Celebrate Missy Elliott’s latest EP and MTV Video Vanguard award with a visit to #MissyMuseum this weekend.
This year’s women in rap have, as ever, gifted us with more than we deserve: a Hot Girl Summer, a killer Freshman Class, and finally, the return of an OG.
Melissa “Missy Misdemeanor” Elliott is back.
After playing it quiet for the past decade—releasing scant singles and occasionally guesting on tracks by her own successors (hello, Lizzo)—Missy surprise dropped Iconology, her first record in 14 years, this Friday. This comes on the heels of MTV’s recent VMA’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard announcement, which named Elliott as this year’s recipient. What’s more: MTV teamed up with Pepsi this weekend to honor the awardee with an exclusive pop-up #MissyMuseum in New York City.
The Knockturnal attended a VIP opening of the interactive space at 632 Broadway on Friday, which is open to ticketholders on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th only. The pop-up reportedly sold out in 60 seconds, leaving behind a long line of hopefuls as Elliott encouraged on Instagram to “try to roll up maybe they will let ppl in.” But if you can’t make it, don’t sweat it; we got you! Keep reading below to catch a glimpse of our experience.
Visitors to the #MissyMuseum should probably think of Iconology’s title track, “Throw It Back”, as they enter the space. Each corner recreates a separate backdrop from legendary Missy Elliott music videos throughout the ages.
There’s the “Gossip Folks” classroom, equipped with spray paint cans and feather boas; a walk on Mars in a spacesuit, just like in “Sock It 2 Me”; a VR try-on of the rapper’s famous trash bag dress from “The Rain.” Our favorite? Sitting in the lush bean bags of the Supa Dupa Fly lounge and getting our nails done at the “Work It” salon—because, in the words of Missy herself, “If you a fly gal, get your nails done.”
The Museum of Missy, located at 632 Broadway, is open to ticket holders on Saturday (Aug. 24) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday (Aug. 25) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The 36th annual VMAs will air on MTV Monday, August 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, where Missy Elliott will take to the VMA’s stage for the first time since 2006.