It is a big win in the world of hip-hop as US rapper, Missy Elliott has solidified her place in the channels of music history. Over the weekend, she received the prestigious honour of being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making her the first female rapper to achieve this remarkable milestone. Queen Latifah, another esteemed figure in the world of hip-hop, had the privilege of introducing Missy Elliott and extolling her unmatched talent and pioneering musicality.
Queen Latifah emphatically stated, “Believe me, nothing remained the same after Missy Elliott burst onto the scene. Absolutely nothing. The beats, snares, everything transformed. The basslines evolved, the rhythms shifted, the flow, the lyrics. And that’s because Missy has always been a visionary, someone constantly looking ahead.”
The induction ceremony featured a compelling video montage, featuring appearances by renowned artists such as Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. Missy Elliott then graced the stage with a career-spanning performance, encompassing her iconic hits like “Get Ur Freak On,” “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Work It,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “Lose Control.” The performance took an interactive turn as Missy engaged with the audience, delivering her legendary lyrics while traversing through the crowd.
In her acceptance speech, Missy Elliott expressed profound gratitude to those who had supported her throughout her journey in the entertainment industry. She also paid homage to the artists who paved the way for her illustrious career.
“I didn’t want to single out specific names, but I must mention Pepa, who is here from Salt-N-Pepa, and Queen Latifah, Lyte, Roxane Shante, and many others. Monie, all those who came before me provided me with a platform to stand on,” Elliott stated. “So, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation. My team told me, ‘Go up there and share how you feel; people want to hear from you.’ But these are the individuals who inspired me. If it weren’t for them and their music, I probably wouldn’t be standing here.”
Missy Elliott also acknowledged the profound significance and influence of hip-hop, particularly as the genre marked its 50th anniversary. She emotionally conveyed to the audience, “In the realm of hip-hop, it often feels like an arduous journey, and being here means the world to me.”
Missy Elliott’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a momentous achievement. While she is the first female rapper to receive this prestigious honour, she joins an esteemed group of hip-hop artists in the Hall of Fame, including iconic names like Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, Eminem, Public Enemy, and Jay-Z. This year, DJ Kool Herc was also recognized with the Musical Influence Award for his significant contributions to hip-hop culture.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony was streamed live for the first time this year, ensuring that fans worldwide could witness this historic moment. For those who missed the live broadcast, a two-hour prime-time special is scheduled to air on ABC on January 1, 2024, with streaming availability on Hulu and Disney+ starting on January 2, 2024.