logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2022
54m 25s

Missy Elliott

Pushkin Industries
About this episode

Missy Elliott is one of popular music's greatest innovators. This year is the 25th anniversary of Missy’s classic debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. When that album dropped, Missy’s unconventional rhyme schemes paired with her childhood friend Timbaland’s futuristic production set a precedent for what was creatively possible in hip-hop. And throughout her career, Missy’s maintained that same level of playful creativity.

This year Missy broke records when she was recognized as having more platinum albums than any other female rapper. She’s also the first female MC to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for songs she's written for Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah’s biggest hits: “One In A Million,” and “If Your Girl Only Knew.”

Today Rick Rubin talks to Missy Elliott about her wide-reaching influence and creative process. She explains what it was like writing for Aaliyah, who was one of the first artists to embrace Missy and Timbaland’s unique style. She also talks about why she and Timbaland made a pact not to listen to any other music while recording her debut album.

Subscribe to Broken Record’s YouTube channel to hear all of our interviews:  https://www.youtube.com/brokenrecordpodcast and follow us on Twitter @BrokenRecord

You can also check out past episodes here: https://brokenrecordpodcast.com

Hear a playlist of all of our favorite Missy Elliott songs HERE.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
Drew Holcomb (Live from NYC's Cherry Lane Theatre)
<p>In July, Malcolm Gladwell taped a live episode of Broken Record at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City. It was a wonderful night of conversation and music. Drew Holcomb&mdash;a Memphis native who has spent the past 20 years performing with his band, The Neighbors&mdash;jo ... Show More
1h 18m
Nov 18
S.G. Goodman
<p>When S.G. Goodman released her debut album, Old Time Feeling, in 2020, critics hailed it as a stunning introduction to a bold new voice in Americana. Co-produced with Jim James of My Morning Jacket, the album showcased Goodman's ability to balance classic Southern sounds with ... Show More
47m 47s
Nov 11
Heavyweight Presents: The Messenger
We’re excited to share an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, Heavyweight, a new addition to the Pushkin slate of shows. Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, creates space for difficult conversations and resolving long-standing regrets and unanswered questions. Balan ... Show More
38m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
QLS Classic: Monie Love
<p>This Questlove Supreme Classic with the legendary&nbsp;Monie Love was taped in 2021. The "Ladies First" collaborator has used her platform to elevate women and spread the message. One of Hip-Hop's first widely recognized MCs from another continent, Monie continues her passion ... Show More
2h 40m
Nov 2020
ANTHEMS: Missy Elliott — Work It
Cultural critic Ivie Ani breaks down how Missy Elliott broke into the pantheon of anthems, and how she changed the scope of who could belong. Songs Discussed Missy Elliott - Work It Blondie - Heart of Glass RUN-DMC - Peter Piper Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three - Request Lin ... Show More
36m 54s