Missy Elliott has always been a trendsetter, record breaker, and trailblazing artist, so this is no surprise that Elliott is the first female rapper (third overall) to be nominated for the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
The Associated Press received the news and entire list before the official announcement. There are two categories, performing and non-performing for the songwriters hall of fame. Elliott is nominated as a performing nominee, along with Mariah Carey, Chrissie Hynde, Vince Gill, Mike Love, Jimmy Cliff, Jeff Lynne, Cat Stevens, John Prine, Lloyd Price, Tommy James and the Eurythmics (Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart). Being nominated does not guarantee you’re in. Carey was nominated last year alongside Jermaine Dupri and NWA.
Non-performing nominees are Jack Tempchin, Dean Dillon, Jerry Fuller, Tom T. Hall, Roger Nichols and Dallas Austin, who wrote hits for TLC, Madonna, Monica, Pink and Boyz II Men.
Elliott is more than just a rapper, she’s a producer, singer, and all around artist. Besides writing her own raps, she’s penned great records for people like Aaliyah, Jazmine Sullivan, Monica, and more from the 1990’s til now.
Six songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at the Hall’s 50th annual Induction & Awards Gala in New York on June 13, 2019. Eligible members can vote for three non-performing songwriters and three performing songwriters until Dec. 17.