Not too many musicians can reach the sonically creative, innovative and unprecedented heights Missy Elliott has managed. Although younger generations may have just sampled their first taste of her music at this year's Super Bowl, she's been slaying the games since the 1990s. Misdemeanor changed the female emcee game and earned her place in history, producer/rapper/singer/showrunner extraordinaire, leaving an entire generation of entertainers in her wake.
And in Missy's own words, that's no accident. 
You can’t say Missy Elliott’s name without mentioning her avant-garde videos that pushed buttons and held attention over the decades. Which is why we’re celebrating the five-time Grammy award-winner's 44th birthday with 14 of her most memorable music videos.
1. The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), 1997
Everyone put on a garbage bag and stood in front of a fan after seeing this Hype William’s directed video, right? Well, if not, they at least thought about doing it. Regardless, this video changed the way people thought about hip-hop in a major way.
2. Work It, 2002
We don’t know exactly what Missy was saying in the chorus but we damn sure sing along every time it plays.
3. Lose Control, 2005
Even if Misdemeanor didn’t say so, it would be hard to not get your back off the wall when this jam comes on.
4. The Things You Do, 1996
This was one Missy's first appearance on Gina Thompson's 1996 debut album, though Thompson's music career wasn't as fruitful as Missy's. Talk about nostalgia!
5. Pass That Dutch, 2003
That’s right. Regina George’s intro music for Mean Girls wouldn’t have been possible without Missy. Your welcome. Now pay homage.
6. One Minute Man, 2001
Because who wants a one minute man? Missy will remove her head from her body and let you know that she surely doesn’t.
7. Hot Boyz, 1999
Out with the minute men and in with the "Hot Boyz.” Hey boo!
8. Ladies Night, 1997
O.K., that's enough talk about the fellas. Missy accompanied a star-studded female emcee team on this single. With Lil Kim, Da Brat, Left Eye and Angie Martinez on the mic, there was no doubting the influence in this track.
9. Gossip Folks, 2003
This is another example of not knowing what the hell the they're saying on the hook -- sampled from Frankie Smith’s “Double Dutch Bus” -- but being completely here for the song. Missy shut down every single hater that had something to say with “Gossip Folks.” "I know ya'll poor ya'll broke/Ya'll job jus hanging up clothes/Step to me get burnt like toast," she raps. They’re still bowing down, we’re sure.
10. Hit Em Wit Da Hee, 1997
Just when you forgot Missy could sing, she hit you “wit da hee.” Though early in her career, Missy gave us a taste of her artistic flare as she straddles a metal, fire-breathing horse.
11. Get Ur Freak On, 2001
Because what’s better than Missy Elliott swinging from chandeliers to the beat of an Indian tumbi.
12. Beep Me 911, 1998
This was probably one of her most slept on music videos. Missy turned everything into a doll playhouse to deliver the news to tell the guy she's that he's scum. Now that's a boss move.
13. Sock It To Me, 1997
The visuals to this song were literally out of this world as Missy explored a remote while battling alien robots, infusing hip-hop and Mega Man.
14. She's A B***h, 1999
Missy's metallic theme and snazzy costumes are everything in this video. And check out that whip.
Happy birthday, Missy! Stay supa dupa fly.
Before You Go
