ROC4LIFE

Last week we honored some of the women who helped redefine hip-hop. Now it’s time to highlight the work of one woman in particular whose work has impacted not only one field of music but the entire industry. Missy Elliott was an instant success when she debuted in 1997. Yet her aberrant rhymes weren’t the only facets that made her unique; her music videos are what separated her from the game.

Below is a list of 5 Essential Missy Elliott Videos that showcase her incredible gift for visual entertainment. Join us as we reflect on one of the industry’s most important masterminds.

“One Minute Man”

Released in 2001 from her Miss E …So Addictive album, “One Minute Man” struck controversy with its overtly sexual lyrics, but the video’s not so subtle visuals alarmed conservative critics to a higher degree. Of course, there were several versions of this song, as everybody from Ludacris to Trina and even Jay-Z were eager to add a verse to Elliott’s anthem.

“Lose Control”

Elliott heightened the pace of her mid-tempo compositions and scored a monster club hit with “Lose Control” in 2005. Enlisting Ciara and Fat Man Scoop, the hit-maker tapped into the then popular crunk & b genre for her second biggest hit to date. “Lose Control” peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”

Of course, no list would be complete without Elliott’s debut hit, 1997′s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” Draped in a garbage bag, the rapper enthralled the MTV generation with her exaggerated features while making a statement about industry standards of slim and unrealistic beauty.

“Work It”

“Work It” remains Elliott’s biggest hit thus far. Many attribute the song’s success to its hilarious accompanying video. Featuring cameos from Tweet and a Halle Berry lookalike — who many argue may have been the actress herself — Elliott’s visual earned her the honor of “Video of the Year” at the 2003 MTV VMA, as well as the chance to perform the track alongside Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the ceremony.

“Get Ur Freak On”

Widely regarded as one of the best music videos of all time, “Get Ur Freak On” elevated Elliott to global superstar status and became her first top 10 hit in the UK. The video depicted several styles of dance, as well as animations that many had never seen combined with such innovative formats. Eleven years after its release, “Get Ur Freak On” still enjoys heavy rotation on television. A timeless video.

— Trent