Missy Elliott just gave us all something to jam to over the weekend: she dropped a brand-new EP, "Iconology," just after midnight as well as a new single and video, "Throw It Back."
"Iconology" -- Elliot's first album since 2005's "The Cookbook" -- is really more of an EP, boasting a lean five tracks, two of which are the same but one is delivered a cappella.
"Please don't steal my style/I might cuss you out/What you doin' now/I did for a while," Missy raps on "Throw It Back," reminding everyone of just who they're dealing with and what she brought to the game back in the day.
(MORE: Missy Elliott becomes first female hip-hop artist inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame)"Let’s #ThrowItBack to a time when music just felt good and made us want to dance! Sincerely, Dr. Melissa 'Missy' Elliott #ICONOLOGY," Missy tweeted Tuesday afternoon, as she revealed the project's cover art. The "Dr." is a reference to the fact that she recently received an honorary doctorate from Boston's Berklee College of Music.
"This year has been a tremendous year for me…I am humbled and grateful," Missy continued. "THANK YOU for allowing me to smell the roses. You, my fans, and God are the reason I am here and have celebrated every milestone with me!"
As of early Friday morning, "Iconology" was already the No. 7 most-popular album on iTunes. You can stream or purchase it now from all the usual retailers.
Missy's album drops just a few days before the pioneering rapper will be honored at the MTV VMAs with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. In celebration of the accolade, MTV is hosting an interactive museum highlighting iconic moments from Missy's storied career.
Here's the "Iconology" track listing: