Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott Go Way Back

Janet Jackson seems to know that she has a great collaborative partner and ally in Missy Elliott, so it makes total sense that when it came time for her to debut her first album in seven years, entitled Unbreakable, Jackson would team up again with Elliott, whose voice adds the perfect amount of gravity and heft to the singer's sugary, sometimes sultry vocals. But it's one thing to work together — the real question here is: Are Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott actually friends?

I'm happy to say, all signs point to yes. Not only are both artists poised for a comeback — Elliott pretty much cemented that fact during her 2015 Superbowl collaboration with Katy Perry, reminding everyone that she's back and better than ever — but they share history and seem to genuinely like each other. While promoting their new track, "Burnitup!," neither Elliott nor Jackson could keep from raving about the other during interviews.

Elliott released a statement, published by E! News, in which she revealed she still can't believe she's actually friends with the legend. She gushed,

Working with Janet is unbelievable. Although we are great friends and have been for so long, I am still her biggest fan. Sometimes, I still have to pinch myself when I call her and she picks up the phone or texts me because she is still Janet Jackson! The superstar that I would run to the TV to watch her videos and dance moves, so for me I'm honored to be on any Janet record. I'm humbled whenever she asks because she inspires and continues to inspire me, always!

Wow. So, the 44-year-old started off like any other Jackson fan, swooning when her videos played on MTV in the '80s and '90s. Here's where things get super sweet — Jackson feels the love, as well. The 49-year-old reportedly said statement: "It is always great to work with friends and Missy is a dear friend. It was only natural for the two of us to record a song together. We had a great time and we hope you guys enjoy it."

Now, these two may not be "Taylor Swift Squad" close — I mean, you're not going to find a billion photos of them dining out together — but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot of mutual respect and love between them. They kicked butt back in 2001 on the track "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" and they're going to do it again with their new single.

There's nothing better than two successful women supporting one another's success and working together to achieve even greater success. All hail, the queens!