Iconic rapper, dancer, and record producer Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot will be honored by Essence magazine at their annual Black Women in Music event for her accomplishments in music. Elliot first debuted with R&B group Sista in the early 90s then went solo in 1997 with album Supa Dupa Fly. The highest charting on the Billboard debut established the career of Elliot and she has been changing the music scene since. With hits like Get Your Freak On and Lose Control she helped changed the image of female rappers from being soft to just as and even rawer and unapologetically bolder than most male rappers. Elliot not only changed the game but the image and as she continues to create music she sticks to her roots of bringing lyrics that represent women as strong and confident with the same hip hop influence and heighten choreography. Since her debut Missy released various albums with five going platinum, one going double platinum and her most recent, The Cookbook earning gold status. The well-deserved honor will take stage Jan. 25, 2018 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City and will showcase the many reasons ways Elliot not only changed the image of female rappers but also why her music will forever have people get their freak on.