Missy Elliott has addressed the recent sampling of her iconic 1999 track, “She’s A Bitch”, by both Cardi B and Bia, making it clear that she’s all for the homage, not the hate. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Virginia legend responded to a fan who expressed support for both artists, writing: “Who cares if @BIABIA & @iamcardib sampled from the same song. I’m listening to both regardless because it’s paying homage to @MissyElliott.” Missy responded with a heart emoji, signaling her approval of the tribute.
Bia’s “I’m That Bitch” and Missy’s Influence
Back in March 2023, Bia released the track “I’m That Bitch,” which prominently sampled Missy Elliott’s “She’s A Bitch.” The song, produced by Timbaland—Missy’s longtime collaborator—was a clear nod to the original. In the song’s visuals, Bia pays tribute to Missy’s futuristic Hype Williams-directed music video, further solidifying the homage. Bia raps with confidence, weaving her own narrative while drawing from Missy’s innovative style.
Cardi B’s “Like What (Freestyle)” Sampling Missy Elliott
Cardi B followed suit, dropping her track “Like What (Freestyle)” on March 1, 2024, which also samples Missy’s classic. The production on this track, which features a familiar beat, is credited to James “DJ SwanQo” Steed, Sean Island, OctaneThisThatGas, and Lateef. Along with Cardi, Missy Elliott and Timbaland also receive writing credits for the song. Cardi’s freestyle continued the tradition of artists modernizing Missy’s groundbreaking sound, adding her unique flavor to the track.
Ski Mask the Slump God’s Criticism of “Like What”
Despite Missy’s support, not all artists were pleased with the sampling. Ski Mask the Slump God took to social media to voice his frustration with Cardi B’s “Like What.” He commented, “Sounds Kinda Familiar,” suggesting the song mirrored elements from his 2017 track, “Catch Me Outside,” which also used a beat inspired by “She’s A Bitch.” Ski Mask’s version, produced by himself, shares similarities with the sound Cardi adopted, leading to online debates over originality in hip-hop.
Homage or Copying?
While Missy Elliott embraces the tribute from both Cardi B and Bia, other artists like Ski Mask have voiced concerns over the sampling. However, Missy’s response underscores her belief in celebrating influence rather than criticizing it. Both Cardi and Bia’s songs highlight the enduring legacy of Missy Elliott‘s iconic work in the hip-hop and R&B realms, proving her timeless impact on the genre.
