Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott Elliott performing in July 2010 Background information Birth name Melissa Arnette Elliott Also known as Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott Born (1971-07-01) July 1, 1971 (age 43) Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Origin Virginia, U.S. Genres Hip hop, R&B Occupation(s) Rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer Instruments Vocals Years active 1991–present Labels The Gold Mind, East West, Elektra, Atlantic, Violator Associated acts Raven-Symoné, Jodeci, Timbaland, Magoo, Aaliyah, 702, Ginuwine, Lil' Kim, Tweet, Da Brat, Ciara, Keyshia Cole, Busta Rhymes, Mýa, Sista, Swing Mob, Monica, Jay-Z, Katy Perry Website missy-elliott.com Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born July 1, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. Her first major success came as a songwriter with childhood friend and producer Timbaland on projects for Aaliyah, 702, Total, and SWV. As a record producer and songwriter, she has worked with Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Janet Jackson, as well as contemporary artists Keyshia Cole, G Dragon, Tamia, Monica and Ciara. In the late 1990s, Elliott expanded her career as a solo artist and rapper, eventually winning five Grammy Awards and selling over 30 million records in the United States. Elliott is the only female rapper to have six albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one double platinum for her 2002 album Under Construction. Elliott is also known for a series of hits and diverse music videos, including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hot Boyz", "Get Ur Freak On", "Work It", and the Grammy award-winning video for "Lose Control."