A One Of One Talent: Celebrating Missy Elliott’s 54th Birthday With A Playlist Of Her Most Timeless Hits

One of the most beloved and influential artists of our generation celebrates her 54th birthday today (July 1st). Continue reading to learn about her legacy and to take a stroll back to some of her greatest hits.

Melissa Arnette Elliott was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. After rising from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and abuse, she started her career in the early ’90s as a member of the R&B group Sista. Elliott finally got her big break when she teamed up with childhood friend and producer Timbaland. Together, they revolutionized the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the mid-1900s. The duo masterfully crafted hits for Aaliyah, Ginuwine, and 702 before Missy stepped into the spotlight with her own solo debut.

That debut came in the form of her 1997 album Supa Dupa Fly, which turned out to be a game changer, both musically and visually. Known for her genre-blending sounds, bold and provocative lyrics, and futuristic music video, Misdemeanor quickly established herself as a creative force. She followed up with a series of successful albums, including Da Real World, Miss E.. So Addictive, Under Construction, and This Is Not a Test! With these albums came some of her most iconic hits like “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control.” The music seamlessly fused rap, R&B, electronic, funk, and pop influences. Elliott was lauded for championing body positivity, female empowerment, and unapologetic originality. Despite stepping away from the spotlight in the late 2000s due to health struggles, her influence never faded. She made her triumphant return in 2015 with the track “WTF (Where They From).” She also received critical acclaim for her 2019 EP Iconology. 

Over the course of her illustrious career, she has earned numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards and the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard. In 2023, she reached a monumental milestone by becoming the first female rapper into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As successful as she was, Elliott’s impact goes far beyond just the music charts. She quite frankly redefined what it meant to be a female rapper. In doing so, she opened the doors for future generations of women in hip hop. She changed the landscape of the game forever with her inventive videos, groundbreaking production work and boundary-pushing sound. Revered as a cultural icon, innovator, and trailblazer, Missy Elliott’s legacy is untouchable. To celebrate her and the inspiration she’s been across the industry, check out a playlist of her essentials. HAPPY 54TH BIRTHDAY TO MISSY ELLIOTT!