Rapper and songwriter Missy Elliott made history becoming the first woman rapper to be inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
During a grandiose ceremony on Thursday, the Grammy winner and Virginia native was celebrated for her nearly 30-year career as one of the music industry's most prolific writers.
The night was special for several reasons, but chief among them were those on hand to sing Missy's praises. Former First Lady Michelle Obama called the 47-year-old a trailblazer for her impact on rap in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
"Missy, I want to thank you for all of your trailblazing ways,” Obama said in a taped video. “Thank you not for just sharing your gift with the world, but for being an advocate for so many people out there, especially young girls who are still figuring out how to make their voices heard.”
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) June 14, 2019
Lizzo and Da Brat performed their rendition of Elliott's hit “Sock It 2 Me” to a crowd of industry members. Legendary rapper and actor Queen Latifah was also on hand to personally induct her friend into the prestigious hall of fame.
In a 10-minute speech, the "Work It" artist thanked her fans, friends, peers and God for the honor.
“Every time I come up to a podium … even with all the work that I’ve done, I don’t know, and I’m assuming it’s just God, I don’t know why I am here,” she said with tears in her eyes. “I want to say one thing to the writers, to the upcoming writers, ‘Do not give up.’ We all go through writer’s block. Sometimes you just have to walk away from a record and come back to it. But don’t give up because I’m standing here. And this is big for hip-hop, too.”
Missy illustrious career includes dozens of song credits and collaborations. She has written for Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Monica, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Ariana Grande, Destiny’s Child and so many more.
The famed artist is the third rapper to be inducted in the hall, joining Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z. Just last month, Missy became the first rapper to receive an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.
