Missy Elliott's "Rain" Redefined How Many Artists Approached Hip Hop

BY Erika Marie 7.2K Views
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In celebration of Missy's birthday today (July 1), we're revisiting one of her earliest—and favorite—hits from her catalog.

One of music's most sought-after innovators is being celebrated as Missy Elliott rings in her 51st birthday. It is difficult to label Misdemeanor as she has taken over the industry for decades as a hitmaking singer, actress, dancer, choreographer, rapper, songwriter, producer, and more, and with a beloved reputation in the game, it comes as no surprise that her peers, as well as her global fanbase, flooded her with well wishes. 

We wanted to highlight Missy's talents for her special day, so we're taking it back to 1997 when she shared her debut studio album, Supa Dupa Fly. Missy executive produced her Platinum-selling project alongside her best friend and collaborator Timbaland, and it was a record that helped map out an unmatched career.

As the world celebrates Missy Elliott, stream "Rain," one of her earliest hits and one that continues to be a cultural staple in Hip Hop. Happy Birthday to a gamechanger!


Quotable Lyrics

When the rain hits my window
I take and me some Indo
Me and Timbaland, ooh, we sang a jangle
We so tight, that you get our styles tangled
Sway on dosie-do like you loco
Can we get kinky tonight? Like Coko, so-so
You don't wanna play with my yo-yo
I smoke my hydro on the D-Low


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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