In an upcoming groundbreaking ceremony, Missy Elliott is poised to be honored as the first female rap artist to join the esteemed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The significant induction is scheduled for Friday evening, November 3.
Speaking to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, an emotional Elliott shared her astonishment. She reminisced about her unwavering dream to rise as a superstar, a vision she has championed consistently. Elliott said, “she always dreamed of being a “superstar… I never wavered. I never changed. I said it every time”.
Now, with a successful three-decade-long career in music under her belt, the Grammy-winning artist, at 52, finds this impending accolade almost surreal.
In a light-hearted moment, Elliott mentioned how her family humorously suggested that she was related to another of this year’s inductees, the R&B icon, Chaka Khan. On the prospect of being recognized alongside esteemed artists such as Nelson and Crow, Elliott felt deeply humbled, emphasizing the magnitude of such an honor.
Once inducted, Elliott will join the ranks of hip-hop legends displayed at the RRHOF museum in Cleveland, including Jay-Z, LL Cool J, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac Shakur, to name a few. Addressing any critics, Elliott underscored that both rock and hip-hop are intricate tapestries of diverse musical influences.
The honor of inducting Elliott falls on her long-time friend and fellow artist, Queen Latifah. The rapper expressed profound gratitude to trailblazers like Latifah for forging paths for future generations. Adding a personal touch to the 38th annual induction ceremony at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center is the anticipated presence of Elliott’s mother, who, in a touching revelation, has never seen her daughter perform live.
Elliot took to social media to show her “Supafriends” some love.
The evening promises a constellation of stars, with performances by talents such as Olivia Rodrigo, Elton John, and Stevie Nicks. This year’s induction roster also celebrates influential figures like DJ Kool Herc, Chaka Khan, and Bernie Taupin.
Viewers can anticipate the live broadcast of the induction ceremony on Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET. A curated highlight program, “2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” is set to air on ABC on January 1, with subsequent availability on Hulu and Disney+.