Missy Elliott, the groundbreaking rapper and four-time Grammy winner, spoke with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts about her historic induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making her the first female rapper to achieve this honor. Despite her extraordinary achievements, Elliott confessed to struggling with anxiety, particularly during her surprise appearance at Katy Perry's Super Bowl performance in 2016, an experience she now feels compelled to discuss openly due to society's increasing acceptance of mental health issues.
During the interview, Elliott also shared her battle with Graves' disease, a diagnosis she received in 2008, which severely impacted her nervous system. She recounted a moment when her friend, R&B vocalist Monica, had to write lyrics for her as she couldn't hold a pencil during a flare-up, highlighting the challenges she faced.
Now, as a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee alongside artists like Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, and George Michael, Elliott expressed deep gratitude for the honor. At the induction ceremony, Queen Latifah will introduce her, and Elliott's mother, Patricia Elliott, will attend her performance for the first time, marking a significant moment in her career.
