Source: Jeff Kravitz / Getty
This past Friday (November 3rd), the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City. Portsmouth, Virginia native Missy Elliott made history as she became the first woman hip-hop artist to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Queen Latifah had the honor of inducting Misdemeanor and spoke on Elliott’s lasting impact on music.
“Nothing sounded the same after Missy came onto the scene,” said Latifah. “Everything changed — the bass lines changed, the pockets changed, the cadence, the writing. And that’s because Missy has always been a futurist, someone who’s always looking ahead.”
After being inducted, Missy graced the stage to showcase some of her biggest hits including “Work It,” “Get Your Freak On,” and “Pass The Dutch.” She went on to mention how honored she was to be inducted during the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Missy wasn’t the only Black woman to receive her flowers. Jazmine Sullivan inducted the “Queen of Funk” Chaka Khan into the elusive group. The 70 year-old took the stage during the ceremony to deliver an electrifying performance of some of her classics. H.E.R. joined Khan to perform “Ain’t Nobody,” while Common assisted her with “I Feel For You” and Sia with “I’m Every Woman.”
Other inductees from the night included Sheryl Crow (who opened the show with Olivia Rodrigo and was inducted by Laura Dern) and Willie Nelson. Not only did Nelson take the stage with Crow, he also performed with Chris Stapleton after he was inducted by Dave Matthews. Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, Al Kooper, Kate Bush and George Michel (posthumously) were also inducted Friday night. Elton John even made an appearance to pay tribute to long time friend and collaborator Bernie Taupin, who was also inducted.
Through out the night, other presenters and performers at the ceremony included Adam Levine, Carrie Underwood, Brandi Carlile, LL Cool J, Miguel, Ice-T, New Edition and Stevie Nicks. Check out some photos from the star-studded night! Congrats to all of the new inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
