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Missy Elliott            

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, Record Producer & Actress

Missy Elliott, born Melissa Arnette Elliott, is a pioneering rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. She began her musical journey with the R&B girl group Sista and later collaborated with producer Timbaland, crafting hits for artists like Aaliyah and SWV. In 1997, Elliott launched her solo career with the critically acclaimed album Supa Dupa Fly, featuring the hit single "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." Her innovative sound and groundbreaking music videos, characterized by futuristic visuals and creative choreography, have significantly influenced the hip-hop and R&B genres.

Throughout her career, Elliott has released several successful albums, including Da Real World, Miss E... So Addictive, and Under Construction. Her notable singles, such as "Get Ur Freak On," "Work It," and "Lose Control," have earned her four Grammy Awards and solidified her status as a leading figure in the music industry. Additionally, in a historic event, NASA transmitted "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, making it the first hip-hop song sent into space.

Beyond her solo achievements, Elliott has made significant contributions as a songwriter and producer, working with artists like Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson. Her influence extends beyond music; she has been recognized for her impact on fashion and culture, often challenging industry norms and advocating for women's empowerment. She has occasionally also ventured into acting in both film and television and starred in the reality show, "The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott."

Elliott has received numerous accolades, including 22 Grammy nominations. She is the bestselling female rapper of all time with over 40 million records sold worldwide and the only female rapper with six certified platinum albums. In 2019, she became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2020, Billboard ranked her at No. 5 on their list of the 100 greatest music video artists of all time. Elliott was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021. In 2023, she became the first female rapper to be nominated and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2024, she was honored as the 2022 recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Incredibly, 2024 also marked the year Elliott embarked on her first-ever headlining tour, the "Out of This World Tour."

Elliott's enduring creativity, innovation, and influence continue to inspire artists and audiences worldwide, solidifying her place as one of the most impactful figures in contemporary music.

News


Six Key Takeaways From Missy Elliott's Marie Claire Cover
Missy Elliott — or Melissa Arnette Elliott if you want to be technical — has a list of honors that most artists never touch in their lifetime. She is widely credited for ...

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