Missy Elliott’s Historic Debut Headline Tour: “Out of This World - The Missy Elliott Experience”
North American Tour Included High-Profile Recognitions by NASA, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Hometown Proclamations, Plus Special Guest Performances by Lil’ Kim, Monica, Trina, and Tweet
Photography: Alexis Smith with crowdMGMT
For the first time in her stellar 30-year career, global superstar and Hip-Hop/R&B pioneer Missy Elliott took a voyage to 29 arenas across North America for her debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience.
Landing onstage in a virtual spacecraft, Elliott invited sold out crowds to join her on an immersive intergalactic expedition across four different dimensions of her hit-making catalog.
Photography: Nadine Pena
The history-making tour experience included:
4,000 hours spent executing Elliott’s creative vision – from choreography to content – spanning animators, multiple moving video screens equipped with real-time tracking technology, a flying stage that levitated above the audience, four orbital video pods, sonic booms (high-powered fog that resembles cryo), and state-of-the-art lighting design – with over 1,003 light fixtures in total.
Conceptualized by Elliott, June Ambrose designed 240 costumes for Elliott and her 25 backup dancers, with 1.2 MILLION hand-placed rhinestones and custom sublimated graffiti fabric with hand-painted details.
Photography: Nadine Pena
Produced by Live Nation in association with Mona Scott-Young, Elliott’s longtime manager and CEO of Monami Entertainment, the space-age spectacular was supported by Hip-Hop legend Busta Rhymes, Multi-Platinum selling superstar Ciara, and mega producer Timbaland. Further ushering in the next generation of talent, both Rhymes and Timbaland introduced their respective sons – with Rhymes welcoming Trillian to appear at select shows and Timbaland's Demetrius serving as his DJ for the full run. Likewise, surprise guests popped up throughout including Lil’ Kim, Monica, Trina, and Tweet with Elliott; Ding Dong, LL COOL J, O.T. Genasis, Rah Digga, RJMrLA, Ty Dolla $ign, and 310babii with Rhymes; and BossMan Dlow, Chamillionaire, Lady London, and Lola Brooke with Ciara.
Photography: Alexis Smith with crowdMGMT
On the road celebrations included:
In Cleveland, OH, on August 14, Greg Harris, President & CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognized Elliott for her 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction (the first female Hip-Hop artist to be inducted), and she in turn presented him with a replica of the headpiece worn in her iconic “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” music video.
In Washington, D.C., on August 8, she was presented with a plaque by former NASA astronaut Alvin Drew commemorating “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” becoming the first Hip-Hop song transmitted to space after the lyrics, alongside an inspirational message from Elliott, was beamed to Venus via NASA’s Deep Space Network at 10:05 a.m. PDT on July 12.
In her hometown of Hampton, VA, on August 2, Congressman Bobby Scott, United States Congress, VA 3rd Congressional District, awarded her with a Congressional Certificate Of Community Service from the United States Congress; Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck declared August 2 as “Out of This World Tour Day” in the City of Hampton; and Delegate Don Scott, Speaker of the House of Delegates, presented her with a resolution for her first arena tour.
Photography: Nadine Pena
Stream now on Hulu.com + follow Missy Elliott on Instagram @missymisdemeanorelliott.