Missy Elliot in a Forbes interview on Tuesday, February 14th, opened up about her desire for her predecessors to get the acknowledgement that they deserve. She stated, “Women have played a big part in what we call Hip Hop in this culture, These women are my friends, and we don’t just come together when it’s time to perform; we speak on the phone and hang around each other. I always think about how these are the same women that I looked up to and still do.”
Adding that, “They have kicked down the doors for all the women you see today in 2023. Even if the women that are out now may not be familiar with all of their records, they have to know that these women are the reason they’re able to be on many of these platforms.”
Missy Elliot continued to explain how artists like Salt-N-Pepa inspired her to start her career. Stating, “What made me say I want to be an emcee was Salt-N-Pepa, It felt like they were the whole package. They had the records, but they also made us want to dress like them. They were just smooth. They also danced and were the reason that I got into rapping.”
Meanwhile, Missy Elliot managed to become a first time nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With 25 years passing since the release of her debut album, Supa Dupa Fly, she is now eligible.
When Elliot found out she took to Instagram to say, “I am so HUMBLY GRATEFUL for this nomination with also 14 other Amazing artist so grateful[.] To All of you & my fans who been through this journey with me I Thank You also 4 helping me get here[.] YOU ROCK.”
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