Missy Elliott Becomes First Female Rapper Nominated for Songwriters Hall of Fame

Missy Elliott is making history.

The hip-hop icon has become the first female rapper to be nominated for the 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame, according to The Associated Press. If she wins, she will be the third rapper to receive the prestigious honor following past inductees JAY-Z (2017) and Jermaine Dupri (2018).

Throughout her 20-plus-year career, Missy has penned hit singles such as “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It,” and written for artists including Beyoncé and Whitney Houston. Taking to Twitter, a grateful Missy reacted to the news. “i am Humbly Grateful to be nominated with so many other AMAZING writers,” she tweeted. “Congratulations to all of them also.”

https://t.co/M5lXo80Oz2 i am Humbly Grateful to be nominated with so many other AMAZING writers🙏🏾 Congratulations to all of them also🙌🏾

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) November 7, 2018

Missy is in good company. Nominees for the 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame also include 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).

In the non-performing categories are Jack Tempchin, Dean Dillon, Jerry Fuller, Tom T. Hall, Roger Nichols, and Dallas Austin, who’s penned hits for TLC, Monica, Pink, and Madonna.

Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years. Six songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 50th annual Induction & Awards Gala in New York on June 13, 2019.