"Throw It Back" is a song recorded by American rapper Missy Elliott for her first extended playIconology (2019). The song was released as EP's lead single on August 23, 2019.[1][2]
Composition
"Throw It Back" was written by Elliott, Quintin Ernest Talbet, Michael Aristotle, and William Jared Buggs, while production was handled by Willi Hendrix.[3] Musically, "Throw It Back" has been described as a "woozy, futuristic romp" containing "distorted bass lines", frenetic production",[4] and trap snares.[5] Lyrically, "Throw It Back" contains references to Elliott's history, as well as previous collaborators Tweet and Heavy D,[5] and Elliott's 2002 single "Work It".[6]
Critical reception
Jordan Darville of The Fader, named "Throw It Back" "the standout track" from Iconology.[7]
Music video
A music video for "Throw It Back" was released alongside Iconology. It contains a guest appearance from Teyana Taylor.[8] The video begins with a young girl waking up in a museum with paintings of the rapper. After entering a foggy room, Elliott appears with several dancers and cheerleaders in colorful outfits and afros.[6] The video also contains references to Elliott's career, similar to the lyrical content.[9] Anika Reed of USA Today described the video as "[showing] Elliott's unwavering authenticity" and "celebrating blackness".[10] Katherine J. Igoe, writing for Marie Claire, called the video "a complete return to form" for Elliott.[9]
