Missy Elliott Makes History as First Female Rapper Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Virginia-born artist Missy Elliott is set to become the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
On Wednesday (May 3), LL COOL J announced the Class of 2023, which includes Missy Elliott alongside Kate Bush, George Michael, Sheryl Crow, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, and Willie Nelson in the performer category.
DJ Kool Herc will receive the Rock Hall’s Musical Influence Award, Chaka Khan will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award, and Soul Train creator Don Cornelius will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Other 2023 inductees include Link Wray, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin.
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, expressed his excitement about this year’s diverse inductees, which coincide with Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Missy Elliott’s legendary career began in the 1990s as a songwriter before she embarked on her solo journey with albums like Supa Dupa Fly, Da Real World, and Miss E… So Addictive. After a hiatus, she returned in 2019 with her Iconology EP. Boasting numerous platinum and gold-certified hits, Missy Elliott is considered a leader and inspiration by other artists in the industry. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame CEO Greg Harris praised Elliott as “the full package” and a fitting choice as the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted.
