A Trailblazing Artist Who Has Shaped The Music Industry For Three Decades

Missy Elliott: A Hip-Hop and Cultural Icon

A Trailblazing Artist Who Has Shaped the Music Industry for Three Decades

From Her Early Days in Virginia to Her Rise to Global Stardom

Missy Elliott, born July 1, 1971, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Known as Misdemeanor 3 4, Missy Elliott has been a force in the music industry for over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on hip-hop and popular culture.

Elliott's journey began in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she developed a passion for music at a young age. Her early influences included R&B, soul, and funk, and she began writing and performing rap songs in her teens. In 1991, she met Timbaland, who would become her longtime collaborator and producer.

With Timbaland's innovative beats and Elliott's infectious lyrics and flow, the duo created a unique sound that would revolutionize hip-hop. Elliott's debut album, Supa Dupa Fly, was released in 1997 and was an instant success, establishing her as a rising star. Her follow-up albums, Da Real World (1999) and Miss E... So Addictive (2001), further cemented her status as a hip-hop icon.