There is no denying that the artist we’re saluting in this week’s From The Vault has one of the most impressive videographies of all time.

Missy Elliott is the mastermind behind today’s selection: it’s the iconic ‘Get Ur Freak On.’

The definition of “time flies,” ‘Freak’ was released exactly 20 years ago and it remains a dance floor filler ’til this day. Produced by her partner in crime Timbaland, it was issued as the lead single from Elliott’s third studio album ‘Miss E… So Addictive.’

The Bhangra-inspired tune was a chart and critical success all over the world, peaking at #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, #12 on the Canadian charts, and #4 on the UK Singles Charts, and placed 14th on Rolling Stone’s Best Songs of the 2000s.

Its music video was directed by the incomparable Dave Meyers – marking the first of many collaborations between the rapper and the director.

Featuring cameos by Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Eve, and LL Cool J among others, the visual is set in an edgy surrounding and packs slick choreography executed by fascinatingly agile dancers in an underground party setting.

As was customary in the early 2000s, the end of the video famously cuts to another bop from the ‘So Addictive’ album, ‘Lick Shots’, with Missy and her girls jamming to the song while driving around.

Evidenced by the resurgence of this very track after her guest spot during Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, it’s evident Missy’s music has aged like fine wine and possesses an ever-enduring appeal.

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Having warmed us up with mini-project ‘Iconology,’  we can’t wait until Missy blesses us with a new full-fledged set.

We’re ready when you are, Missy!

Your thoughts?

Over a year after waving farewell to viewers via its season 4 finale, OWN was hoping TV viewers would be more than ready to pucker up for some sugar the week of Valentine’s Day 2021.

With its season 5 launch date set for February 16, the ‘Queen Sugar’ return went to ratings war with well-established TV favorites as well as highly anticipated newcomers ‘Kenan’ and ‘Young Rock.’

Although critical acclaim accompanied the return of the OWN flagship series, the combined powers of the competition (as well as power outages across the nation due to inclement wintry weather) proved too much for ‘Queen’ – ultimately discrowning the one-time ratings royal from its throne atop viewership tallies.

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Teyana Taylor may have threatened retirement due to feeling unappreciated by music fans, but on the movie front it appears she has never been more in demand.

Most recently, Rap Queen Lil Kim announced she wanted the 30-year-old to portray her in a biographical film (click here to read more).  Ahead of that, Dionne Warwick expressed her desire to have Taylor do the same for the long-awaited film adaptation of her legendary life story.

After Teyana responded by suggesting she was interested in the role, Dionne took to press to indicate her list of wants exceeds acting for the ‘How You Want It?’ singer.

More below:

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Jordin Sparks journeys down memory lane on her new single ‘You Still Think Of Me.’

Produced by Schmarx, the reflective cut was penned by the American Idol alum alongside Savvy Giersch and L. Goe.

The track, which follows ‘Red Sangria,’ finds Sparks taking aim at a former lover who she lyrically lashes for various wrongs.

Less a question and more a declaration, she makes clear: “you still think of me.”

Watch the Sean Alexander-directed video below…

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Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith continue to make major strides behind the camera.

Already seismic stars in their own right, recent years have seen the power couple establish a production footprint by way of their company Westbrook Studios. 

And their latest pact centers on one of Africa’s most notable media hubs, Nigeria.

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A double dose of Tyler Perry was just what BET ordered to win the TV ratings war Tuesday night (February 16).

As we reported here, comedians Kenan Thompson and wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson were the ratings champs on the broadcast front.  Among cable networks, however, Perry was the clear victor.

With the television debut of his acclaimed stage play, ‘Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Play,’ already met with high anticipation for its February 16 airing, that excitement was sent into overdrive after the announcement it would be preceded by the season 2 premiere of his original scripted series, ‘The Oval.’

Rated the #1 new series for African Americans P2+ on cable in 2020, the show’s second swing at bat indicated it shows no sign of loosening grip on the title any time soon.

See what we mean inside:

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Congratulations are in order for Ne-Yo and his wife Crystal Smith.

For, the couple have announced they are expecting a new baby together.

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Bad Bunny may have spent the last few weeks in a WWE ring, but the Latin star re-affixed the focus on his music this weekend when he took the stage on Saturday Night Live.

The star served as the musical guest on the latest installment of the NBC hit and made sure his presence was felt.

Bunny roused with renditions of ‘La Noche de Anoche’ alongside Rosalia and ‘Te Deseo lo Mejor.’

Both tracks are lifted from his latest album ‘El Último Tour Del Mundo’ – which made history as the first full Spanish language album to top the Billboard 200 upon its release back in November.

Watch the 26-year-old in action after the jump…

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There’s more ‘Good News’ for Megan Thee Stallion. 

Because her bouncy single ‘Body’ has blazed its way to the top of the Urban airwaves.

Full story below…

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Diana Ross has sent fans ‘Upside Down’ with excitement.

For, the diva supreme has announced that she’s working on new music and it’s due sooner than you may think.

Full story below…

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As enduring talents and beauties go, few can rival the levels of striking Angela Bassett possesses.

And the living legend reaffirms that on the cover of Emmy Magazine’s latest issue.

The 62-year-old glows in the John Russo lensed spread – which arrives ahead of the return of her hit TV show ‘9-1-1.’

Beyond posing it up for the stunning shoot, Bassett reflects on her humble beginnings and selectiveness with her roles. A practice she says has always been about presenting positive images of Black womanhood.

Peep pics and quotes below…

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With the highly-anticipated, back-to-back premieres of new comedies ‘Young Rock’ and ‘Kenan,’ Tuesday (February 16) was a night of ‘must-see TV’ over at NBC.

The former is a loosely biographical sitcom based on the story of award-winning wrestler-turned-actor Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson while the latter sees comedy veteran Kenan Thompson topline his first series since the 4-season run of Nickelodeon’s 90’s hit, ‘Kenan & Kel.’

Together, the 1-2 punch of funny proved potent enough to knock out the competition and lead NBC to a winning night of ratings.

Details inside:

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