Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott was born in Virginia in 1971. She is an award-winning rap artist and probably the greatest ever female rapper. As well as having a string of hit singles and albums, Elliott has also written songs for other top artists, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. Elliott’s success in the rap industry is nothing short of phenomenal.

 

Elliott grew up experiencing and witnessing sexual and physical abuse. She lived in fear that her father would beat her mother to death. She found an escape in music. From the age of four she dreamed about stardom. She wrote letters to her hero Michael Jackson every day, asking him to rescue her. She also spent her youth writing song lyrics.

 

Elliott formed a rap group called Sista with three school friends, which broke up after their record label refused to release their album. She wrote songs and contributed vocals to other artists' songs. The CEO of Elektra Records heard Elliott on Gina Thompson's "The Things That You Do" and knew she was special. She won a contract to run her own record label, GoldMind Inc.

 

Elliott teamed up with her old friend Timbaland and set the world of rap on fire with her stylish songs and image. Six of her albums would go platinum and she received five Grammy awards for her brilliance. She also produced stars like Madonna and Beyonce. Elliott also has time for charity work, in particular, to highlight domestic violence and teen obesity.