The ceremony is scheduled for November 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and will livestream on Disney+. According to Billboard, the stream will begin at 8 p.m. EST, and, rather than air on HBO at a later date like in years past, a three-hour “edited broadcast of highlights will air on ABC” on January 1, 2024, beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
Additionally on Thursday morning, September 28, the Rock Hall announced this year’s performers: Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Chaka Khan, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton, St. Vincent, and New Edition. The Rock Hall also promised that more performers will be revealed between now and the ceremony.
The 2023 inductee class was confirmed in May. Upon the news, Missy Elliott “cried all morning. Many people felt the weight of her induction, as Missy is the first-ever female rapper to earn the honor.
“Missy Elliott got in first ballot, just like Eminem got in first ballot last year and Jay-Z the year before,” So if there’s a throughline we’re seeing, it shows the power of hip-hop music culture now, as if we didn’t know it already, as far as how quickly these artists are being recognized on the first ballot,” Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Chairman John Sykes told Variety in May.
Missy Elliott is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
For months, Flyana Boss’s “You Wish” viral videos have been inescapable on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Twitter (“X” is a dumb name and I am never calling it that). Then, ahead of the release of the official music video, the duo dropped a slick remix featuring Kaliii and one of their greatest forebears in OG “weird Black girl” icon, Missy Elliott.
Today, Missy got in on the viral video action, sharing a Reel of her performing her verse from the remix. Rather than all-out sprinting through her shoot location, though, Missy goes maximal, sauntering coolly toward the camera as controlled chaos swirls around her. She even does a wardrobe change, going from a multicolored T-shirt and parachute pants to a black jumpsuit with a chain adorned by a pendant of her own head from her breakout “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video. She also throws on a monogram-print jean dress with a matching hat.
Flyana Boss — who are currently on tour with Janelle Monáe — sent their approval in the comments on Instagram, writing, “Obsessed!!!! We adore youuu!!!” with a UFO emoji. Missy wrote back, “Much love & Continued Success for you both.” That’s one way to pass the torch.
Missy Elliott is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Lil Durk has new music on the way and as artists so often do these days he took to social media to share a short snippet of the song to build up hype. In the snippet that Durk shared, fans immediately noticed a very familiar beat sampled on the song. That song is Missy Elliott’s classic hit “Get Ur Freak On” which gets a hard-hitting makeover in Durk’s version. The snippet he shares is short but laced with hard-hitting bars and adlibs.
Fans in the comments of a repost of the clip shared their thoughts on it. “Feels like im held at gunpoint being forced to dance,” reads the top comment. There’s a number of fans expressing similar takes that Durk’s hard-hitting style sounds out of place over such a danceable beat. “How I’m suppose to get my freak on to this?” another comment reads. Despite some negative comments, there are still plenty of people vibing with it. “i like it ,” reads another one of the top comments. Listen to the entire snippet below.
This new track isn’t the only one Lil Durk has coming soon. He’s also teaming up with Sexyy Red for a remix and the pair have been teasing it a lot. The way they’ve been teasing it has been particularly funny for fans. The two have been playfully taking shots back and forth at each other on social media, much to the delight of onlookers from both fanbases.
Last month, Lil Durk turned up at one of the stops on Drake’s “It’s All A Blur” tour. The rapper has been teasing a new album called For All The Dogs all summer and it’s expected to be released later this month. Durk’s appearance at a show began major speculation that he could be making an appearance on the forthcoming album. What do you think of Lil Durk sampling “Get Ur Freak On” in his new song? Let us know in the comment section below.
For months, Flyana Boss‘ breakout hit “You Wish” has dominated social media feeds while showing off all the brand deals that they’ve been swimming in. But just when it seemed like the hit had run its course — literally — the self-proclaimed “weird Black girl” duo finds their second wind, taking a victory lap with a remix featuring both a peer in fellow Atlanta hitmaker Kaliii and the original weird Black girl, Missy Elliott.
