Missy Elliott now has the honor of becoming the first woman rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She is the fourth hip-hop songwriter to be inducted sharing the distinction with Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri and Dallas Austin who is also a 2019 inductee. Elliott’s success in the ’90s put her among the most influential artists of the decade. She broke through as a unique voice comprised of humor and style when she debuted as a solo artist with the single “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” in 1997. It was the beginning of her time as a creator of some of the era’s classic songs with Timbaland’s computerized rhythms that complimented Elliott’s singing and rapping. Her pen extended its reach to gain writing credits for Aaliyah, Whitney Houston, SWV, Total, and Destiny’s Child among others. The Songwriters Hall of Fame describes Elliot as “One of the most significant female artists in contemporary music history.” Chairman Nile Rodgers said in the press release that the 2019 inductees wrote songs that made the music of today possible. Elliott’s music resisted stereotypes about women and opened up a new path of individualism for women rappers and her videos have inspired artists across genres. The induction event is scheduled for Thursday, June 13th 2019, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Â
