Missy Elliott Officially Becomes The First Female Hip-Hop Artist Inducted Into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Missy Elliott became the first female Hip-Hop artist ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday night, and gave a tearful speech where she discussed overcoming illness to make her mark on the music industry.

Missy was diagnosed with Graves’ disease back in 2008, was honored by the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama and fellow female emcee Queen Latifah, who praised Elliott for her two decade-long career in contributing hit songs for herself as well as the likea of Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson.

“Missy, I want to thank you for all of your trailblazing ways,” Obama said in a pre-recorded video that aired during Elliott’s induction. “Thank you not for just sharing your gift with the world, but for being an advocate for so many people out there, especially young girls who are still figuring out how to make their voices heard.”