Missy Elliott Makes History: First Female Rapper in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On November 3, Missy Elliott made history by being inducted as the first female rapper into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She sang some of her most well-known songs, including “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Pass That Dutch,” and “Lose Control,” after accepting her award. A video of her performance is available below.
Missy Elliott was hailed by Queen Latifah, who performed the induction, as a pivotal role in the advancement of women in hip-hop. “Do you feel free?” she asked. Are you up for some crazy shit? Regards, Missy.”
Missy Elliott took the stage to accept the award after Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion appeared in a video celebrating her career.
“First of all, I’m not even gonna start without thanking God,” she said, beginning her speech. “I’ve been through so many ups and downs and I know where my gifts come from. God has brought me all the way here. He has allowed me to meet some incredible people along the way.”
Elliott expressed gratitude towards fellow inductees like Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners.
Also Read: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Welcome First Child
“All of these people have impacted people around the world through their music,” she said. “Sometimes I be like, do people really realize, like through music, what music do with people? That’s the one thing I think we can all say that comes together is music.”
“I didn’t wanna call out any names, but I have to say Pepa who is here from Salt-N-Pepa? Her and Queen Latifah, [MC] Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, so many. Monie [Love], all those ones before me gave me their shoulders to stand on. So I just wanna take the time. My people say, ‘Hey, go up there, and you know, people wanna hear from you, how you feel.’ But these are the people who inspired me. And if it wasn’t for them and their music, I probably wouldn’t be standing here.”
“I have to thank my mother who is here. My mother has never seen me perform in my whole entire career,” she continued. “I never wanted my mother to come to a show to hear me curse, ’cause you know, she from the church. But this night is so important and I wouldn’t have it no other way. Mommy, I thank you for allowing me to write on your walls songs.”
“And Timbaland, I love you. We started this in high school. I am proud of you. I see you, you are legendary.”
“I just wanna say I love y’all and just try to spread love ’cause we so needed in this world. And I thank y’all, all the inductees. Y’all are so amazing. And congratulations to y’all. I’m honoured to be even just in the room with you all. And I thank y’all. Thank you so much.”
