Missy Elliott Makes History As The First Woman Hip-Hop Artist To Be Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

She is more than deserving!

This week the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced their class of 2023, naming seven influential figures in music who have been voted into the hall, and another six honorees selected by the Hall of Fame committee, Variety reports. Inductees include legendary soul group, The Spinners, iconic singer Chaka Khan, the father of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc, and pioneering “Soul Train” host, Don Cornelius, who will posthumously receive the annual Ahmet Ertegun Award. Also included as an inductee is trailblazing artist Missy Elliott, who will make history as the first woman hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

The possibility of Elliott’s historic induction was announced this past February, the 5x Grammy Award winner calling it “an incredible honor.” She is a 2x honorary doctorate recipient, the first woman rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the first woman rapper to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2019 VMAs. Elliott has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and holds the title for best-selling female rapper in Nielsen Music History. She has not been voted into the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by her legion of endearing fans. 

“I want to say this is HUGE not for just me but all my sisters in Hip Hop. This door is now OPEN to showcase the hard work & what many of us contribute to MUSIC. I have cried all morning because I am GRATEFUl,” Elliott posted to social media.

Elliott is being honored with The Spinners in the performer category, DJ Kool Herc is receiving his award in the musical influence category while Chaka Khan earned her induction in the musical excellence category. Other inductees include Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Sheryl Crow, George Michael, producer Al Kooper, songwriter Bernie Taupin, and rock guitarist Link Wray. 

“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Chairman John Sykes.

The inductees will be honored at a ceremony and concert set to take place on November 3rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The ceremony coincides with the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson & the 50th anniversary of hip hop. 

Congratulations to the 2023 class of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees!

Cover photo: Missy Elliott makes history as the first woman hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame/Photo Courtesy of AFP/Getty Images