Missy Elliott

Background

Melissa Arnette Elliott, better known as Missy Elliott, is a well-respected name in the hip-hop music industry, and her confidence, witty flow, unique videos, and tomboy style have earned her millions of fans worldwide. Missy Elliott was born on July 1, 1971, in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S.A. Her father, Ronnie Elliott, was a U.S. Marine, while her mother, Patricia Elliott, worked at a power company. She is an African-American, and her zodiac sign is Cancer. The early part of her childhood was blissful, and she was a straight-A student. But problems began when her father left the marines. Her childhood became traumatizing; she was often abused by her cousin, and her father frequently assaulted her mother. She escaped with her mother.

With her father out of the picture, she pursued her music career. In 1991, she formed the Sista group, which signed with Swing Mob Records, a record label. But the group members separated in 1995, Swing Mod Records also folded, and its folding ended its music projects. Missy Elliott paired with Timbaland, and together they focused on writing and producing songs for performers like their friend Aaliyah. Missy Elliott launched her label, The Goldmind, Inc., under Elektra Records in 1997. In the same year, she released her first album titled “Supa Dupa Fly.” She followed this release with “Da Real World” (1999) and “Miss E… So Addictive” (2001).

Missy Elliott released another album, “Under Construction,” in 2002, and it was a commercial success. The same year she won two Grammys for her song ‘Get Ur Freak On.’ Other Grammy Awards came with ‘Work It’ and ‘Scream, a.k.a. Itchin.’ She released other albums like “This Is Not a Test!” in 2003 and “The Cookbook” in 2005. She engages in many philanthropic activities, encourages body positivity, and campaigns for animal rights.