Missy Elliott could be compared to many of the strong women we have read about in our class. Elliot is the contemporary Sojourner Truth. She is out there in the public eye paving the way for women to break through to the epicenter of the hip hop community. Sojourner Truth and Missy Elliott are prime examples of how womens power really does stand strong. Sojourner Truth's "Arn't I A Woman" was the main speech that opened the white man's eyes to how women really do matter, and how they really make a difference. Sojourner Truth used her feminine-masculinity to prove her point that women can do anything a man can do plus more. Missy Elliott uses her voice also, but in music to show the world that women can do anything. Truth helped to pave an original path for women, and womens rights, and Elliott is continuing a path that many are journeying on.

Missy Elliott is undeniably one of the biggest female artist in contemporary music. Especially in hip hop where most of the artists are male. Missy is creative and intelligent, and knows exactly whats she wants out of the music industry. "[Missy Elliott] is recognized as the best selling female hip-hop artist of all time, this quadruple threat- a writer, singer, lyricist, and producer- will undoubtedly whet the appetite (www.missy-elliot.com)." She is known for pushing the limits of music, and has defied all that was traditional in the hip hop community. " All six of her CD's (Supa Dupa Fly, 1997; Da Real World, 1999; Miss. E. So Addictive, 2001; Under Construction, 2002; This Is Not A Test, 2003; The Cookbook, 2005) has produced number one singles that have sent her in to Diva status. "Missy Elliott is not merely and inventive recording artist and performer; she is one of the few women who enjoy an equal amount of success behind the scenes as a prophetic songwriter and producer, having acquired a star-studded list of production credits that include Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera...among others (www.missy-elliott.com)."

Missy Elliott, born Melissa Arnette Elliott, was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on July 1, 1971. She was formally known as Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, but dropped the "Misdemeanor" from her stage name in 2003. She is now known as Missy Elliott. She is one of the biggest female hip hop artists, and has made and paved the way for other female hip hop artists such as Aaliyah, Tweet, 702 and Total.
In the late 1980's Elliott and other friends formed a group called Sista. In 1991, Sista caught the eye of the producer of Jodeci and they signed to Elektra Records through a Swing Mob imprint. Sista completed an album in 1994, but it was never put into the public. By 1995, the Swing Mob had collapsed and many of its members went their own ways. However, Elliott and other members- Timberland (her childhood friend), Magoo, Ginuwine and Playa remained together.
In 1996, Elliott made her debut as a solo rapper on MC Lyte's single "Cold Rock a Party" produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs (now known known as P.Diddy). She hoped to sign with Bad Boy Records, but instead opted to sign again with Elektra Records where she would form her own imprint, Goldmind to start her own solo career.

To read more on Missy Elliott's biography, click on the links!

Bibliography

Cingular Sounds(TM) Just Got a Little Bit Hipper and a Whole Lot Bigger with Exclusive Missy Elliott Collection. PR Newswire 23 August 2005. Infotrac on NCLive.org. 29 Nov 2005.

"M.A.C. Viva Glam V Spokesperson, Missy Elliot, Presented MTV's Staying Alive FOundation With a Cheque for US$30,000 on Behalf of the M.A.C. AIDS Fund". PR Newswire Europe Including UK Disclose. 28 Nov 2005: Proquest. Prezell L. Roberson Lib., Raleigh, NC. 29 Nov. 2005.

Missy Elliott. 22 Nov. 2005.

Missy Elliott. 22 Nov. 2005.

Missy Elliott. 22 Nov. 2005.

Missy Elliott. 30 Nov 2005.

Missy Elliott. 30 Nov 2005.

Missy Elliott; Rapper, songwriter, producer, best-selling female hip-hop artist of all time. Vanity Fair Nov 2005 p306. Infotrac on NCLive.org. 29 Nov 2005

Missy Elliott undergoes surgery. UPI NewsTrack 25 Sept 2005. Infotrac on NCLive.org. 29 Nov 2005.

"Missy Elliott." Wikipedia.Wikipedia.com. St.Augustine's College Library, Raleigh, NC. 22 Nov 2005


**The complete citations will not show up- I have sent you an email with all the full citations.