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Rolling Stone has officially named Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On” the greatest song of the 21st century, a recognition that has sparked widespread celebration among music lovers, industry professionals, and longtime fans. This honor is more than a ranking — it’s a tribute to an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and reshaped the possibilities of hip-hop, pop, and visual creativity.
Released in 2001, “Get Ur Freak On” quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Produced by Timbaland, the track was unlike anything that had been released at the time. Its foundation rested on bold experimentation, blending American hip-hop with South Asian musical influences — particularly the use of Punjabi melodies and rhythm structures that were rare in mainstream U.S. music. This daring fusion created a sound that felt futuristic, global, and irresistibly infectious.
Missy Elliott’s performance elevated the track even further. Her flow was sharp, playful, confident, and unpredictable, showing an artist entirely unafraid to take risks. The hook, instantly recognizable from the very first note, became an anthem across clubs, radios, and households. Missy wasn’t just rapping — she was reinventing what rap could be, proving that innovation and individuality were just as powerful as traditional lyricism or mainstream formulas.
The music video, directed by the visionary Dave Meyers, solidified the song’s legendary status. Filled with surreal visuals, bold choreography, and unexpected camera angles, the video brought Missy’s imaginative world to life. Cameos from Eve, Ludacris, Ja Rule, LL Cool J, and Timbaland added to the energy, making it feel like a celebration of creativity across the entire hip-hop community.
Every frame of the video embodied Missy’s signature style: playful yet powerful, bizarre yet brilliant. From gravity-defying stunts to vibrant fashion choices, “Get Ur Freak On” set a new standard for music videos in the early 2000s. It pushed boundaries in both visual storytelling and performance, laying the groundwork for a new era of artistic expression across genres.
The impact of “Get Ur Freak On” goes far beyond commercial success or critical acclaim. It became a blueprint — a reference point for how modern hip-hop and pop could evolve. Artists today continue to cite Missy Elliott as an inspiration, and elements of her style can be heard and seen across countless songs, videos, and performances. The track’s boldness helped normalize global musical fusion, experimental production, and creative freedom within the mainstream.
Rolling Stone’s ranking is not just a celebration of one song — it’s an acknowledgment of Missy Elliott’s profound influence on music and culture. She remains one of the most innovative, fearless, and visionary artists of her generation. Her work has shaped the sound, visuals, and creative direction of the 21st century in ways few artists ever achieve.
“Get Ur Freak On” isn’t just a hit. It’s a milestone — a cultural turning point, a creative statement, and a testament to Missy Elliott’s unmatched impact on the world of music.
