Missy Elliott Makes History as First Female Rapper Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Elliott celebrated with an electrifying performance at the ceremony, thanked her inspirations, and discussed her journey in an emotional speech; she is among other greats like Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow inducted in the same year.

Miss Elliot, the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, celebrated her historic induction with a medley of her classic songs, including “Get Ur Freak On,” “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Work It,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “Lose Control.”
Elliott's trailblazing status in the music industry was underlined in a powerful induction speech by Queen Latifah, who highlighted Elliott's innovative songwriting and production skills, her influence on pop music, and her legacy as a feminist artist in hip-hop.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Missy Elliott thanked God, her mother, producer Timbaland, female trailblazers like Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah, as well as those who pushed her when she was reluctant to be an artist. She also expressed her awe at sharing the stage with legends like Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, and Willie Nelson.
Other notable moments of the ceremony include star-studded performances by Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson, and Queen Latifah honoring Elliott for her message that 'it’s possible to do everything and to be great at it.' Elliott’s performance notably involved a crowd interaction showcasing her lively performance style.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony included a wide range of artists in the class of 2023, including Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, DJ Kool Herc, George Michael, and Rage Against the Machine.