All four women hit their stride early on the new track, with Kaliii sneering at accusations of one-hit-wonderism, Folayan wondering “what we runnin’ from?” and Bobbi comparing herself to Erykah Badu because she keeps a bag (a reference to Badu’s single “Bag Lady”) and it’s “on and on” (a reference to… well… “On & On”). But then Missy takes the baton to run anchor and reminds the world why she’s in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
Flyana Boss’ breakout moment clearly still has legs — and those legs have all the potential to carry the Dallas-and-Detroit duo to the top. You can catch them live on Janelle Monáe’s The Age Of Pleasure Tour> and check out the remix of “You Wish” above.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Virginia’s own Magoo may be gone, but his legacy is a testament to the boundless creativity and innovation that define the music world. Through collaborations, experimentation, and his role in shaping musical alliances, he solidified his place in the pantheon of hip-hop legends.SOHH, here’s a tribute to the late great Magoo. A Hip-Hop Mastermind Magoo’s […]
Rap has lost one of its last true originals in Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff, who died earlier this week at the age of 50. Best known as the rhyme partner of superproducer Timbaland, Magoo occupied a unique position in the spectrum of the genre. He was much more than a sidekick, as he shared co-billing with his do-it-all bandmate, but never actually a solo artist. He was something like a combination of A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg and Outkast’s André 3000 – but at the same time, nothing like them (or anyone else, really) at all.
I was, like most rap fans in the late 1990s, introduced to Magoo through his contributions to Timbaland & Magoo’s 1997 debut album, Welcome to Our World – especially its groundbreaking singles, “Up Jumps da Boogie” and “Luv 2 Luv U” and their eye-popping music videos. Those videos dominated the music video countdown shows in a lot of ways – while they certainly usually landed high on those lists, they also stood out because there was nothing else like them.
This was the heyday of Blackground Entertainment, as it was called then under its distribution deal with Atlantic. This was when positive word-of-mouth from Aaliyah’s 1996 sophomore album One in a Million was enough to generate buzz for practically anything Timbaland touched as a producer. Ginuwine’s Ginuwine…the Bachelor and Missy Elliott’s Supa Dupa Fly were megahits of hip-hop and R&B, and then, before going solo himself, Timbaland made sure to put on his oldest friend, Magoo, who he’d met in high school along with fellow future Virginia Beach superstar Pharrell Williams.
Back then, Tim, Magoo, and Pharrell had formed A Tribe Called Quest-esque trio called Surrounded By Idiots and recorded a demo that somehow survives on YouTube to this day. Listening to it, you can hear the formation of the lyrical chemistry between Timbaland and Magoo, the off-kilter sense of humor that could disarm and charm even the most skeptical listener. What younger readers have to understand about Magoo’s style is how unique it was at the time, and how impressive it was that he and Tim decided to do their own thing on that debut.
The year before had seen the releases of something like a dozen of hip-hop’s most pivotal albums, including but not limited to Nas’ It Was Written, Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, The Fugees’ The Score, Lil Kim’s Hardcore, De La Soul’s Stakes Is High, and Redman’s Muddy Waters. Hip-hop was grimy. It was soaked in funk and soul, in gritty gangster tales and dizzying displays of internal rhyme and witty wordplay. If, in the early ‘90s, it had been a goofy teen, all bright colors and bouncy dances and The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, by the late ‘90s, it was more of a pretentious art school student, hanging up a Boondocks Saints poster in its dorm room in an effort to be taken seriously.
And into that climate came Magoo, all nasal pitch and unadorned penmanship, whose most famed lyrical quote to this day is still a hilarious flip of The Trashmen’s “Surfin’ Bird.” Yes, Tim’s soundscapes set the projects he produced apart from what the rest of the world was doing in a huge way. But his futuristic funk was anchored by the old-school leanings of his rhyme partners, Magoo and Missy Elliott, who stripped down the hyper-verbal wording of their contemporaries and just… well, rhymed.
