Missy Elliott up for Songwriters Hall
Missy Elliott, one of rap’s greatest voices and also a songwriter and producer who has crafted songs for Beyonce and Whitney Houston, is among the 2019 nominees for the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Elliott is the first female rapper nominated for the prestigious prize and could also become the third rapper to enter the organization following recent inductees Jay-Z and Jermaine Dupri.
The Songwriters Hall gave The Associated Press the list of nominees Wednesday, a day ahead of its official announcement.
Joining Elliott as performing nominees are Mariah Carey, Chrissie Hynde, Vince Gill, Mike Love, Jimmy Cliff, Jeff Lynne, Cat Stevens, John Prine, Lloyd Price, Tommy James and the Eurythmics (Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart).
Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years.
Six songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at the Hall’s 50th annual Induction & Awards Gala in New York on June 13, 2019. Eligible members can vote for three nonperforming songwriters and three performing songwriters until Dec. 17.
Elliott, often praised for her wild, colorful style and playful lyricism, has been one of pop music’s most sought-after producers and songwriters, in addition to creating her own well-known hits.