Missy Elliott

A legendary hip-hop icon joins a pop superstar on a remix that blends disco, EDM, and future bass.

Missy Elliott is featured on a remix of Dua Lipa's song "Levitating" by the Blessed Madonna, released for digital download and streaming on 13 August 2020 as the lead single from the remix album Club Future Nostalgia. The remix also features Madonna and is categorized as an EDM, electro-disco, electro house, future bass, and techno track with a throwback disco and trance vibe and an increased tempo from the original.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Melissa Arnette Elliott

Alias

Misdemeanor; Miss E

Born

1 July 1971

Birthplace

Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S.

Years active

1988–present

Occupations

Rapper
singer
songwriter
record producer
music executive

Genre

Hip-hop
R&B
progressive rap
neo soul

Discography

Recording, production

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The remix featuring Missy Elliott was released on 13 August 2020 as the lead single from Dua Lipa and the Blessed Madonna's remix album Club Future Nostalgia. The track also features Madonna, creating a rare convergence of three generations of musical royalty. The remix was categorized as an EDM, electro-disco, electro house, future bass, and techno track, with a throwback disco and trance vibe and an increased tempo from the original. The music video for this remix, directed by Will Hooper, was filmed in London and Atlanta and has a theme of "love conquers all," showing many people under the influence of a mysterious planet and being obsessed with a maze-like symbol.

Reader's Guide

This collaboration emerged as a strategic and artistic highlight on Dua Lipa's sophomore album era, designed to expand her sonic palette beyond pure disco-pop. By inviting Missy Elliott, Lipa acknowledged the hip-hop roots that underpin much of modern dance music, creating a track that seamlessly blends upbeat, synth-heavy production with gritty, rhythmic rap verses. The track achieved significant commercial success, debuting high on global charts and receiving widespread acclaim for its innovative fusion. Critics praised how the two artists balanced their distinct styles without one overpowering the other, resulting in a cohesive anthem that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The music video further cemented this bond, utilizing visual storytelling that paid homage to Elliott's groundbreaking history while maintaining Lipa's polished aesthetic. Fans received the collaboration with immense enthusiasm, viewing it as a dream team-up that validated Lipa's place among music's elite. It sparked conversations about intergenerational influence and celebrated the enduring legacy of female artists who have shaped the industry. The song remains a fan favorite for its infectious energy and the rare opportunity to hear two legends share the same sonic space.