In a bold move that’s already stirring conversation across music scenes, Rolling Stone has placed Missy Elliott’s 2001 anthem “Get Ur Freak On” at the top of its newly published “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far.” Months after awarding her Under Construction as the “greatest female rap album of the century,” the magazine has now elevated one of her biggest singles above every genre, cementing her influence on modern music.

The list, released October 8, spans tracks across decades, genres, and global influence. Alongside Missy, superstars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift secured spots in the top 10, underscoring how Black women continue to shape popular music in powerful ways.

Why Get Ur Freak On Tops the List

“Get Ur Freak On” stands out not just for its sound, but for what it represents: boundary-breaking, genre-bending, fearless artistry. The song combined hip-hop, dance, Indian tabla, and futuristic lyricism to make a sound that felt timeless from day one. Over the years, it’s become a cultural hallmark — sampled, referenced, and endlessly celebrated.

🎧 Legacy stats:

• In Rolling Stone’s earlier 2021 update to “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” Get Ur Freak On ranked #8.  
• It has consistently been lauded by critics and fans alike as one of Missy’s defining works, with outlets like Stereogum and Paste ranking it at the very top of her catalog.  

By placing it above other landmark songs of this century, Rolling Stone is making a strong statement: the song isn’t just nostalgic — it’s foundational to how music in this era evolved.

Beyoncé & Taylor Swift in the Top 10 — What It Means

Rolling Stone didn’t stop with Missy. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift also landed themselves in the top 10 — proof that female voices continue to lead cultural moments. Their inclusion recognizes not only commercial success but the weight of influence, storytelling, and staying power in an age of constant change.

For Beyoncé, whose career bridges multiple eras of R&B and pop, this confirms her role as not just an icon, but a musical architect. For Taylor, her evolution — from country to pop to indie explorations — is being honored as part of the 21st-century canon.