Missy Elliott is knee-deep in a career first, co-scoring the upcoming Disney/Touchstone Pictures film "Stick It." Starring Jeff Bridges and Missy Peregrym, the April 2006 theatrical release centers on the world of competitive gymnastics. Elliott is collaborating in New York with the Dust Brothers' Mike Simpson, who has produced Beck and the Beastie Boys.
The Disney hookup emerged after the company asked to place Elliott's song, "We Run This," on the movie's soundtrack. "Run" is the third single from Elliott's Grammy-nominated album "The Cookbook." The rapper is nominated in five categories, including her work with Ciara and Fantasia.
Elliott is definitely ready for the challenge. "I've always wondered what scoring a film would be like, and this fell into my lap at a great time," she tells Billboard. "I've been doing the artist thing for so long that you get to the point where you want to venture into other projects."
Elliott says that working with Simpson eases some of the first-time pressure. "I've been in scarier situations," she says. "But this isn't like I'm left in limbo. I have an outline. I'm just anxious to see what comes of it. This is a big thing for me."
The artist is working on a tight schedule, as the score is due at the end of January. "Studios work differently than artists and labels," she notes. "They're on serious deadlines."
Still, the rapper found time to shoot a video for "We Run This" Jan. 3-4 in Los Angeles with longtime collaborator/director Dave Meyers. It features Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes in a cameo as Elliott's gymnastics coach. Also in the works is a new studio album, not to mention writing songs for Monica and Fantasia.
However, Elliott definitely plans to squeeze in a visit to Los Angeles on Feb. 8. "I wouldn't miss the Grammys for the world."
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/..._id=1001919929
MTV.com has pics of the new vid.