Missy Elliott (born Melissa Arnette Elliott on July 1, 1971) is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Elliott was originally known as Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. She dropped the "Misdemeanor" from her stage name in 2003, and now simply goes by "Missy Elliott". Missy Elliot is the second biggest selling female rapper of all time, with record sales of 17 million total including US, worldwide, and single sales.
Elliott is one of the first female hip hop artists known for a series of hits including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hit 'Em Wit Da Hee", "Get Ur Freak On", "One Minute Man", "Work It", and "Lose Control". In addition she has received recognition as one of the most successful songwriters of the modern music era, having crafted a number of hit records for artists such as Melanie B, Aaliyah, 702, Total, Ciara, Nicole Wray and Tweet, often with production-partner and childhood friend Timbaland. She was the fourth female rapper to ever go Platinum, behind Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown and Da Brat.