I can remember watching MTV and seeing the video for the first time – and it appearing on TRL with ol’ Carson Daly. Missy Elliot came into 2002 with a rather vital question, “Is it worth it? Let me work it.”

This was when I was in Grade 5 and I’ve never looked back. I used to sing along without a care in the world, and only when I got older I realised the full meaning behind some of those lyrics.

In fact, so much so – I wanted to write about it. So here’s my interpretation of a song I’ve tried to apply to my life.

1. ‘Gimme all your numbers so I could phone you.’
   Missy is simply highlighting the value of being proactive – all the way in 2002. Instead of waiting for some dude to realise how great she is – she’d rather get your number and decide if you’re worth it in the first place. Proactivity 101 if we ever knew it.

2. ‘Sex me so good I say blah-blah-blah. Work it, I need a glass of water.’

Self –explanatory.

3. ‘If you a fly gal get your nails done. Get a pedicure, get your hair did’

Here Missy basically says that no girl who feels the need to feel or look good should deprive herself. So get all kinds of cute, wear that pretty dress, do them nails. Nothing wrong with determining the kind of ‘fly’ you want to be – that’s the real thought process here.

4. ‘Girlfriend wanna be like me, never’

If you ever needed to feel original as always – Missy has got you covered. We’ve all had someone try to bite our style, humour and personality. Here is a just reaffirmation that nobody could ever come close to being you.

5. ‘Boys, boys, all type of boys. Black, white, Puerto Rican, Chinese boys’

I’m pretty sure this is an ode to the fact that boys come in all shades of hotness. And who are we to dispute this? Work it.

6. ‘Girl, girl, get that CASH. If it’s 9 to 5 or shakin’ your ass. Ain’t no shame, ladies do your thing. Just make sure you ahead of the game ’

Here is one of the most important lyrics you’d ever hear (an exaggeration but the truth is – I really don’t care)

In these two sentences, you are aware of the fact that Missy is all for strong, sassy, financially savvy and smart women. Go forth and get that cash – whether you work a dreary weekday job or shake what your mama gave you. Missy doesn’t judge you – in fact she’s merely encouraging you to be business savvy and stay ahead of shady characters who may get in the way of your success. Solid advice – if we’re being honest.

AND my all-time fave.

I’m not a prostitute, but I could give you what you want

(Read that however you want)

 

Thanks Missy, my 11 year old self never got it – but at 23  I see and appreciate you.

– A

IG:heyalyx_