Missy Elliott Reunites with Timbaland

If you're 21 or older you probably recall the Timbaland/Missy era that redefined mainstream hip-hop in the nineties. Back then, you couldn't go to a party without running into a Timbaland-Missy collaboration. The duo's performances often eclipsed Timbo's work with his helium-voiced partner, Magoo. At the turn of the century, everything changed. Aaliyah died; Missy became a poster child for MAC Cosmetics; and Timbaland secured a new gig as Justin Timberlake's backup dancer.

That was then. This is now. Recent reports from the Daily Star point to a possible reunion between Timbaland and Missy. It's been more than four years since the two superstars last collaborated on a full-length project. A tipster who spoke to the Daily Star said Missy has been motivated by Tim's work with Justin and others: "Missy realized she had a special chemistry with Timbaland and she wants that back after seeing how he’s shared his skills with other artists like Justin Timberlake."

Timbaland's sound has definitely changed since 1997, so I'm going to file this one under "keep your fingers crossed." Need proof of his transformation? Here's one of Tim's earlier hits, "Up Jumps the Boogie," featuring Aaliyah, Missy, and Magoo.

• Up Jumps the Boogie [Video]