Missy Elliott
ListenThe Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) · 1997
Missy Elliott — “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” official music video.
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1997 · EastWest Records America
Supa Dupa Fly (The Rain)
Missy Elliott wanted to run a label. Sylvia Rhone offered her one on the condition that she also make an album. Elliott and Timbaland went into the studio, and “The Rain” became the bold, playful introduction to her solo career. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0062 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott |
| Release | 1997 · United States |
| Label | EastWest Records America · ED-6036 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | US promotional issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | NM |
Release history and significance
After the disappointment of her group Sista’s stalled album, Elliott preferred writing and developing other artists to stepping into the spotlight herself. The deal with Rhone changed that. Elliott recalled asking Timbaland to make the album quickly so she could get on with her label; the sessions took about two weeks. [1]
Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain” gave the single its recurring hook. Elliott remembered being drawn to its hypnotic quality and later meeting Peebles, whose approval meant a great deal to her. An older soul recording became part of a sound that looked forward. [1]
In a contemporary interview, Elliott explained that the lyrics moved between subjects as her thoughts did. Hype Williams’ video gave that freedom a visual counterpart, with Elliott’s inflated black suit becoming one of the release’s enduring images. The single introduced the Supa Dupa Fly album in 1997. [1] [2]
Market context
Discogs reports sales of the ED-6036 US promotional edition from US$2.27 to US$20.00, with a median of US$9.15, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [3]
Physical Description
EastWest ED-6036 promotional twelve-inch. Side A contains the album version and instrumental; side B the radio edit and a cappella. [3]
Condition
The media was graded M− at acquisition. The sleeve was graded Very Good Plus, with mild ring wear and a sticker-removal mark.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller groovalicious on 19 January 2026.
Sources
- Tamara Palmer, Revisiting Supa Dupa Fly at 25, GRAMMY.com. 1 June 2022. Elliott discusses the album deal, spontaneous sessions and Ann Peebles sample.
- The New Yorker, Missy Elliott’s Hip-Hop Transformations. 20 October 1997. Contemporary reporting and Elliott’s account of writing The Rain.
- Discogs, Missy Elliott — Supa Dupa Fly (The Rain), release 1193738. Edition reference and sales statistics consulted 14 September 2026.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.