Missy Elliott

Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott, born on July 1, 1971 (age 51), is a prominent American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Renowned as "Misdemeanor," she initiated her musical journey as a member of the R&B girl group **Sista** in the 1990s. **Missy Elliott** further solidified her place in the music industry as a vital member of the **Swing Mob collective**, collaborating closely with her childhood friend and longtime partner Timbaland. Together, they contributed to the creation and production of music for acclaimed acts such as **702**, **Aaliyah**, **SWV**, and **Total**.

## Early Life

Melissa Arnette Elliott, born on July 1, 1971, at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Portsmouth, Virginia, is the only child of power company dispatcher Patricia and former Marine Ronnie Elliott. Raised in an active church choir family, singing became a normal part of her youth. At four years old, she expressed a desire to be a performer. While her father served as an active Marine, the family resided in a manufactured home community in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Later, they moved back to Virginia, experiencing extreme poverty. Despite her early struggles, Missy Elliott blossomed during her youth, forming friendships in school even though she had little interest in academic pursuits.

In Virginia, **Missy Elliott** faced adversity, witnessing her mother's abuse and experiencing trauma herself. At 14, they escaped the violent environment, finding refuge at a family member's home. Despite challenges, leaving proved a source of strength for both. Missy graduated from **Manor High School** in 1990 and, while occasionally speaking to her father, has not forgiven him for the abuse inflicted on her mother.

## Personal Life

In 2008, **Missy Elliott** expressed a desire to start a family but hesitated due to fear of childbirth, considering adoption as an alternative. In June 2011, she revealed her hiatus from the music industry was prompted by Graves' disease, diagnosed after a car incident caused by severe leg spasms. The condition incapacitated her, hindering her ability to write songs. Following treatment, her symptoms stabilized.

## Legacy

**Missy Elliott** is hailed as the "*Queen of Rap*," "*Queen of Hip Hop*," and "*First Lady of Hip Hop*" by various media outlets. Renowned for groundbreaking music videos, she shifted hip-hop video themes. Elliott's music explores feminism, gender equality, body positivity, and sex positivity, influencing the industry's landscape. In 2001, she gained control over her image and music, earning recognition as **America's first Black female music mogul**. Her albums revolutionized R&B and hip-hop sounds, introducing fun and fantasy. Artists like **Destiny's Child** credit her for paving the way in the music industry. Regarded as a "*hip hop icon*," Elliott's impact is likened to **Prince**'s influence on R&B. She is acknowledged for reshaping hip-hop sounds and expanding the rap genre's definition. Her creative music videos ushered in a new era, inspiring subsequent releases. Commercially, she dominated female hip-hop album sales, establishing Virginia's prominence in hip hop. As of 2015, she remains the best-selling female rap album artist in the US. Missy Elliott's career reflects a constant challenge to the male-dominated rap scene, pushing boundaries and securing a significant place for women in hip hop.