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Home · 2015 Essence Festival

15 Reasons We're SO Happy You're Back

The ESSENCE Festival headliner is celebrating her 44th birthday today, and we are celebrating her comeback. We can't wait to see Misdemeanor light up the Essennce Fest stage in New Orleans this weekend.
By Gia Peppers · Updated October 27, 2020
01
She exudes creativity.

One of the main reasons we love Missy Elliott is that she is the epitome of what it means to be creative. Her production skills are out of this world, as her songwriting skills. In fact, her sound ushered in an entirely new era in Hip-Hop and R&B.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ Dimitrios Kambouris
02
We never get sick of hearing her songs.

From The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), to Work It, to Get Ur Freak On, Missy has HITS.  To put it plainly, her music is just as unforgettable as the first time we saw her on our TVs dancing in a trash bag.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
03
She provides constant hair inspiration.

Missy’s hair is known to turn heads.  Whether she’s rocking it short or long, you will be inspired to try something new as soon as you see her. 

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ Dimitrios Kambouris
04
She pushes the envelope and in turn, makes other artists bring their ‘A’ game too

There is no other artist like Missy. From her classic songs to groundbreaking videos, she continues to invoke creativity from her peers.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ Jeff Kravitz
05
She’s a fighter

In 2008, Missy was diagnosed with a rare from of Graves’ Disease, which is an autoimmune illness that has a major affect on the thyroid. Now, she’s healthy enough to take over the game, once again.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ Don Arnold
06
She’s a mama’s girl.

She posted this photo to her Twitter on Mother’s Day in 2014 to show the world how much she appreciates her biggest supporter, Patricia Elliott.  And to top it off, even made a song about her mother.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Twitter.com/MissyElliott
07
She has a great heart.

In 2003, Missy Elliott led a $5 Million dollar campaign against domestic violence called, “Break the Cycle.”  She also takes time to help obese teens

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ Jason Merritt (Film Magic)
08
Her personal style inspires us to be ourselves.

Whether she’s rocking a sweatsuit and sneakers or a combination of bright colors, it’s hard to see Missy and not be inspired to think outside of the box.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images
09
She never tries to be relevant.

Missy Elliott never tries to fit in.  She is a trendsetter, just by being herself. Even her most recent work has her signature production and vocal style.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images
10
She is one of the most respected artists of our generation

Missy Elliott and Timbaland changed the game of Hip-Hop by pushing the envelope.  We can’t wait to see what she does next, especially at ESSENCE Fest 2015.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images
11
Her voice and perspective

In an interview with The Breakfast Club, she encouraged the new generation of artists to diversify their sound when it comes to creating music.  She felt everything sounded the same.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
12
We never really stopped checking for her

Missy Elliott took a small hiatus from the music industry to concentrate on her health but every time she performed at a festival or appeared with another artist, we were reminded just how dope of an artist she is.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ Johnny Nunez
13
She loves Aaliyah just as much (if not more) than we do

Aaliyah and Missy were very close friends.  After her tragic passing, Missy did her best to keep her spirit alive by releasing her music and wearing clothing that showed her angelic face.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images
14
Missy Elliott & Timbaland make up one of Hip Hop’s most untouchable duos.

Missy Elliott and Timbaland are responsible for most of your favorite songs from the late 90’s and early 2000’s.  

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ John Shearer
15
She’s still got it

Missy Elliott’s performance skills are still extraordinary and she proved that by bringing Katy Perry’s 2015 Super Bowl performance to a whole new level.

Happy Birthday, Missy Elliott! 15 Reasons We’re SO Happy You’re Back
Getty Images/ Jamie Squire
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