Missy Elliott, the hip-hop icon, has finally embarked on her first arena tour. The 53-year-old performer brought her “Out of This World – the Missy Elliott Experience” to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Monday night. Fans were treated to a dazzling 75-minute show that was nothing short of spectacular.
Elliott’s performance was a visual feast. It combined theatrical elements, stunning costumes, and a relentless pace that kept the audience captivated throughout. The show demonstrated why Elliott is considered one of the most influential figures in hip-hop and pop music.
A Long-Awaited Debut: Missy Elliott’s First Arena Tour
Despite her three-decade career, this tour marks Elliott’s first time headlining arenas. The wait, however, seemed to have fueled her creativity and ambition. Her performance showed no signs of inexperience at this scale.
Elliott’s show was a masterclass in image-making and catalog management. It reflected her deep understanding of her music and her desire to make up for lost time. The result was a tightly packaged, visually stunning experience that left fans in awe.
Visual Extravaganza: More Than Just a Concert
Elliott’s performance was far from a traditional concert. Instead, it presented as a dynamic carnivalesque DJ set of her greatest hits. The show’s complexity rivaled recent pop spectacles like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
Comparisons were drawn to the films of Baz Luhrmann and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie”. The show seamlessly blended precision, creativity, and absurdism. This combination created a unique and unforgettable experience for attendees.
A World of Her Own: Elliott’s Unique Vision
Throughout the performance, Elliott showcased her ability to build a worldview larger than any single song. The stage was constantly alive with activity, even when Elliott herself wasn’t the focal point.
Platforms popped up from the stage and flew over the crowd. Circular screens hovered above the audience. The video backdrop featured colorfully animated clips. Fire spouted from the sides of the stage. Dancers moved in perfect synchronization.
Fashion Forward: Elliott’s Iconic Style on Display
Elliott’s outfits were a highlight of the show. She sported a graffiti-covered puffer parka and fully rhinestoned track suits. One standout piece was a black exoskeleton-like jacket with a billowing cape-cum-cocoon.
These costume choices paid homage to her iconic looks. They included a nod to her famous trash bag outfit from the “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video. Elliott’s fashion choices reinforced her status as a visual innovator in the music industry.
A Musical Journey: Hits Old and New
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Elliott’s career. It included early hits like “Sock It 2 Me” and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”. Fan favorites like “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It” also made appearances.
Elliott didn’t just stick to her own material. She also included songs she wrote or produced for other artists. This showcase demonstrated her wide-ranging influence on the music industry.
Star-Studded Affair: Special Guests Join the Party
Elliott wasn’t alone on stage. She was joined by longtime collaborator Timbaland and R&B star Ciara. Rap legend Lil’ Kim also made an appearance, celebrating female hip-hop pioneers.
Busta Rhymes, the main support act, brought his own eccentric energy to the show. He even introduced LL Cool J for a performance of their verses from Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear” remix.
