MTV’s Behind the Music

As one of the best selling female rappers of all time, Missy Elliot climbed to the top on her own terms. Growing up as an only child, Missy faced poverty, despair, and abuse. She used music as an outlet to escape and eventually created the group “Fayze” where she signed with Swing Mob. Missy’s music dreams were coming true; in the early 90s she was able to collaborate with Timbaland & Magoo and Raven-Symoné. However, struggles with her body image and creativity resulted in her departure from Fayze. Her next big opportunity came from Aaliyah and Timbaland. The three were inseparable through their unique style of music. Her success continued with the release of “The Things You That You Do” with Gina Thompson and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”, plus getting signed with her own label, The Goldmind. Now, Missy has created a legacy by producing for big name artists, performing at the Super Bowl, and being inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. As an artist, writer, and producer, Missy Elliot changed the game for women in hip hop by staying true to herself and opening the door for innovation. Watch Behind the Music now on Paramount+.

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