If Missy Elliott isn’t inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year, we riot.

One of only two hip hop musicians on the list (A Tribe Called Quest are also nominated for the second time, following their 2022 nod), Elliott is a first-time 2023 nominee along with the White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Warren Zevon, and Joy Division/New Order. Missy also has the distinction of being the first female hip hop musician to be nominated.

To be eligible, artists or bands have to have released their first commercial recording by 1997, which slightly alters the institution’s rule about the artist’s first release coming out 25 years prior.

“This is an incredible honor. I’m so humbled and grateful to be counted amongst all the incredible honorees,” Missy said in a statement. “I’ve spent my career making the kind of music I love and it means so much to know that I have touched others as well. But to hear that I am the first female hip hop artist to EVER be nominated into the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame?!? Wow!! This one hits extra different as I hope it opens doors for other female emcees to be recognized!”

Missy is the best-selling female rapper in Nielsen Music history, with sales of over 30 million records in the United States alone. Known for her vibrantly creative and memorably colorful music videos, she’s a 2019 Songwriters Hall Of Fame inductee and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021. Many hip hop artists today have credited Missy as an influence on their own respective careers: Cardi B, Anderson .Paak, Lizzo, Doja Cat, Ari Lennox, Ciara, Rapsody, Flo Milli, Lil Wayne, and Solange are among the many people inspired by her.

So, again: if Missy Elliott isn’t inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year, we riot.

Missy Elliott Is A 2023 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominee was last modified: February 1st, 2023 by Meka