Melissa Arnette Elliott (born July 1, 1971 in Portsmouth, Virginia), better known as Missy Elliott, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, MC, and record producer.

With record sales (including singles) of over 24 million worldwide and 7.6 million domestically, she is the highest selling female rapper of all time. She is the only female rapper to have six certified platinum albums by the RIAA, including one double platinum plaque.

Elliott is known for a series of hits including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hit 'Em Wit Da Hee", "Get Ur Freak On", "One Minute Man", "Work It", "Pass That Dutch" and "Lose Control". In addition she has received recognition as one of the most successful songwriters of the modern music era, having crafted a number of hit records for artists such as Aaliyah, Monica, Fantasia, Nelly Furtado, and Tweet, often with production-partner and childhood friend Timbaland.

Alone, Missy Elliott has also produced songs mainly for females including Destiny's Child, Whitney Houston, MC Lyte, Lil' Mo, Tamia, Mary J. Blige, and herself, among others. Her own work is also a critics' favorite, with two of her singles ranked in the top five of the 2000s decade on Acclaimedmusic.net (statistical scores based on many lists and reviews).

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missy_Elliott