Missy Elliott Crafts ‘Get Ur Freak On,’ the Century’s Top Song

Missy Elliott expressed her excitement and gratitude upon learning that her iconic track “Get Ur Freak On,” released in 2001, has been named the greatest song of the 21st century by Rolling Stone. During an interview on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, she shared her reflections on the song and hinted at her plans for new music.
Missy Elliott’s Creative Journey
Following her 2019 EP “Iconology,” Elliott is actively working on new material. She describes her upcoming work as experimental and promises fans, “I got some stuff coming. Some fire.”
Upcoming Tour: Out of This World
Elliott is also preparing for her first-ever headlining tour, titled “Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience.” The 2024 tour will include 30 arena dates. Elliott emphasized her hope to repeat her successful tour, saying, “Hopefully the spaceship will go back out again.”
The Creation of “Get Ur Freak On”
The inception of “Get Ur Freak On” almost did not happen. Producer Timbaland was ready to leave the studio when Elliott insisted on recording one more song. She recalled how Timbaland inadvertently created the beat that inspired the song while trying to wrap things up.
- Hook Inspiration: Elliott was influenced by the go-go music scene in Washington, D.C., which features chant-like hooks. She aimed for simplicity to ensure audience sing-along.
- Choreography Focus: With her extensive background in dance, Elliott envisioned choreography while crafting the song.
- Visual Concept: She further explained that the creative process includes visualizing the music video, describing the track’s beat as reminiscent of a “hip-hop thriller.”
Legacy and Influence
“Get Ur Freak On” continues to resonate in the music industry, showcasing Elliott’s unique style and creative vision. Fans eagerly anticipate her forthcoming music and tour.
To hear the complete interview and explore more about the making of “Get Ur Freak On,” tune into the full episode of Rolling Stone Music Now available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.