Ever since I covered that Paris Hilton interview in W Magazine, I’ve been feeling some low-key nostalgia for the late ‘90s-early ‘00s gossip culture. Like, it was a simpler time. Paris Hilton invented the “famous for no reason” thing. Actresses wore funky vintage dresses to the Oscars. Gwyneth Paltrow was a huge deal. Everyone wore chunky shoes, then everybody wore Jimmy Choos. The music was more fun. Since it feels like that era is coming back, it makes sense that 2017 is the year of Missy Elliott’s big comeback too. Missy went away for years, but over the past two years or so, she’s started making the first steps into coming back to public life. Her new album comes out this year, she’s got a documentary, and she’ll probably be touring too. So, that’s why Missy covers the June issue of Elle Magazine. I love it. We need some Missy. Here are the highlights from Elle:
On the iconic plastic-bag suit in “The Rain”: “To me, the outfit was a way to mask my shyness behind all the chaos of the look. Although I am shy, I was never afraid to be a provocative woman. The outfit was a symbol of power. I loved the idea of feeling like a hip-hop Michelin woman. I knew I could have on a blow-up suit and still have people talking. It was bold and different. I’ve always seen myself as an innovator and a creative unlike any other.”
On publicity in the Twitter era: “One thing I won’t do is compromise. I will never do something based on what everybody else is telling me to do. And have to kick myself in the ass every night. Nah. I have to make sure that it’s right. I’ve been through so many stumbling blocks to build a legacy, so I wouldn’t want to do something just to fit in. Because I never fit in. So….”
I’m not sure if the plastic-bag suit was a symbol of power, but it was a really cool and iconic visual. I loved her music videos and director Hype Williams did an amazing job of creating the “world of Missy,” which was always going to be strange and visual and hypnotic. Sigh… I’m so glad she’s back.
Photos courtesy of Mark Seliger/Elle.
Nobody wears a tracksuit like Missy. Love that blue lipstick.
She’s coming for all of you “queens’.
Sooo happy she’s making new music. She’s a gotdamn legend.
Yes, I did.
Who can NOT like Missy????? She’s always been amazing & no one can put on a show like she can!
Yes. But I love WTF, so I say she’s been back for a while.
Such a good song!
That’s one of my favorite gym songs. When I don’t feel like doing my next set I put on WTF and get to it.
Missy is everything. I love her smile.
Yes, adore her.
That cover is *amazing*.
I love the way they did her eyes.
That bag suit was absolutely a symbol of power!
Missy was so skilled she could look like that. Name one other women of that era who could have done that and kept her fans. Missy wasn’t showing skin and trying to be sexy. She was the first time I saw a black woman just want to have fun or make a statement with her look, not necessarily try to be pretty or sexy for a man. It was a huge deal. Missy proved that with talent you could succeed without a cute look. (Note: I think Missy is gorgeous but in 90s hip hop she was not considered a looker. )
So glad she’s back.
Finally some good news.
Heck yea. Missy is one of the BEST in the game.
I love her.
MY QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best news I’ve had…although I have never stopped playing Missy!! “I’m Better” is amazing. I cannot wait for the rest of it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Missy Forever!!!
Love missy! Welcome back!