Happy Earthday, Missy Elliot. Rapper/Producer turns 41, June 1st 2012

birthday missy — Missy Elliot pictured on her 37th birthday
Image Source: celeb.wohoo.co.uk

Today, July 1st sees rapper/singer, songwriter, producer and actress, Melissa Arnette Elliot, better known as Missy “Misdemeanour” Elliot turn 41. Hardcore R&B fans will be familiar with Missy’s early recordings with the female group Sista (who also featured on Jodeci‘s albums) in the early 90’s, but it was her songwriting skills with fellow former Swing Mob member, Timbaland that put Missy on the map. Crafting R&B hits for the likes of the late R&B Princess, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Total, Janet Jackson, Destiny’s Child and a score of others, Missy wasn’t just popular. She was hot.

Her debut album, Supa Dupa Fly, featuring the unforgettable classic, “The Rain” was released in 1997 and her songwriting and producing for other artists propelled her career. Following Supa Dupa Fly came Da Real World (1999) (one of my all time favourites), Miss E…So Addictive (2001), Under Construction (2002), This Is Not A Test (2003), and The Cookbook (2005). Missy, a five times Grammy Award winner is the only female rapper to have a record of six albums certified platinum by the RIAA.

After The Cookbook Missy was absent from the music scene for a long while due to being ill with Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder. In 2009 Missy’s seventh album, Block Party was due to be released, with a host of collaborations, including Lil’ Wayne. The release date has been pushed back a number of times but she has made numerous public appearances and studio work. In a twitter message earlier in 2012, Missy announced she’d be “coming [back] this year”. Can’t wait to see you Missy. Have a fantastic birthday!

July 1st is also the Earthday of my neice, Rae-Rae, who turns 12. Happy Birthday sweetie! She’s a Belieber and would love a personal visit and a hug from Justin Bieber. Sorry hun! No can do, maybe next year!