Missy Elliott is an American rapper, singer, dancer and record producer from Portsmouth, United States, born in 1971. She performs under the stage name Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott and also works as a producer and actress.

Career

Elliott begins her recording career in the all-girl R&B group Sista in 1993. She is also associated with Da Bassment, Fayze and Swing Mob, and later becomes a solo artist. She works closely with childhood friend and production partner Timbaland, producing for other artists as well as recording her own material.

As a songwriter and producer, she contributes to hit records for Aaliyah, 702, Total, Ciara, Nicole Wray and Tweet. Her own recordings include “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”, “Hit ’Em Wit Da Hee”, “Get Ur Freak On”, “One Minute Man”, “Work It” and “Lose Control”.

Albums

Her debut album is Supa Dupa Fly in 1997. She follows it with Da Real World in 1999, Miss E… So Addictive in 2001, Under Construction in 2002, This Is Not a Test! in 2003 and The Cookbook in 2005. She is described as having six albums certified platinum by the RIAA, and as the only female rapper to reach that level. She also has work planned around a seventh studio album, Block Party.

Recognition

Elliott is one of the first major female hip hop stars and is recognised as one of the most successful songwriters of the modern music era. She wins six Grammy Awards.

Style and labels

Her music is associated with contemporary R&B, hip hop, hip hop soul, hip house, pop rap and southern hip hop. She is linked with Goldmind, Mass Confusion Music, East West Records, Elektra Entertainment Group and The Goldmind, Inc.