Levitating cover

Levitating

Missy Elliott · 2020

18 min · 5 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop, infused with infectious energy and playful lyricism.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Levitating Start here — The original track stands out for its catchy hook and smooth production, highlighting Missy Elliott's skill in blending genres while delivering uplifting messages.
  • →
    Levitating (The Blessed Madonna remix) — This remix amplifies the song's danceable elements, transforming it into a club anthem that showcases the versatility of the original material.
  • →
    Levitating (KUU remix) — The KUU remix introduces an electronic twist that complements Missy's signature style, demonstrating her ability to adapt to evolving musical landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production but lacks cohesion due to multiple remixes diluting its impact.

What we noticed

  • The track features a consistent upbeat tempo throughout, maintaining high energy across all versions.
  • The remixes introduce varying elements such as different beats and additional instrumentation while keeping the core melody intact.
  • The original track is structured with a clear verse-chorus format, allowing for easy listener engagement.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dance floor party vibes
  • quick bursts of energy
  • uplifting rhythmic confidence
  • remix variety for exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • slow-paced reflective moods
  • long, drawn-out listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Released during a resurgence, showcasing continued vitality in her artistry.
Themes
dance floor celebration· disco-infused empowerment
Career context
By 2020, Missy Elliott had established herself as a pioneering figure in hip-hop, celebrated for her innovative sound and visual style. 'Levitating' was released as part of her ongoing resurgence after being honored with the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 2019, marking a significant moment in her career as she re-engaged with mainstream audiences.
Stylistic neighbors
Lizzo· Beyoncé· Nicki Minaj

Tracklist

  • 1 Levitating Start here 3:23
  • 2 Levitating Start here 3:23
  • 3 Levitating (The Blessed Madonna remix) 4:10
  • 4 Levitating (KUU remix) 4:10
  • 5 Levitating (Don Diablo remix) 3:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata