Earlier this week, Rolling Stone unveiled its highly anticipated list: “The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far.” Topping the list at No. 1? None other than Missy Elliott’s groundbreaking hit, “Get Ur Freak On.”
“…It was a challenge, a dare, the sound of Miss E and Timbaland defying everyone else to keep up with the future or get left behind,” Rolling Stone wrote. The publication continued:
“And after more than two decades, ‘Get Ur Freak On’ still sounds like the future — everything vibrant and inventive and cool about 21st-century pop is in here somewhere.”
Released in 2001 as part of Elliott’s third studio album, Miss E… So Addictive, the track quickly cemented her status as a hip-hop innovator. It peaked at No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a signature anthem for fans worldwide.
Missy Elliott’s Legacy in Numbers
Miss E… So Addictive debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200, selling 250,000 copies in its first week. The album was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA, solidifying Elliott’s dominance in early 2000s hip-hop.
In 2002, Elliott’s revolutionary sound earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Get Ur Freak On” at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards—a moment that confirmed her impact on both the genre and mainstream music.
Fans and critics alike have continued to celebrate Elliott’s trailblazing approach, with Rolling Stone calling her collaboration with Timbaland “timeless, inventive, and unmatched in creativity.”
Legal Victory: Settling a Long-Running Lawsuit
While Missy continues to bask in her musical accolades, August 2025 brought her a long-awaited legal win. Elliott finally settled a seven-year lawsuit with producer Terry Williams, closing a chapter that had followed her for years.
The dispute revolved around Williams’ claims that he helped write several songs during Elliott’s early career, including tracks from her group Sista’s 1994 project, 4 All the Sistas Around Da World. Williams argued that Elliott had released the material without giving him proper credit or compensation.
He even tried to link his claims to Aaliyah’s 1996 single “Heartbroken,” but U.S. District Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro ruled in August 2024 that this attempt was too late, coming more than two decades after the original work. The settlement officially ended the long-standing conflict, allowing Elliott to focus on her legacy and future projects.
Why “Get Ur Freak On” Still Feels Ahead of Its Time
What makes “Get Ur Freak On” so enduring? It’s Missy Elliott’s fearless creativity, Timbaland’s futuristic production, and a willingness to push boundaries in rhythm, flow, and sound design. The track blends hip-hop, world beats, and innovative electronic elements in a way that still feels fresh to new listeners.
“Missy and Timbaland didn’t just make a song—they created an era-defining moment,” Rolling Stone wrote. “Even now, artists across genres are influenced by the fearless experimentation of this track.”
From music festivals to TikTok trends, “Get Ur Freak On” continues to resonate with fans old and new, proving the track’s lasting cultural impact.
Missy Elliott’s Ongoing Influence
Beyond her chart-topping hits and Grammy wins, Elliott’s influence extends to fashion, music videos, and cultural style, inspiring generations of female rappers and pop artists. She’s a symbol of innovation, resilience, and authenticity, and Rolling Stone’s latest recognition underscores why she remains at the forefront of music history.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate her No. 1 ranking, flooding platforms with clips, throwbacks, and personal stories about what the song has meant to them over the years.
What’s Next for Missy Elliott?
With her legal battles settled and her musical legacy firmly established, Missy Elliott continues to shape the future of music. Fans can expect more collaborations, performances, and, perhaps, new music that pushes boundaries like she’s always done.
What are your favorite Missy Elliott hits? Did you expect “Get Ur Freak On” to top Rolling Stone’s list? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!
