On July 4th, 2024, the Rogers Arena in Vancouver was the epicenter of an interstellar musical performance as Missy Elliott launched her highly anticipated "Out of This World" tour. The night was nothing short of legendary, featuring an all-star lineup with Timbaland, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
As fans scanned their tickets and walked through the doors, they were handed a Missy Elliott "Out of This World" branded wristband, designed to light up throughout her performance, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle similar to a Coldplay concert. The stage itself was a visual marvel, designed to transport the audience into a futuristic realm, complete with dazzling light shows and stunning visual effects.
Timbaland kicked off the night, donning futuristic glasses and a beige vest with glowing blue lights. Despite a brief technical glitch with his microphone during "Say Something," his DJ quickly resolved the issue, showcasing the resilience of the team on the first night of the tour. Timbaland paid tribute to his late friend and rapper Magoo during "Luv 2 Luv U" by asking the crowd to “put your 2’s up.” His setlist was a nostalgic journey through his greatest hits, including "Drop," "One in a Million", "Drunk in Love", "Big Pimpin'", "Promiscuous", and "Cry Me a River", among others.
Ciara followed with a stunning entrance, emerging from the top of an LED-screened ramp in an electric blue fur coat, sequined bodice, and a crown-shaped hat. Her bold, monochromatic outfit set the stage for a performance that was both visually and musically captivating. Underneath the fur coat, her sparkling bodice with intricate silver and blue designs caught the stage lights perfectly, adding a touch of luxury and drama. The stylishly wrapped denim pants she wore added texture to her look, while the blue crown-shaped hat asserted her queenly presence. Ciara's set was a masterclass in energy and choreography, featuring eight backup dancers who complemented her every move. She delivered powerful renditions of hits like "Goodies," "Get Up," "Oh," and "Level Up," each song met with deafening cheers from the crowd. Her seamless blend of vocal talent and dynamic dance routines left the audience mesmerized. Adding a personal touch to the night, Ciara’s husband, Russell Wilson, was spotted enjoying her performance from the front of the house, his presence highlighting the family atmosphere of the tour.
Next came Busta Rhymes, accompanied by his hype man Spliff Star, igniting the stage with their intense energy and charisma. Both sporting matching black and white jackets, they quickly discarded them as the venue heated up, revealing the raw intensity of their performance. Busta Rhymes, with his rapid-fire delivery and larger-than-life presence, captivated the audience from the first moment. He shared personal anecdotes, such as being the first rapper to collaborate with Janet Jackson in 1998 and his philosophy of not using special effects in his music, asserting, "we are the special effects." His setlist was a high-energy ride through his greatest hits, featuring tracks like "Respect My Conglomerate," "Touch It," and "Look at Me Now". Busta’s engagement with the crowd was a highlight, as he encouraged participation and created an interactive experience that resonated deeply with the audience. His declaration of being the "James Brown of hip-hop" was evident in his dynamic performance style, combining showmanship with sheer lyrical prowess.
When Missy Elliott finally took the stage, the arena erupted. The commanding screens lit up with faces of Missy Elliott through the years before counting down from 10 to 1. She then jumped onto the stage, featuring nearly 30 dancers, in a glittering white and yellow jumpsuit adorned with reflective sequins and a metallic silver helmet, creating a futuristic, dazzling ensemble. Her set was a masterful blend of her greatest hits and newer tracks, each song accompanied by choreographed routines and stunning visuals.
Missy’s setlist was an electrifying mix, including "Throw It Back," "Cool Off," "Get Ur Freak On," "Work It," and "Lose Control," among many others. Each performance was a visual feast, with numerous outfit changes that complemented the futuristic theme of the tour. Her dancers, dressed in matching reflective jumpsuits, added to the high-energy vibe of the performance.
One of the most intimate moments of the night was when Missy took a moment to reflect on her career and the significance of this tour. She expressed her thankfulness to her fans and shared her excitement about finally headlining her own tour after years of groundbreaking contributions to music.
Towards the end, Missy shared her gratitude for the support she’s received over almost 30 years, making it clear she doesn’t take it for granted. To cap off the night, she brought back Timbaland for “Up Jumps da Boogie,” Ciara for “Lose Control”, and Busta Rhymes before they all joined on stage as a group.
Missy Elliott's "Out of This World" tour kickoff in Vancouver was a celebration of her career and a showcase to her enduring influence on music and culture. The combination of high-energy performances, stunning visuals, and heartfelt moments created an unforgettable experience that left fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.
As the concert finally ended and fans were exciting the arena, one question lingered in the minds of everyone present: How will Missy Elliott continue to push the boundaries of music and performance in the future? This opening night set the bar high, and the journey ahead promises to be just as exhilarating.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
July 6 - Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena
July 9 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Arena
July 11 - Los Angeles, CA - Crypto.com Arena
July 13 - Las Vegas, NV - T-Mobile Arena
July 16 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena
July 18 - Austin, TX - Moody Center
July 20 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
July 21 - Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena
July 24 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena
July 25 - Sunrise, FL - Amerant Bank Arena
July 27 - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena
August 1 - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena
August 2 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
August 3 - Belmont Park, NY - UBS Arena
August 5 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center
August 8 - Washington, DC - Capital One Arena
August 9 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center
August 10 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
August 12 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center
August 15 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena
August 17 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
August 19 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena
August 22 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
Gallery by Alexis Smith / Crowd MGMT:
