Missy Elliott returns with ‘Iconology,’ drops first single

Missy Elliott is throwing it back with a surprise new EP. On Friday (Aug. 23), the iconic rapper dropped five new songs without a peep. Titled Iconology, the record features four new songs (“Throw it Back,” “Cool Off,” “Drip Demeanor,” and “Why I Still Love You”) and an acapella version of one of the new tunes.

Hours before unleashing the EP to the world, Missy made the announcement via social media.

“At midnight tonight I’m dropping a collection of new songs!” she wrote on Twitter.

“Let’s #ThrowItBack” to a time when music just felt good and made us want to dance.”

All the tracks on Iconology were produced by Missy as well as Timbaland and Wili Hendrix.

To coincide with the record’s release Missy also premiered the music video for the album’s first single “Throw it Back.” Watch the four-minute clip above.

Iconology is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

Iconology features Missy’s first new set of tunes since 2005’s The Cookbook. While things have been quiet at Camp Missy Elliott over the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean she’s been entirely out of the spotlight. She’s recently joined forces with Ariana Grande on her Sweetener track “Borderline,” and Lizzo for her smash single “Tempo.”

IMTV recently announced that Missy will be presented with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the upcoming 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. The award will be presented during the live broadcast of the show on Monday, Aug. 26.

Because receiving a prestigious award isn’t enough, Missy also made history earlier this year as the first female hip-hop artist, and the third-ever rapper, to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In addition to everything Missy has accomplished so far in 2019, she recently received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. This makes her the first female rapper to receive an honorary doctorate from the prestigious institution.

As she signed in her Iconology announcement tweet, you can now call her Dr. Melissa “Missy” Elliott.

Dua Lipa, Ciara, Missy Elliott added to American Music Awards lineup

Dua Lipa, Missy Elliott, and Ciara have joined an already packed list of performers for this year’s American Music Awards. On Friday (Sept. 28), Dick Clark Productions and ABC formally announced the latest additions to their top 20 radio-centric awards show roster. First-time nominee Lipa will perform her self-titled debut’s latest single “Electricity” while Elliott will reportedly join Ciara for a performance of their joint track, “Level Up.”

Ciara will also reportedly perform “Dose,” the latest single from her upcoming studio album. This year’s performance marks her long-awaited return to the AMA stage; Ciara’s last AMA performance was in 2005.

In addition to the newly added trio, Cardi B., Bad Bunny, J. Balvin, Mariah Carey, Benny Blanco, Halsey, Khalid, Post Malone, Ty Dolla $ign, and Carrie Underwood will also take the stage to perform during the multi-hour show.

Earlier this week, show organizers confirmed plans for a massive performance to honor the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Gladys Knight will reportedly lead the tribute which will also feature Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and musical director Rickey Minor. The performance will primarily focus on the late singer’s gospel roots and her 1972 album, Amazing Grace.

The 2018 American Music Awards will be hosted by blackish star Tracee Ellis Ross and will air live on Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.