Sunday, November 5, 2023

Hip-Hop Icon Missy Elliott Steals the Show at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony

Photo Credit: Courtesy Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 
Hip-hop pioneer Missy Elliott took center stage at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, making history as the first woman rapper to be inducted into the prestigious hall. The event, which took place on Friday at Brooklyn's Barclays Center and lasted for over four hours, celebrated the remarkable contributions of women and Black artists to the world of rock and roll.

Elliott's electrifying performance closed the show and featured a medley of her greatest hits, including "Get Ur Freak On," "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," "Work It," "Pass That Dutch" and "Lose Control." Queen Latifah, presenting the honor to Elliott, humorously acknowledged, "Missy will wear you out! This woman goes hard for the art."

In a heartfelt moment, the artist revealed that it was the first time her mother had seen her perform live, expressing her gratitude to share the experience with her. She also acknowledged the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the significance of being inducted alongside her fellow honorees.

The 2023 induction ceremony featured a diverse and influential group of musicians, celebrating the significant presence of women and Black artists in the world of rock and roll. Notably, this ceremony came shortly after the removal of Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner from the Hall of Fame's board of directors. Wenner had previously made controversial remarks regarding Black and female musicians in his book of interviews. However, the talent displayed by this year's inductees suggested a different narrative.

"Trust me, nothing sounded the same after Missy Elliott came on the scene," Queen Latifah recalled. "Nothing. All the kick snares, everything changed. The bass lines changed, the pockets changed, the cadence, the writing. And that's because Missy has always been a futurist, someone who's always looking ahead."

Other memorable moments of the night included Sheryl Crow and Olivia Rodrigo's opening performance, Elton John's heartfelt tribute to Bernie Taupin, and H.E.R., Sia and Common's medley in celebration of Chaka Khan. Additionally, Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton, and Sheryl Crow collaborated with Willie Nelson for a lively performance.

Rage Against the Machine and the late guitarist Link Wray were among the other inductees, with performances that underscored the rich diversity of musical genres represented at the ceremony.

Missy Elliott's induction marked a historic moment as she became the first woman rapper to join the esteemed ranks of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony, streamed live for the first time, offered audiences a chance to witness this musical celebration of inclusion and diversity. A two-hour prime-time special of the event will air on Jan. 1 on ABC, while it will be available for streaming on Jan. 2 on Hulu and Disney+.

2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees:

Performer Category:
Kate Bush
Sheryl Crow
Missy Elliott
George Michael
Willie Nelson
Rage Against the Machine
The Spinners

Musical Influence Award:
DJ Kool Herc
Link Wray

Musical Excellence Award:
Chaka Khan
Al Kooper
Bernie Taupin

Ahmet Ertegun Award:
Don Cornelius

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