Justin Charity, a senior staff writer at The Ringer known for his keen insights into music and culture, joins to talk about Missy Elliott's monumental impact on hip-hop. They delve into her legacy, focusing on the groundbreaking nature of 'Work It' and its unforgettable lyrics. The conversation celebrates Missy's resilience, unique artistry, and revolutionary music videos. Charity also elaborates on the challenges she faced alongside Timbaland, emphasizing how their partnership transformed the genre and left an indelible mark on future artists.
Missy Elliott's induction of 'Work It' into the 60 Songs Hall of Fame highlights her significant impact on hip-hop and pop music.
Rob Harvilla shares a humorous anecdote from DJ camp that illustrates the challenges of learning to mix music in a social setting.
The podcast discusses Missy Elliott's innovative songwriting and production techniques, showcasing her lasting influence on contemporary artists and music culture.
Deep dives
Introduction to New Music Scene
The podcast introduces the vibrant music scene of 80s and 90s Britain, highlighting influential genres such as Madchester, Baggy, Shoegaze, and Britpop. This exploration intends to connect listeners with iconic bands and artists that shaped this cultural landscape. The host emphasizes the significance of understanding these genres for a comprehensive appreciation of contemporary music. A focus on British music during this era showcases a diverse range of sounds and styles that have influenced modern music.
Personal Anecdotes from DJ Camp
The host shares humorous and relatable experiences from attending DJ school, known as DJ camp, where he faced the challenges of performing in front of younger peers. A memorable incident involves trying to beat-match various songs, leading to an entertaining disaster that include a mix of artists such as Wyclef Jean and Chingy. This personal narrative illustrates the steep learning curve of DJing and the awkwardness of adolescence. Furthermore, it highlights the culture around music mixing and the effort required to engage an audience.
The Evolution of Hip-Hop and Missy Elliott's Impact
The discussion shifts to the evolution of hip-hop, particularly focusing on Missy Elliott as a pivotal figure within the genre. The host reflects on how Elliott's unique sound and style resonate with both nostalgia and contemporary influences. Her ability to blend humor and seriousness in her lyrics sets her apart in a landscape that often prioritizes bravado and self-aggrandizement. This analysis underscores the significance of Elliott's contributions to not just hip-hop, but to music as a whole, inspiring future generations of artists.
Examining 'Work It' as a Cultural Milestone
'Work It' by Missy Elliott is presented as a quintessential track, encapsulating her artistic vision and versatility. The song's clever wordplay, catchy beat, and innovative sampling are highlighted as reasons for its lasting impact on both pop and hip-hop music. The host discusses the emotional undercurrents present in the song and its music video, drawing connections to personal loss, particularly the passing of Aaliyah. This examination emphasizes how Elliott intertwines celebration with moments of sorrow, showcasing her depth as an artist.
Missy Elliott's Legacy and Influence
Finally, the podcast delves into Missy Elliott's ongoing legacy and influence on current artists within the music industry. The conversation examines how her innovative approaches to songwriting and production resonate with contemporary artists, reflecting her role as a trailblazer. The host posits that while Elliott may not have released music frequently in recent years, her sporadic appearances remind audiences of her transformative contributions. Ultimately, this discussion affirms Elliott's status as a key figure in music history and her ability to inspire new generations.
Join us in a moment of 60 Songs history being made as Missy Elliott becomes the first artist with not one, but two songs in the 60 Songs hall of fame with “Work It” added to the mix. In celebration, Rob shares memories from his time at DJ camp as well as a list of some of his favorite songs of all time! Stay and hear Justin Charity join the mix and discuss Missy’s legacy and Virginia’s impact on hip-hop.