancers in colour changing suits for 4 minutes and it woulda been bomb. A whole video of Missy on the moon and it woulda been bomb. A whole video of Missy in a Cadillac rickshaw and that fly ass MCM outfit and it woulda been bomb.

Still serving looks. Still having some of the baddest dancers. Still giving black women work. Still creative. The consistency. Gurl.

It's easy to forget the influence that Missy has had because it manifests in so many different ways across so many different types of artists. It's not as obvious to see Missy's influence in the same way it is to see Janet Jackson's in Britney, Ciara and Jennifer Lopez - because they have all looked and sounded just like her at some point and emulated a very specific thing of hers. Missy's influence goes beyond artists just 'being' like her. Missy's influence can be seen in P!nk's music videos, Kendrick Lamar's, in CupcakKe's music, Lizzo's embracing of her own 'weirdness', Janelle Monáe's acceptance of her kookiness, in the vocal production of Justin Timberlake's songs which are produced by Timbaland. Missy's net of influence has been cast so wide. Wider than she probably realises. But what is great is that she is now aware that she HAS had an influence and is in a place to humble brag it and let everybody know it.

Missy been deserved.