New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Time Inc.'s (NYSE: TIME) ESSENCE, the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, will celebrate multi-GRAMMY® winner and music icon
Missy Elliott with its 2018 'Black Women in Music' honor on January 25, 2018 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.
A multi-GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, singer, songwriter and producer, Elliott has consistently pushed the boundaries of R&B, hip-hop and pop music with a string of classic hits—including Get Ur Freak On, Work It, Lose Control, Lady Marmalade, Pep Rally and WTF (featuring Pharrell), among many more. Elliott has collaborated with entertainment giants such as
Timbaland and Pharrell, as well as produced chart-topping hits for Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige. 2015's legendary Super Bowl Halftime show performance with
Katy Perry solidified Missy's global influence across generations. Now, following nearly a decade-long focus on behind-the-scenes production work, she has re-emerged stronger than ever with the release of I'm Better (featuring Lamb, and another version with hip-hop heavyweights Eve, Lil Kim and Trina), as well as a planned documentary on her life in music. Considered a seminal force in the entertainment industry, Elliott is also a positive role model: projecting strength, confidence and female empowerment to her legion of fans.
Missy Elliott is a formidable businesswoman and retains full creative control over her music and multimedia content. After more than two decades in hip-hop, she is still at the top of her game.
"The artistry of
Missy Elliott cuts across generations—underscored by her vast creative accomplishments and contributions to the culture," said
Vanessa De Luca, ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief. "So prolific is her work, she is an inspiration to women all over the world. Missy's energetic presence is truly magnetic, and we can't wait to celebrate her as one of the artistic masterminds of our time."
Established in 2010, ESSENCE 'Black Women in Music' recognizes the accomplishments of both emerging and established artists and influencers during GRAMMY week. Previous celebrants include GRAMMY Award winners Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige,
Kelly Rowland and GRAMMY Award nominee Andra Day, as well as music industry veteran Sylvia Rhone and singer/songwriter Emeli Sandé.
The 2018 ESSENCE 'Black Women in Music' event is sponsored by Lincoln. Stay tuned to Essence.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @essence #BlackWomeninMusic. Join in the discussion on Facebook.