Missy Elliott, the multi-talented rapper, singer, producer, and Grammy-winning icon, delivered a historic performance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Monday night, Aug. 12.
As part of her first-ever headlining tour, Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience, Missy brought the house down with a star-studded lineup and surprise appearances that made for an unforgettable night in New York City.
Despite being a trailblazer in the music industry since her 1997 debut Supa Dupa Fly, it’s surprising to learn that this tour marks Missy’s first time headlining solo.
Known for opening for legends like Michael Jackson and co-headlining with superstars like Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, Missy’s long-awaited solo tour is a celebration of her unparalleled legacy.
The show is packed with hits, jaw-dropping visuals, and performances from guests like Timbaland, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes, each delivering their own electrifying sets.
But the real magic happened when Lil’ Kim shocked the crowd by emerging from beneath the stage to perform her 2003 classic, “The Jump Off.”
The unexpected collaboration between two hip-hop legends had the audience in a frenzy, solidifying the night as a milestone moment in both artists’ careers.
Missy’s setlist, spanning over 25 tracks, reminded everyone why she remains one of the most innovative forces in hip-hop. Whether floating above the crowd during “Gossip Folks” or commanding the stage with bold choreography during “Get Ur Freak On,” her performance was a masterclass in creativity.
Known for her boundary-pushing style, Missy’s show was a visual feast filled with UFO-themed imagery, eccentric fashion, and quirky set designs that only she could pull off.
In typical Missy fashion, the spotlight was shared generously with her collaborators.
Timbaland joined her for a nostalgic run-through of “Up Jumps Da Boogie,” while Busta Rhymes brought his rapid-fire energy to their joint performance of “Touch It.” Ciara capped off the night with a high-octane rendition of “Lose Control,” leaving the audience hyped as the show concluded. Ciara also surprised fans by bringing out Lady London, Lola Brooke, and even the New York Liberty’s WNBA mascot, Ellie the Elephant, for a fun moment that had everyone dancing.
Busta Rhymes didn’t just bring his legendary flow; he made history by performing “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” live with LL COOL J for the first time. His set also featured appearances by Rah Digga and members of Flipmode Squad, reinforcing the night’s theme of hip-hop unity across generations.
The energy at Barclays Center was electric as Missy’s tour highlighted her commitment to uplifting fellow artists and celebrating the culture that shaped her career. As she continues to influence the next generation of hip-hop, Missy Elliott proves that the sky’s the limit when legends come together.
The Out of This World tour is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of hip-hop excellence and a reminder that Missy Elliott’s influence in the industry is as powerful as ever.