Melissa Elliott, also known as Missy Elliott has emerged the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in a flamboyant, yet emotional ceremony.
Tearful Missy Elliott reached out to other writers, as well as upcoming writers while delivering her 10 minutes long speech at the as she collects the honour.
“I am thankful,” she said, pausing for a few seconds. “I want to say one thing to the writers, to the upcoming writers: ‘Do not give up.’ We all go through writer’s block. Sometimes you just have to walk away from a record and come back to it.
“But don’t give up because I’m standing here. And this is big for hip-hop, too.”
The former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama graced the ceremony with her presence, and she appreciated Missy Elliot’s immense contributions. “Missy, I want to thank you for all of your trailblazing ways,” the 55-year-old said during the event.
“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.”
The 50th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony took place at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel on Thursday June 13, 2019.
