Missy Elliott Tearfully Reflects On Illness: "I Couldn't Even Hold A Pen To Write"

BY Erika Marie 43.5K Views
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Missy Elliott, Lil Kim
She also shared why she considers Lil Kim and Da Brat to be her "sisters."

Things were a tad emotional at TV One’s annual Urban Honors awards in Washington, D.C. Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott was given the Music Innovation Award, an honor that was presented to her by longtime friend Lil Kim. It was a tender moment on stage as Missy took a moment to thank Kim for being family to her for all of these decades.

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“First I want to thank Lil Kim cause... It’s hard to find people in the industry that become like family," Missy began. "We’re beyond cameras, you know, getting in front of cameras and pretending that we are family. We are truly family. She’s been my sister for so long and I always have looked up to her because when I first seen her, you know, I always been a big girl. Kim had on the little swimsuits on and I was like, 'Oh, nah, I ain’t finna do that.’ Internet ain't out but I'll shut it down in the future if I pull that stunt.” The audience laughed as she continued, "But, you are a trailblazer and an innovator yourself and I want you to know that.”

She also made sure to give a shout out to Da Brat, noting that the former So So Def rapper was her "sister." Later on during her speech, Missy became choked up. "When I look back over my life," she said as she started to cry. The audience clapped and cheered her on and Lil Kim stood by her side and encouraged her to continue. "I was sick. I couldn't even hold a pen to write. And it was so much to say give up. But as I stand here with all of you, I thank you 'cause it's so much talent in this room." Watch her emotional speech in full below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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