“Work It” is the first single from Missy Elliott’s 2002 fourth album Under Construction. She wrote the song with friend and producer Timbaland and they were inspired by ’80s hip-hop. Timbaland sampled music from that era including Run DMC’s “Peter Piper” and “Request Line” by Rockmaster Scott & The Dynamic Three. The song was noted for the lyric “I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it” which was played in reverse. Dave Meyers directed the quirky video with tributes to Aaliyah and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Dancer and graffiti writer Mr. Wiggles of the Rock Steady Crew appeared in the video. Missy was covered in live bees, swallowed a car, and defied gravity in the clip which won Video of the Year at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. The remix of “Work It” features 50 Cent. “Work It” is Missy’s most successful single and was one more innovative step in a career that paved the way for countless rappers after her. Missy’s Out Of This World Tour with Ciara and Busta Rhymes starts on July 4th.
