When Missy Elliott released Under Construction on November 12, 2002, she wasn’t just dropping another record — she was building a legacy. Created with longtime collaborator Timbaland, the album honored old-school hip-hop while pushing sound, style, and storytelling into the future. Dedicated to Aaliyah and the victims of 9/11, Under Construction blended nostalgia, innovation, and empowerment like few albums before or since. Here are five fascinating facts about Missy’s iconic project.
1. The album was built on hip-hop history
Under Construction paid tribute to the roots of hip-hop. Missy and Timbaland filled the record with nods to Run-D.M.C., Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three, and the genre’s earliest beats, proving that progress always starts with respect for the past.
2. “Work It” flipped the industry — literally
Missy turned her own lyrics backward in “Work It,” creating one of music’s most recognizable hooks. The single stayed at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks, sold over three million copies, and gave the world the word “badonkadonk.”
3. The music videos became cultural landmarks
Directed by Dave Meyers, Missy’s “Work It” and “Gossip Folks” videos fused humor, fashion, and fierce choreography. Featuring Alyson Stoner, Ludacris, Eve, and Trina, they also honored Aaliyah, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Jam Master Jay with mural tributes.
4. “Back in the Day” nearly had a dream lineup
Missy’s collaboration with Jay-Z, “Back in the Day,” was set to be the third single, but a remix of “Pussycat” featuring Janet Jackson and Lil’ Kim was also recorded — and ultimately shelved by the label for being too explicit.
5. It was a Grammy-nominated powerhouse
Under Construction debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, went double platinum, and earned Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album — cementing Missy as a creative force who could make hits with heart and history.