Missy Elliott, Gossip Folks | Rap BNGRZ 🔥

In the 19th edition of Rap BNGRZ 🔥 (2023), we break down the banger status of “Gossip Folks,” performed by Missy Elliott featuring Ludacris.

Bring on the braggadocio, drip, sex, and kicka$$ery, WOO! You’ve entered Rap BNGRZ 🔥 territory! On Rap BNGRZ 🔥 (bangers being the proper spelling), the premise is simple. Rap BNGRZ provides background info and commentary on cocky, confident, ferocious hip-hop/rap songs. The bangers can be brand-spanking-new or certified classics. In the 19th edition of Rap BNGRZ 🔥 (2023), we break down the banger status of 🎵 “Gossip Folks” performed by 🎙 Missy Elliott. 

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“When I walk up in the piece / I ain’t gotta even speak / I’m a bad mamajama / Goddammit, motherfucker, you ain’t gotta like me!” WOO! Now that’s some confidence right there, 🎙 Missy Elliott. Despite the fact that the 🏆 Grammy-winning rapper slowed down after her 2005 album, 💿 The Cookbook, her iconic status, particularly as a female rapper, is indisputable.  Among Elliott’s many hits, 🎵 “Gossip Folks”, from her 2022 masterpiece, 💿 Under Construction, ranks as one of the most beloved, top-tier moments.  Here, Missy exudes confidence, exhibits creative and innovative spirit, and shows off that marvelous, idiosyncratic personality.  Those opening lyrics from the first verse kick ass and take names – legendary! It shouldn’t come as a shock that “Gossip Folks” peaked at no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. #SLAY QUEEN! 

It doesn’t stop there for Missy Elliott and “Gossip Folks,” of course! What about that wild sample in the chorus? It sounds ridiculous, yet it snaps something fierce! Furthermore, there are additional samples that make this 🎛 Timbaland co-production the sugar honey iced tea that it is.  Honestly, his work behind the boards on this track alone is some of the most electrifying of the aughts! Besides two stellar verses of her own, where she puts these “Bitches [who] wanna talk shit” in their place, Missy gets an assist from fellow 🏆 Grammy winner, 🎙 Ludacris in the third verse? “Once upon a time in College Park/ Where they live life fast, and they scared of dark/ There was a little nigga by the name of Chris.” WOO! We get enamored by the new wave of female rappers but let’s not forget that Missy Elliott was that girl, NO 🚫 CAP🧢!  

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🎙 Missy Elliott • 💿 Under Construction • 🏷 Elektra Entertainment • 📅 2002 

Missy Elliott, “Gossip Folks”: Rap BNGRZ 🔥 No. 19 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Elektra Entertainment; cottonbro studio via Pexels]