Virginia-raised recording artist Missy Elliott will be the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation tapped LL COOL J to announce the members of the Class of 2023 on Wednesday (May 3). Missy Elliott joins Kate Bush, George Michael, Sheryl Crow, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners and Willie Nelson in the performer category.
Hip-Hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc will receive the Rock Hall’s Musical Influence Award, while R&B singer Chaka Khan will receive the Musical Excellence Award. Soul Train creator Don Cornelius will be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Other 2023 honorees include Link Wray, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin.
“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation John Sykes said. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip-Hop.”
Missy Elliott Cultivated A Legendary Career In The Music Business
Melissa “Misdemeanor” Elliott broke out in the music industry as a songwriter for acts like Raven-Symoné, Jodeci and Aaliyah. The former member of the girl group Sista began releasing her own music as Missy Elliott in the late 1990s.
Supa Dupa Fly arrived in 1997 and was followed by 1999’s Da Real World, 2001’s Miss E… So Addictive, 2002’s Under Construction, 2003’s This Is Not a Test! and 2005’s The Cookbook.
After taking a hiatus from releasing projects, Elliott returned with a new body of work in 2019. The Iconology EP came out in August of that year. Teyana Taylor appeared in the music video for the Iconology track “Throw It Back.”
Elliott’s catalog contains numerous platinum and gold-certified songs. Both “Work It” as well as “Lose Control” featuring Ciara and Fatman Scoop earned 2x-platinum plaques from the RIAA.
“All of the other artists look to her as a leader,” CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Greg Harris said. “She’s an amazing songwriter, amazing performer, and she also produces her own stuff. She’s the full package, and it would be fitting if she’s the first female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
