Missy Elliott has etched her name in history as the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This momentous occasion took place on Friday, November 3, during the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The iconic Queen Latifah had the honor of presenting Missy Elliott with this well-deserved recognition.

Queen Latifah delivered an awe-inspiring speech, acknowledging Missy’s groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop, particularly her influential work with producer Timbaland and her iconic rap album, Supa Dupa Fly. “We had never heard anything like that in our lives,” Latifah remarked, referring to the album. She emphasized that Missy and Timbaland’s artistry opened doors to new musical possibilities, not just in hip-hop but in contemporary music as a whole. “Nothing sounded the same after Missy came on the scene,” Queen Latifah declared. She praised Missy’s innovative approach to kick snares, bass lines, cadence, and lyrics, underscoring Missy’s role as a musical futurist.

I got to the podium & my mind went blank it is a feeling that’s almost unimaginable as I listened to the Cheers & Claps of so many ppl I felt like a little girl again singing to my babydolls in my room. I felt like the child who told my teachers I’m gonna be a star🥹I hope I’ve… pic.twitter.com/E5JKaZ3p4M

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) November 4, 2023

Following Queen Latifah’s moving speech, Missy Elliott graced the stage and performed a mesmerizing medley of her chart-topping hits, including “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Get Ur Freak On.” Dressed in a sparkling gold outfit and accompanied by a team of talented dancers, Missy showcased why she’s considered a trailblazer in the world of rap. She concluded her electrifying performance with renditions of her iconic songs “Work It,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “Lose Control.”

In an empowering speech after her performance, Missy Elliott expressed her gratitude and paid tribute to the influential women in rap who had inspired her throughout her career. She stated, “I didn’t want to call out any names, but I have to say Pepa, who is here from Salt and Pepa. Her, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Roxane Shante, Monie Love, and so many others—those who came before me gave me their shoulders to stand on.” Missy acknowledged their immense contributions to the rap genre and credited them as the sources of her inspiration. She concluded by saying, “If it wasn’t for them and their music, I probably wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Missy Elliott’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame marks a historic moment for women in hip-hop and solidifies her legacy as a pioneer in the music industry. Her achievements continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.