Magoo could catch you off guard with unexpected references, and skewed boasts like, “Offbeat and on beat, old school like Beat Street / I stink like Pop’s feet, make sweat with no heat.” His verses were always worth a listen because you never knew what he was going to say next. Over the course of their partnership, Tim and Magoo released three albums, never quite reaching the heights of their first after hip-hop finally started to catch up with them. But for a time, Magoo was one of rap’s most innovative and unique voices, paired with one of its most forward-looking producers. Magoo is an indelible part of hip-hop history, a one-of-one.
Missy Elliott took to Instagram to remember her late friend Magoo. The rapper, one half of Timbaland & Magoo, passed away over the weekend at age 50.
“These are the kind of post I don’t wish on any1,” Missy Elliott wrote. “at 1st I was in shock & the more I sit the reality kicks in so many emotions. I remember when we 1st met as teenagers & you said hey my name Melvin & I laughed so hard & I said wait you really talk like that? and you said yuuuup & I kept laughing & I said what you do you said I rap & you kicked 8 bars & I said you remind me of Qtip & you said he one of my favorite emcees but your flow was VA I loved it!”
Rapper Magoo, half of Hip-Hop duo Timbaland & Magoo, has died at age 50. Playa group member Digital Black tributed Magoo on Instagram. “Man can’t believe this RIP Magoo damn big bro wasn’t ready for this at all #superfriends,” Black wrote.
Ginuwine also wrote on Instagram, “I just want everyone to know that time is short love who you love and make sure they know it.” In a second message, he expanded:
I don’t even know how to say anything at this point , I have lost 3 friends now within a month to LIFE and it’s due date ….this dude , always pushed me …I will mis you maganooo that’s what we called him ….. totally one of the best ever in my eyes always pressing forward I know we didn’t talk alot but the love was and will be always there my brotha , I will see you soon bro we all have our date and I’m expecting the bro hug when I get there I’m truly efd up right now foreal life is crazy… I hate going through this and losing people we love sometimes it makes you feel like you dont wanna feel the pain so you wanna be gone also …pain hurts ..man oh man blessings to the family all of my condolences
Magoo burst onto the Hip-Hop scene alongside Timbaland in 1989. The duo of TImbaland & Magoo were known for their single “Up Jumps Da Boogie.” Throughout their performing union, the three released three albums. Additionally, Magoo was a go to collaborator for Missy Elliott and Aaliyah throughout their careers.
There currently is no cause of death revealed. Rest in peace to Magoo.
Due to the many interesting figures that make up the genre of Hip Hop, music videos are usually a treat. While it’s a difficult task to pin down the best of the best rap music videos, it’s important to note that uniqueness is highly lauded. Many important figures in Hip Hop have become widely known for their music videos. These include Missy Elliott, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and many more.
The storytelling nature of rap has allowed many artists to exhibit great visual creativity. While some Hip Hop classics feature simplistic music videos, others take it up a notch. This could be through emotional symbolism, cartoons, futurism, or just plain joy. The following music videos are visually striking, keeping viewers glued to the screen from start to finish.
Busta Rhymes and Hype Williams co-directed the music video for “Gimme Some More.” It was shot through a fisheye lens style, featuring bright colors and wacky scenarios. Busta Rhymes has been lauded over the decades for his visual work, becoming one of the first rappers to include comedic and cartoonish swag in his music videos. “Gimme Some More” features Busta Rhymes’ signature energetic rap flow, and the music video reflects this. With frozen shots at the end of each rap bar, Busta and Hype grab viewers’ attention throughout.
Since the mid-2010s, Tobe Nwigwe has achieved a growing ascent to the mainstream. With the music video for his track “Fye Fye” ft. Fat Nwigwe, he became a viral sensation. The lyrics to “Fye Fye” are drenched in familial values and the bond between members of the Black community. In the instantly classic music video, Tobe, his wife Fat, and a host of Black dancers and hype people enjoy a wholesome rage. Decked in white and aqua green, the music video’s cast showcases Black love and excellence to viewers. There’s also a very pregnant Fat, raging alongside everyone else.
