Missy Elliott reflects on her career, speaks about uplifting brown women and discusses new music in her new cover story for Marie Claire.

“I am a champion for my brown, dark women. If we knew how special we were, we would be unstoppable.” Missy has been representing for brown women since the release of her first album Supa Dupa Fly in 1997.

Known for her cutting-edge music videos, as a singer, rapper and producer Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott has been able to redefine and re-shape hip-hop culture in her own image.

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DID SOMEONE SAY DRIP DRIPPING????????????????????????????JULY iSSUE of @marieclairemag LOOK AT MY LAST POST too! Cop this issue http://MarieClaire.com/Missy-Elliott Stylist: @juneambrose Interview: @smashfizzle Photographer: @michaiahcarter Hair: @kellonderyck & @ogx_beauty Makeup: @themuaalex & @covergirl Manicure: @nails_by_lisalalinda Entertainment Director: @maxwelllosgar Set Design: @laurennikrooz & @themagnetagency On-set Production: @elisemc4 & @onefourthreeproductions60

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In June, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame as the first female hip-hop artist to receive the accolade. The impact and longevity of Missy’s career have been rare and undeniable. But the achievements and icon status do not come without hard work and discipline. During the interview, she told Marie Claire that she “feels crazy” if she doesn’t make it to the studio every day.

Missy’s ability innovate and push past all boundaries in the music industry is something she’s been cultivating since she was a child. She confessed to the magazine that she knew she would be an icon when she was in kindergarten. Whenever asked what she wanted to be, young Missy Elliott would respond “I’m going to be a superstar.”

Now the rapper is on track to release new music. The Grammy award-winning artist confirmed that new music is coming saying to Marie Claire, “it’s time to make street dudes enjoy dancing again.”

When asked what she wants us to be thinking when we finish listening to her next album she responded “There’s no one like Missy. No one.”

Supa-Dupa-Fly

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