Intersecting points: The ‘erotic as religious’ in the lyrics of Missy Elliott

Abstract

The relationship between the erotic and religion has received attention within both black theology and womanist theology. Figures such as Baker-Fletcher and Kirk-Duggan have offered both literature and music as source material for unpacking the nature and the meaning of the erotic as religious force. While methodologically, the ‘polyvocal’ approach Baker-Fletcher and Kirk-Duggan offer has allowed scholars to explore the erotic with more creativity and epistemological flexibility, certain complexities associated with the erotic's nature and function still remain under-explored. I suggest in this essay that correction of this dilemma at least in part involves an examination of new source material. I argue that greater attention to rap music, such as the work of Missy Elliott, as source material offers a more robust exploration of the religious significance of the erotic.

Keywords:

• erotic
• womanist
• religious
• orientation

Notes

 1. Find Articles, ‘Missy Elliott – Interview’, Find Articles, http://findarticles.com. (Assessed 8 November 2007).

 2. Find Articles, ‘Master Missy – Writer, Singer, Producer and Label Head’, Find Articles, http://findarticles.com.

 3. Missy Elliott, ‘Lose Control’, Cookbook, Atlantic Records, 2005.

 4. Missy Elliott, ‘Joy’, Cookbook, Atlantic Records, 2005.

 5. Missy Elliott, ‘Can You Hear Me’, Under Construction, Elektra/Wea, 2002.

 6. Missy Elliott, ‘Take Away’, Miss E…So Additive, Elektra/Wea, 2001.

 7. Missy Elliott, ‘Take Away’, Miss E…So Additive, Elektra/Wea, 2001

 8. Missy Elliott, ‘Take Away’, Miss E…So Additive, Elektra/Wea, 2001.

 9. Missy Elliott, ‘We Did It’, Da Real World, East/West Records, 1999.

10. Missy Elliott, ‘Higher Ground’, Miss E … So Addictive, Elektra/Wea, 2001.

11. Elliott, ‘Higher Ground’.

12. Elliott, ‘Higher Ground’

13. Missy Elliott, ‘Wake Up’, This Is Not A Test, Elektra/Wea, 2003.