Rap pioneer Melissa “Missy” Elliott recently received the honor of being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame from Queen Latifah.
Before launching her solo career, Elliott was a successful producer and writer for other artists. She worked with producer Timbaland, who shaped some of Elliott’s hip hop and R&B music in the 1990s, she performed with Aaliyah and Destiny’s Child.
Also with Timbaland, Elliott released her first album, entitled “Supa Dupa Fly” in 1997. Her song “The Rain” made her a rap star.
She had a series of hit albums and songs in the 1990s, such as “Work It,” “Hot Boyz” and “Get Ur Freak On,” often recorded with other big-name artists.
At Thursday’s ceremony, Singer Lizzo and rapper Da Brat paid tribute to Elliott by performing some of her songs.
Prior to the induction, the academy broadcast a video in which former first lady Michelle Obama said she is a fan of Elliott, who is 47.
Before Elliott, two other rappers had made it into the hall of fame: Jermaine Dupri last year and Jay-Z in 2017.
Justin Timberlake received a special prize, the Contemporary Icon Award, which celebrates giants of contemporary music.
Take a trip down memory lane with some of Elliot’s famous songs below:
