logo
Youtube.com/ET Canada
Youtube.com/ET Canada

Missy Elliott in Tears, Makes History at Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction

Claudine Varela
Jun 17, 2019
06:36 A.M.

"I am thankful," Missy Elliott said during her emotional speech at her induction to the Songwriters' Hall of Fame with no less than Michelle Obama and Queen Latifah paying tribute to her.

Advertisement

Missy Elliott became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame and she accepted the recognition in tears.

Advertisement

CELEBRITIES CELEBRATE ELLIOTT'S HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT

On Thursday, the 47-year-old gave an emotional speech expressing how grateful she was to be part of the prestigious roster of songwriters. She’s only the third rapper to ever be inducted following Jay-Z in 2017 and Jermaine Dupri in 2018.

Elliott’s good friend Queen Latifah, former first lady Michelle Obama, Da Brat and Lizzo were all on hand for the rapper’s historical moment. Latifah lauded her for her contributions spanning two-decades. The “Work It” singer has not only written hits for herself, but she’s also the writer behind some of the chart-toppers of Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, and Beyonce.

"Thank you not for just sharing your gift with the world, but for being an advocate for so many people out there."

Advertisement

Obama, in a pre-recorded video aired during the induction, thanked the singer for sharing her talent to the world and being a voice for others.

“Missy, I want to thank you for all of your trailblazing ways. 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.”

Meanwhile, Da Brat and Lizzo paid tribute to the rapper by performing their version of Elliott’s “Sock It 2 Me.”

"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."

Advertisement

HER EMOTIONAL SPEECH

“I am thankful,” Elliott said when she took the stage for her speech during the induction ceremony.

“Every time I come up to a podium … even with all the work that I’ve done, I don’t know — and I’m assuming it’s just God — I don’t know why I am here.” Elliott teared up as she continued her speech in the midst of applause from the audience.

She also had a message for other writers and those aspiring to be one.

“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.”

THAT'S DR. ELLIOTT TO YOU

Elliott’s entry into the hall of fame is indeed big for hip-hop and the second big leap for the songwriting artist who recently celebrated another historic milestone in her life. She became the first female rapper to ever receive an honorary doctorate degree at Berklee College of Music.

Advertisement

The Boston college which has handed out the same recognition to Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, BB King, and Loretta Lynn acknowledged Elliott as a “groundbreaking superstar, pioneering producer, songwriter, singer, and rapper.” Addressing the students during her acceptance speech, Dr. Elliott advised them to prepare for the “ups and downs,” herself experiencing a roller coaster of events in her life.

"The celebrated rapper opened up about the autoimmune disease that she continues to live with today. “I’m walking… by the grace of God,” she said.

Advertisement

LIVING WITH A RECURRING ILLNESS

One of those downs happened in 2008 when Elliott was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, the same illness Wendy Williams admitted to having. While accepting her Essence Visionary Award last year, the rapper opened up about the autoimmune disease that she continues to live with today. “I’m walking… by the grace of God,” she said after explaining how sick she got due to the illness. “I couldn’t even lift a pen,” she said. “My nervous system had broken all the way down.”

Advertisement

According to the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation’s website, two to three percent of the population is affected by Graves’ Disease and it is five to ten times more common in women than men. The condition which is characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones, also known as hyperthyroidism can attack the nervous system and cause weight loss, emotional swings, mental and physical fatigue.

Though she lives with the disease, Elliott is proof that it is not an obstacle to greatness. She’s an inspiration to many who may think that illness is a sign of weakness because she drew strength from it and emerged victoriously.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Linda Ronstadt Now Shares Home with Adopted Daughter Who Is Her 'Source of Joy' as She Fights Disease

January 16, 2024

5 Celebrity Couples Whose Marriages Have Lasted for 40 Years and More

January 24, 2024

Inside Wendy Williams' Health Struggles: From a Public Faint to Fighting Chronic Illness for 2 Decades

February 23, 2024

Michelle Obama Felt ‘Lost & Alone’ as She Could Not Conceive at 35 - She Described Having a Baby as ‘Magical'

January 23, 2024

20 Years after Newborn Daughter’s Death, Man Hears, ‘Dad, I Finally Found You’ – Story of the Day

February 26, 2024

Inside Sasha Obama's Life – From Being Sick as a Child to Leaving Her Parents' House

January 23, 2024

Macaulay Culkin In Tears Hugs 'Fake Mom' Catherine O'Hara 30 Years After She 'Left' Him Home Alone Twice

December 04, 2023

Fans Empathize as Bruce Willis’ Daughter Posts Nostalgic Pic with Dad Whose ‘Language Skills Are No Longer Available’

November 21, 2023

Sheryl Crow's Rarely-Seen Adopted Sons Make a Red Carpet Appearance at Her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

November 06, 2023

Yvette Nicole Brown's Weight Changed after She Was Diagnosed with Diabetes

January 15, 2024

Fans Want Bruce Willis Left Alone after His Daughter Showed a Photo Holding His Hand: ‘So Painful to See’

November 27, 2023

Lil Dicky’s Girlfriend Is ‘The One,’ He Said — What Is Known about His Love Life

January 24, 2024

'I Feel for You': Bruce Willis' Daughter Shared Never-before-Seen Photos of Actor — Fans Send Their Support

November 17, 2023

‘I Have No Money’: Fans Send Wendy Williams, 59, Prayers after Seeing Her for the 1st Time amid Long TV Absence

February 07, 2024