Missy Elliott showcase her African roots, long cornrows spelled out: ‘Missy’

Missy Elliott is an icon in hip-hop and R&B, but she proved that her African roots run deep in her most recent work. In her music video for the track “DripDemeanor,” off her Iconology EP, Missy tapped into traditional African dance and fashion.

The first female hip-hop rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame had been a force to be reckoned with in the mid-2000s. Not only is she a Grammy Award-winning artist, but she’s also the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

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The Iconology album cover featured the legendary artist posing in African print fabric, topped with a headdress made out of golden braids spelled out as “Missy.” She never fails to astound the world with her artistry, but this time her message was clear: she wants to be remembered for things beyond just her music career but to ensure it’s legacy is felt.

Her delightfully surreal video featuring guest vocals from Sum1, is a perfect example of this cultural celebration – complete with futuristic goth punk outfits, bodysuits and Someone singing from the top story of a building made out of Missy’s hair, as well as Missy’s sunglasses changing in time with the beat- purely genius!

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These fun visuals all come together to echo and reflect the bold imagery seen on her Iconology cover, which showcased her proudly wearing long cornrows which is a symbol of ancestral creativity. It’s clear that African culture has played a heavy role in Missy Elliott’s musical career.