by Ursula Rogers

Austinites experienced a truly interactive and intergalactic experience as part of the ‘Out of This World Tour. Thursday night Timberland, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Missy ‘Misdemeanor’ Elliot landed in Austin as part of the tour. The vibes were special as Missy has collaborated with all these artists over the years and they still have a relationship. Many people dressed in old school Adidas track suits, silver ensembles, and other cool outfits to celebrate this legendary occasion. With 30 years in the game, Hip Hop icon and legendary pioneer Missy Elliot is just now headlining her first tour. It was well worth the wait.

With this musical event for all the senses who better to open the show than Missy partner in rhyme (and beat making) Timberland? With a list a of hits that span decades Timberland entertained the audience with countless hits he produced. His DJ played hits he’s written for Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake lake Jay Z, and UGK. It was difficult to not sing and dance along to those tracks. My only critique is it would have been a better idea to play the UGK verse during “Big Pimpin.” They are Texas legends. He also dazzled with his dope beat boxing skills. Which is often a forgotten part of Hip Hop culture. Timberland was a perfect artist to begin our voyage. As Missy once said, “Me and Tim been hot since 20 years ago.” It’s a testament to the timelessness of their music and their bond.

Ciara burst onto the music scene around 20 years ago with her debut single “Goodies” which was a perfect time capsule for that era. To the point that current hitmakers such as Victoria Monet has paid homage to Ciara and “Goodies” in current songs like “On My Mama.” Ciara bursts in with gravity defying dance moves and earned the moniker “Princess of Crunk N B.” She embodied quintessential aspects of young adulthood. Ciara and her dancers ripped up their set. Ciara had a baby less than 8 months ago yet managed to sing and dance along a slanted stage. 

Her set began with her debut single “Goodies” with her backup dancers dressed in a similar fashion to the original music video. During her hit with Texas native Chamillionaire, “Get Up” Ciara leapt into the air and landed into a split! She also made sure to highlight her dancers. She had dancers of various shapes and sizes. It’s nice to see the amount of respect she has for them. Like all the performers Ciara certainly reminded me of when I first heard her music and it managed to sound new. Which says wonders to the quality and production value. I was also pleasantly surprised by her vocals. Ciara, born in Texas said, “[it]feels so good to be here with you tonight and feel this special love. That’s how we down in Texas, baby.” She also offered words of encouragement to her fans. “If you believe in it, it’s possible. Love you guys so much… thank you!” Even as she left the stage the crowd proceeded to clap for a significant amount of time. Ciara felt appreciated in the moment and seemed overwhelmed by it all. It was deserved she put on a great show.

Busta Rhymes was up next. Someone who nearly matched Missy’s energy and music video style. She has even playfully referred to him as her twin. Their style was unmatched. If I had to name a current artist with innovative music videos close to their level is Philly native Teirra Whack.Busta Rhymes is a true performer. His stage presence is phenomenal. Joined by his constant hype man Spliff Starr the two were old friends having a fun time. They just happen to be performing in front of thousands of people. Busta and Spliff performed hits such as “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See “and “Ante Up.” 

His collaborations with Janet Jackson “What’s It Gonna Be?” and Mariah Carey “I Know What You Want.” Some crowd favorites include his verse in the Chris Brown song “Look At Me Now.”  For this song Busta suggested the audience get out their phones to marvel at this verse. Busta is more than someone who raps fast his vocal dexterity is otherworldly. He possesses impressive musicality and breath control. He ended the set in true Hip Hop fashion by spraying the crowd with alcohol and performing  “Pass The Courvoisier” Everyone was hype and clearly had a good time. He was the perfect performer to help energize the already hype crowd before Missy graced the stage.

The stage was set up like a spaceship even the ceiling had projections. The spaceship expanded over the crowd. Before Missy set foot on stage we were introduced to some 3D projections of Missy Elliot from different eras of her career. They welcomed us to ride through the cosmos, “As we get ready for take-off, please make sure your lace-fronts are fastened tight. We are expecting some turbulence as we pass Planet Sock It to Me and Planet Lose Control.”

 On stage the door lit up and slid open as Missy’s opener “Throw it Back’ floated through the air. I didn’t sit down once she stepped on stage. The production was incredible. It was a real life version of her music video on stage. For the performance of ‘Pass That Dutch” “corn fields” were brought on stage as dances moved in the style of Dutch dance. From the graphics to stage design to costume design. Missy Elliot had at least 4 costumes changes. Some of the looks were inspired by her music videos. Her first outfit was inspired by her outfit in the “Sock It 2 Me” music video. 

Of course, Missy’s videos are known for the choreography. There were also special interludes that featured the talent on stage to a higher degree. One of my favorites was the ‘Singin’ in The Rain” interlude before her performance of “I Can’t Stand The Rain.” This interlude paid homage to the Gene Kelly with a modern twist that included flips and elements of breakdance. Missy set the standard decades ago and still does.

A personal highlight was during ‘Work It” when Missy walked through the crowd and gave hugs to various fans. Towards the end of her performance Timberland, Busta Rhymes, and Ciara joined her on stage to performed some of their collaborations. When she and Ciara performed “Loose Control”  I could barely contain my excitement. I loved the way they vibed together and everyone’s camaraderie. She performed 26 songs for illustrious career and fans felt the love.

 Missy Elliot’s musical and cultural impact can’t be stated enough. It’s often referred to as futuristic and out of this world. It’s true, her music will be relevant, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. There is no way to state the impact she has had this world and even on my life. Dance don’t walk to see this experience in person. 

01. Goodies”
02. “Get Up”
03. “Oh”
04. “Wind It Up”
05. “Ride”
06. “Body Party”
07. “Promise”
08. “Run It Up”
09. “I Bet”
10. “So What” (Field Mob cover)
11. “Drop Your Love”
12. “How We Roll”
13. “Like a Boy”
14. “1, 2 Step”
15. “Level Up”

Busta Rhymes setlist 01.

“Respect My Conglomerate”
02. “Ante Up (Remix)” (M.O.P. cover)
03. “As I Come Back”
04. “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”
05. “Make It Clap”
06. “Uh Oooh (Remix)” (Lumidee cover)
07. “Touch It”
08. “I Know What You Want”
09. “What’s It Gonna Be?!”
10. “Master Fard Muhammad”
11. “Look at Me Now” (Chris Brown cover)
12. “All I Do Is Win (Remix)” (DJ Khaled cover)
13. We Are the Champions( Queen Cover)
14. “Break Ya Neck”

Poison Dance break
15. “Pass The Courversier”

Missy Elliott’s 2024 Tour Setlist:

1.Throw It Back

2.Cool Off

3.We Run This

4 My People

5.Sock It 2 Me

6.I’m Really Hot

Singing In the Rain interlude

7.The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)

8.I’m Better

9.She’s a Bitch

10.Gossip Folks

11.All n My Grill

12.Get Ur Freak On

13.Lick Shots

14.One Minute Man

15.Hot Boyz

16.Beep Me 911

17.DripDemeanor

18.Pussycat

19.Bad Man

20.Ching-A-Ling

21.WTF (Where They From)

22.Work It

23.Pass That Dutch

24.Up Jumps Da Boogie (Timbaland & Magoo cover)

25.Touch It (Busta Rhymes cover)

26.Lose Control