Synopsis

Missy Elliott turns "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" into a surreal introduction to her solo persona. Surrounded by dancers and a parade of hip-hop cameos, she performs in a series of boldly stylized settings, including fisheye-lens close-ups that warp her face and body. The centerpiece is her inflated black patent-leather outfit, which gives her the appearance of a futuristic, larger-than-life insect or cartoon figure. Quick cuts, eccentric choreography, and exaggerated poses match the track's playful, space-age attitude.

Factoids & Trivia

• Released to video programs on June 3, 1997, the clip helped establish Missy Elliott as a major visual innovator alongside her debut album, *Supa Dupa Fly*.

• The video is especially known for its extreme fisheye-lens photography, which bends the edges of the frame and makes Elliott's movements look even more exaggerated.

• Elliott's famous inflated black outfit was designed to resemble a futuristic version of the Michelin Man, although it was widely nicknamed the "trash bag suit."

• Stylist June Ambrose later recalled that the outfit had to be inflated with a bicycle pump at a gas station before Elliott returned to the shoot.

• The video features cameos from Timbaland, Lil' Kim, Da Brat, Lil' Cease, Sean Combs, Total, 702, Yo-Yo, and Taj of SWV.

• The song reworks Ann Peebles' 1973 soul recording "I Can't Stand the Rain," carrying its rain-themed refrain into Timbaland's futuristic production.

• "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" received three nominations at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Rap Video, Breakthrough Video, and Best Direction in a Video.

• The suit and the video's playful distortion became enduring references in fashion and pop culture. Solange later cited Elliott's look as an inspiration for her 2017 Met Gala outfit.

• In 2023, Rolling Stone placed the video at number one on its list of the 150 greatest rap music videos of all time.