Supa Dupa Fly

The album was almost entirely produced by Timbaland, who utilized an innovative, syncopated drum sound heavily influenced by underground dance music. This futuristic production style became a defining characteristic of late-1990s hip-hop and R&B.

The album features high-profile guest appearances from Lil' Kim, Da Brat, Aaliyah, and Busta Rhymes. Timbaland also prominently appears on the massive hit single "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)."

The lead single was "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," which famously sampled Ann Peebles' track "I Can't Stand the Rain." The song's accompanying music video, directed by Hype Williams, used a fisheye lens to capture Missy Elliott in a trash bag suit, becoming an iconic MTV staple.

It was released in 1997 through EastWest Records and Elektra Records. Missy Elliott had previously worked as a songwriter for artists like Aaliyah and Ginuwine, making this album a massive debut for the Virginia Beach artist.