8 Songs You Didn't Know Were Written By Missy Elliott

There is absolutely no way that anyone can profess to be a fan of R&B or hip-hop, a lover of music videos, and/or someone who likes to dance without songwriter/producer/artist extra-extraordinaire Missy Elliott immediately coming to their mind. (Just try—I'll wait).

Since 1997 and when Missy (officially) stepped onto the music scene with her debut LP Supa Dupa Fly with its first single "The Rain", she has caught—and firmly held—my and virtually every music lover's—attention.

That's why, when I heard that Missy was nominated to be inducted into the 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame, I couldn't help but be like "Yaaaaas!" And, even though I've only personally encountered her while we were going through security in JFK airport about 10 years ago, I feel like a proud friend when I stop to think about the fact that she's—and yes, I'm yelling this—THE FIRST FEMALE RAPPER TO EVER BE NOMINATED!

This was Missy's response to the history-making news:

"I am Humbly Grateful to be nominated with so many other AMAZING writers🙏🏾 Congratulations to all of them also🙌🏾"

Nice. It's her humility that makes me even happier for her. Missy stays good for music, good for the culture, and a great example for women who want to blaze their own trail, being as bold and boss as they wanna be.

Her lyrics are bold ("She's a Bitch"). Her vocal arrangements are bananas ("One Minute Man"). And her video treatments? They ALWAYS have us wanting to watch her videos at least five times in a row just so that we can catch—and sometimes even understand—all that's going on in them.

Ever since the late 90's—which personally, I think was the best time EVER for R&B—Missy has been mad consistent when it comes to rollin' out the hits. If you don't believe me, here is a mere fraction of songs that she's written (don't even get me started on her production creds). Ready?

Featured image via Giphy