NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has propelled Missy Elliott’s iconic debut solo single, ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),’ into the cosmos. The song, which marked a pivotal moment in hip-hop history upon its release in 1997, has now traveled approximately 158 million miles from Earth to Venus, courtesy of NASA’s Deep Space Network.
The transmission, conducted at the speed of light, took merely 14 minutes to reach Venus, a planet symbolizing strength, beauty, and empowerment—a fitting destination for a song that embodies creativity and futuristic vision. Missy Elliott, renowned for her innovative music videos and boundary-pushing artistry, expressed her excitement on social media, describing the event as “out of this world.”
“YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network,” Missy Elliott shared on her platform. “The Rain has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus.”
Brittany Brown, Digital and Technology Division Director at NASA’s Office of Communications, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Both space exploration and Missy Elliott’s art have been about pushing boundaries.” Missy Elliott’s music often integrates space-centric themes and futuristic visuals, making the transmission to Venus a natural extension of her artistic legacy.
For Missy Elliott, this achievement adds to a series of firsts in her illustrious career. Earlier, she made history as the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a recognition that she had once considered “seemed so far out of reach.”
In an interview with ‘Good Morning America’ ahead of her induction, Missy Elliott expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the trailblazing efforts of those who paved the way for her, including Queen Latifah. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “Words cannot describe. It just hasn’t clicked.”
As the world celebrates this intersection of music and scientific exploration, Missy Elliott continues to inspire generations with her unparalleled creativity and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. With ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)’ now echoing through the cosmos, the sky indeed proves to be just the beginning for this visionary artist.
This collaboration not only highlights Missy Elliott’s enduring influence on music but also underscores NASA’s commitment to blending science with cultural milestones, reaching new audiences and inspiring future generations of artists and scientists alike.
