“I always feel the need to work as if I don't have a deal, because that's what's going to keep me around for a long time.”

American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer

Missy Elliott, born Melissa Arnette Elliott, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Active since the 1990s, she first emerged as a member of the R&B girl group Sista and later became known under the name Misdemeanor. She began her career with Sista, a group associated with the Swing Mob collective led by DeVante Swing. Their 1994 debut album, 4 All the Sistas Around da World, earned critical praise but did not sell well. Elliott then worked closely with Timbaland in songwriting and production, helping shape successful releases for artists including 702, Aaliyah, SWV, and Total.