Happy birthday, Missy!
Missy Elliott Bio
Melissa Arnette Elliott (professionally known as Missy Elliott or Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott) was born on July 1, 1971 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Elliott is an only child of her father, Ronnie, a US marine at the time Missy was born, and mother, Patricia. Missy and her parents lived in North Carolina while her father was still a Marine. After Ronnie's tenure in the military ended, the family moved back to Portsmouth. Ronnie physically hurt Patricia in front of Missy. When Missy was eight years old, she was raped by an older cousin, as per Biography.com.
MIssy experienced emotional trauma due to her problematic family life. The then aspiring rapper also struggled financially prior to making it big in the music industry. Missy credited her resiliency and strength for getting past through challenges in life.
How Missy Elliot Got Started as a Rapper
While still in school, Missy formed a girl singing group called Sista. A successful audition for producer, DeVante Swing, paved the way for Sista to be signed on to Swing's record label called Swing Mob records. However, the said record label folded even before the release of Sista's debut album. Missy never gave up in pursuing a career in music, though. Missy continued writing songs for famed musicians after the disbandment of Sista. Then, one day, Sylvia Rhone, Elektra Entertainment Group's CEO gave Missy a chance to form her own record label called Goldmind.
Via Goldmind, Missy released her solo debut album called "Supa Dupa Fly" in 1997.
Missy Elliott Career Highlights, Milestones, and Accolades
"Supa Dupa Fly" eventually earned a platinum certified status. Hence, Elliott got the title of being named rap artist of the year by Rolling Stone. It didn't take long for Missy to be named "biggest and blackest female rap star that Middle America has ever seen," by The New Yorker.
Elliott's succeeding two albums, "Da Real World" (1999) and "Miss E (So Addictive)" (2001) were also certified platinum. Missy's fourth album, "Under Construction" (2002) surpassed sales records for a female rap album, with over 2.1 million copies sold in the United States alone.
Missy Elliott Mental Health Condition's Status
As per a June 23 article published on Shinemycrown.com, it was reported that Missy Elliott was the latest cover star of Essence magazine. The rapper shared to Essence that she recently struggled with mental health issues. Missy further elaborated that it was okay to admit of not being all right. She further shared that making such an admission has always been the key for people to uplift each other.