Upon release, the music video for Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” became one of the most talked about videos of all time. The symbolism in the video was unapologetically stirring, leading to much discourse. Many different opinions were revealed about the many different portions of the music video. “This Is America” was directed by Hiro Murai. It features Childish Gambino in numerous harrowing and violent scenarios. The music video depicts issues plaguing Black Americans, including racism and police brutality. Contrasted by the violent moments, is Gambino’s awkwardly funny dancing, making for an even more stirring video. “This Is America” is undoubtedly one of the best, albeit polarizing rap music videos of the 2010s.
The music video for Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” received widespread praise upon release in 2015. Shot entirely in black and white, “Alright” was filled with many artistic and symbolic imagery. The music video was shot by Colin Tilley and The Little Homies. There are many subtle ways Lamar highlights his frustrations about police brutality and the mistreatment of Black Americans. Tilley revealed to MTV that he wanted a video that “basically shows the state of everything that’s going on in the world right now.” While the video does have dark scenes, there remains an air of positivity and love that’s broadcast. Lastly, backed by Lamar’s constant proclamation that things will be alright, the music video for the To Pimp A Butterfly single offers reassurance amidst the chaos.
3. Lil Kim – “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” Ft. Da Brat, Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez & Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez (1997)
Female rap collaborations have existed since Hip Hop’s Golden Age. Nonetheless, there was a group-project type of solidarity among female rappers that has waned in recent times. “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” was a testament to the girl power that ruled the 90s rap scene. Lil’ Kim enlisted Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Angie Martinez for what is arguably the best female rap collaboration of all time. The rap song’s music video is fresh, and filled with a perfect summer vibe of everyone living their best lives. Cameos from Mary J Blige, Queen Latifah, Blaque, and more Hip Hop and R&B stars make this a truly iconic video.
On the surface level, “Hey Ya!” is a fun, funky, Hip Hop classic to dance to. However, the lyrics reveal a much more emotional and dark story of romance. Regardless, André 3000 and Big Boi leaned into the catchy beat to deliver a colorful spectacle. “Hey Ya!” is packed with a boisterous André 3000 leading multiple versions of himself while performing in London. As André 3000 says in the song, “Y’all don’t hear me! You just want to dance!” Featuring hundreds of beautiful women fawning over the star and partying in the crowd, “Hey Ya!” is still a party staple today. Importantly, the music video is also credited for reviving interest in the Polaroid picture format. Truly iconic.
One of the pioneers of striking music videos, regardless of genre, is Missy Elliott. Her music and the accompanying videos have maintained cultural relevance over the decades. Known for her futuristic sound and visuals, Missy Elliott’s single “Get Ur Freak On” is a testament to her advanced sound and eye for detail. The music video delivers on all fronts. It’s visually appealing, imaginative, properly choreographed, and has several cameos. Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Eve, LL Cool J, and Elliott’s frequent collaborator Timbaland all appear in the music video. Indeed it’s hard to pick Missy Elliot’s best music video, but “Get Ur Freak On” is one of the best rap videos, and a creative masterpiece to watch.
Missy Elliott came to the defense of the group Flyana Boss when fans on Twitter called into question the repeated use of a similar format for their music videos. Missy responded by explaining that consistency is part of the marketing strategy for many young artists.
“This old school tactic if you do a bunch of things you confuse the audience,” Missy replied to a viral tweet questioning the repetition. “They don’t know who you are. That’s why most successful artist have eras and for that era they consistently do the same style and sound so you build a particular fan base.”
She followed up by using examples of her own successful career: “Example my 1st album I wore FingerWaves the entire time. My sound was a futuristic vibe even down to the way I danced it was a jerky move. But all the elements established the type of artist I was… you must be consistent when you are a new artist.”
I promise I’m not hating, I’m legit asking; how many times they gon do the same thing in different videos for this song? pic.twitter.com/NexjcNo2be
— Thee ORIGINAL King Kusha (@AKASteffon) July 6, 2023
From there, the original account that posted the criticism thanked Missy for her constructive responses. In reply, Missy wrote: “Of course my love we are here to help each other grow and learn… I’m glad you mentioned it because I’m sure others may of thought the same but always remember a wise person ask questions! So you are one with wisdom.”