Missy Elliot is the queen of collaborations. From her work writing songs for the likes of Monica, Aaliyah and Ciara to her features, there’s nothing the rapper can’t do. But in what may be a surprise, the performer expressed some doubt that any big names would want her to direct them in a music video.
“Just like artists trusted me to write songs for them I wonder what artist would take a chance on me directing a video for them🤔” she tweeted Monday, April 2.
Missy didn’t have to wonder for long. Soon, Janelle Monáe, who collaborated with Missy on the Michelle Obama-commissioned song, “This Is For My Girls,” said she’d be on board. Naturally, Missy couldn’t contain her excitement.
Me 👈🏾 @MissyElliott https://t.co/RxmISGYM0n
— Janelle Monáe👽🚆🤖🚀🪐 (@JanelleMonae) April 2, 2018
NOW JANELLE GUUUURRRL you know yo videos already be FIYAH🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 STAWP PLAYING!🤚🏾😂 but shiiii I’d love to🙌🏾🙌🏾your videos already be NEXT LEVEL SH!T!🙌🏾 https://t.co/0sHCnVN5g2
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 2, 2018
“I’m already on set, hair and makeup done, 2 hrs early,” Monáe tweeted back. “You are THE MASTER TEACHER of visuals. This would be a DReAM. I f—ing love you QUEEN! Let’s go!!!”
But it wasn’t in the cards for this to be just a team up between Missy and Monáe. Next, “Thor: Ragnarok” star Tessa Thompson — who also starred in Monáe’s visual for “Make Me Feel” — wanted in.
Wait. Can I be in this one too tho . I’ll be an extra and cater it https://t.co/gJS4FLtrlz
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) April 2, 2018
While Thompson seemed OK with simply being included in the project as a caterer, Monáe set her sights higher.
“You and I both just got out of hair and makeup,” the singer tweeted. “We on set now ready to shoot! 🤩🤩👯♀️💋💋.”
Then, Broadway star Cynthia Erivo shot her shot and got the go-ahead from Thompson.
Yes! I’m dreaming
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) April 2, 2018
I think this needs to materialize in some way ASAP please and thank you!!
— Cynthia Erivo (@CynthiaEriVo) April 3, 2018
Separately, Fifth Harmony alum Normani Kordei wanted to join in too. And Missy let her know it was already set for them to collab musically.
Hey sis! Ya peeps hit me bout us working anyway🙌🏾 hopefully we get in da studio soon🔥@NormaniKordei
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 3, 2018
The dream collaboration launched between Monáe and Missy, much like the one between Lupita Nyong’o and Rihanna last year that’s now being developed for Netflix, had Twitter users a fluter.
“GIVE US THAT VIDEO” someone exclaimed.
“Y’all doing the absolute MOST right now,” another wrote. “I LOVE it.”
Oh my GOD OH MY GOD pic.twitter.com/ofywE8dFSE
— T’CHAOSTYPE 🧠💊 (@Saul_bey) April 2, 2018
I am so excited😩 pic.twitter.com/AK1mLRhcJj
— Manna (@MannaTarah) April 2, 2018