FLO Taps Missy Elliott For the Collab of Our Wildest Dreams in "Fly Girl"
In a world where interpolation is more popular than ever, FLO isn’t afraid of being referential. The London-based girl group on the rise caught the world's attention with their 2022 bop “Cardboard Box” and is now expanding their catalog of empowering bops with “Fly Girl,” featuring and honoring the one and only Missy Elliott.
"Fly Girl" is an interpolation of Elliott's 2002 groundbreaking hit “Work It” and doesn’t shy away from making it known. But, despite its familiarity, Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer (the ladies of FLO) make their impact by adding their own personality and flair. FLO is successful in incorporating an already explosive track and somehow making it more vibrant in its message.
FLO is not only bringing girl groups back into the cultural zeitgeist but also providing them with a much-needed energy boost, inspired by ’90s and early 2000s R&B. By incorporating familiar sounds in a modern way, FLO is acknowledging those who came before them while staying earnest and true to their own contributions.
Sonically, “Fly Girl” sounds like the echoes of a friend group getting ready to go out, assuring each other that the opinion of a man will never matter and hyping up one another while the Uber is on the way. Lyrically, it doesn’t stray too far from the source material, utilizing the chorus and featuring the iconic backwards bar throughout. The ladies of FLO take it to the next level with their own anecdotes about self-worth, high standards, and female friendship.
“Fly Girl” isn’t just an interpolation, it’s a dedication to Missy and a special era where hip-hop, R&B, and pop music collided. In a world where genre-bending is the norm, FLO pays tribute to a pioneer while successfully showcasing their own merits. The track ends with a laugh and a stamp of approval from Misdemeanor herself, proving the FLO-ification of the track excelled in both nostalgia and showcasing fresh cross-generational talent. It’s time for a new girl group to take the stage and FLO is certainly one to watch.
Watch the "Fly Girl" video below:
