Melissa Arnette “Missy” Elliott also known as Misdemeanor, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. She was born on July 1, 1971, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Patricia Eliott and former Marine Ronnie Eliott. Elliot’s mother fled with her to escape Eliott’s abusive father. After a fresh start, Eliott graduated from Manor High School in Portsmouth in 1990.
Eliott and her friends formed an all-women R&B group originally called Fayze, whose name would be changed to Sista later. She recruited her neighborhood friend Timothy Mosley, more famously known as Timbaland, as the group’s producer. They began making demo tracks and later caught the attention of producer DeVante Swing. The group soon moved to New York after signing a deal with Elektra Records through Devante and changed their name to Sista. After several collaborations with other artists, Elliott started her solo career in 1997 with her debut album “Supa Dupa Fly.” The debut album ended up as the highest charting debut for a woman rapper at the time.
Eliott has been called the “Queen of Rap.” and has received multiple awards, including four Grammys. She’s sold a total of 40 million records worldwide. In 2020, Billboard ranked her 5th out of 100 for greatest music video artists of all time. In 2021, she received a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2023, she was nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making her the first female rapper to receive the honor. Some of her songs like “Work it” and “Get Your Freak On” gained worldwide fame and established themselves in pop culture.
Missy Elliot’s fame eventually got people wanting to know her at a more personal level. She has always presented a unique look, with many describing her as tomboyish. She’s also been single for a long time. Many have regarded her rapping style to be quite aggressive and more akin to male rappers at the time. With her looks and her rapping, a lot of fans began wondering about her sexuality. Is Missy Elliott gay? Is she dating anyone? Is she married? Let’s find the answers to these questions as we take a look into the rapper’s personal life.
VOTE: What is Missy Elliott’s Sexuality?
Missy Elliott’s Dating History
Missy Elliott has a long list of people she’s dated and people she’s been romantically involved with. Reports vary as to the true number, but all who are mentioned have been linked to Elliott. Though some are confirmed, others are yet to be determined.
Missy Elliott and Nicole Wray (1996-1998)
Nicole Wray is an accomplished R&B singer and songwriter who gained fame after Elliott signed her on to a record deal. Elliott and Wray were spotted frequently in public. Though no confirmations have been made, the pair were reportedly passionate and had a strong bond throughout their romance. Their relationship eventually reached an end, but the pair remained to be in good terms.
Missy Elliott and Lil Kim (1990s)
Kimberly Jones, more widely known by her stage name Lil Kim, was involved in a short romance with Elliott in the late 90s. The pair were often seen together at events and parties. The duo’s relationship was never clearly defined, and it’s unsure whether their relationship developed further or evolved into a close friendship early on. Professionally, their pair-up made a significant impact on both their careers.
Missy Elliott and Timbaland (1990s)
Elliott and Timbaland were childhood friends and colleagues ever since they were teenagers. Though rumors have swirled around the two since the 90s, they maintained that their relationship is strictly platonic. They met in high school, and Elliott considers her relationship with Timbaland as more familial than anything else. The two remain to be good friends to this day.
Missy Elliott and Faith Evans (1999)
Elliott and Faith Evans were rumored to be romantically involved in the mid to late 90s. The Academy Award-winning singer and songwriter was reportedly quite affectionate with Elliott whenever the pair were spotted. Evans has stated that she and Elliott shared a love for music, and she loved collaborating with the rapper. The specific duration as well as the exact nature of their relationship remains a mystery. The two eventually chose to separate ways, with both maintaining success in the industry.
Missy Elliott and Katrina Taylor (2000-2004)
Katrina Taylor, more famously known as Trina, is a rapper and TV personality from the 90s. She and Elliott have worked together on several projects, and it wasn’t long before the pair were rumored to be romantically involved. The pair were said to be inseparable backstage, and had “palpable chemistry on and off the stage.” The true nature and duration of their relationship remain a mystery. The pair eventually split, choosing to maintain their friendship.
Missy Elliott and Olivia Longott (2004)
Eliott and Olivia Longott were rumored to be together around the mid-2000s. Their relationship was said to have lasted several years. The pair collaborated on several projects, and it’s believed their shared passion for music had apparently brought them together. The duration of their rumored romance is yet to be determined, but the pair reportedly chose to focus on their careers and friendship.
Missy Elliott and Sharaya J. (2011)
Elliott and Sharaya J reportedly began their romance in 2011. The pair initially met through their passion for music, and Sharaya eventually became Elliott’s protege. The two worked closely together and collaborated to create Sharaya’s first album, “BANJI.” They were reportedly together for several years, but the details remained private. Eventually, the pair chose a more professional partnership, ending their romance.
Other notable names that have been linked to Elliott include rap and hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, K-Ci Hailey, Laz Alonso, Shawn Newman, and Tweety. These pairings, however, were never substantiated in any way.
Is Missy Elliot Gay?
Yes, Missy Elliott is gay. Missy Elliott is bisexual and has been more or less open about her sexuality. She has been rumored to have dated several men and women. Elliott has not made an official statement specifically addressing her sexuality. She hasn’t made any statements in opposition or in support of the LGBTQ+ Community. She also hasn’t made any statements addressing homosexuality in any way.
Featured Image: “Missy Elliot”, by Atlantic Records, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED