Missy Elliott

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.

In Their Own Story

The studio lights hummed with a low, electric buzz as the two icons sat across from each other. Missy leaned back, a knowing smile playing on her lips as Dua Lipa played the latest draft of the track. The beat was heavy, pulsing with that signature futuristic groove that defined the current era, yet it waited for something to anchor it in reality. When Missy finally stepped up to the mic, the air shifted; her voice cut through the synth waves like a laser, grounding the ethereal soundscape in undeniable rhythm. For a moment, time seemed to suspend itself, merging the past's revolutionary spirit with the future's boundless energy.

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.

Did You Know?

• Missy Elliott is featured on a remix of 'Levitating' by the Blessed Madonna, which also features Madonna.
• The remix was released on 13 August 2020 as the lead single from the remix album Club Future Nostalgia.
• The music video for this remix was directed by Will Hooper and filmed in London and Atlanta.
• The video has a theme of 'love conquers all' and shows people under the influence of a mysterious planet.
• The remix has an increased tempo from the original song.