Missy Elliott's life story is one of resilience and determination. As a young girl, she faced numerous challenges that could have easily derailed her from achieving her dreams. In an episode of Behind the Music, Missy revealed that her mother was physically abused by her father, which took a toll on her own mental health as well.

Growing up in poverty with an abusive father and a mother who was always crying, Missy's childhood was far from idyllic. She recalled instances where her father would beat her for having mice in the house while she was asleep. These experiences had a profound impact on her life, shaping her into the person she is today.

Despite these challenges, Missy found solace in music at an early age. Her mother and father, both musical enthusiasts, fostered her love of music by taking her to church choirs and introducing her to artists like Aretha Franklin and the Jackson 5. Missy would often perform songs she wrote herself in front of family and friends.

As she grew older, Missy's passion for music only intensified. She began writing rhymes, experimenting with offbeat humor, and honing her songwriting skills. Her hard work paid off when she released her debut album, Supa Dupa Fly, which is widely regarded as one of the best hip-hop records ever made.

Throughout her career, Missy has been a trailblazer, pushing boundaries and breaking barriers in the music industry. She's the only female rapper to have six albums with platinum sales, and her credits include working with renowned artists like Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Whitney Houston.

Missy's impact on pop music is immeasurable. Her innovative rhyming style, humor, and songwriting skills have altered how we consume and listen to hip-hop, soul, and pop music. With millions of albums and singles sold worldwide, Missy has cemented her status as a true icon in the music industry.

Despite her many accomplishments, Missy remains humble and grounded, crediting her experiences with shaping her into the person she is today. 'I wanted to break down all barriers and be a risk taker,' she said in a 2011 interview. 'I thought I had something that was unique.'

As we look back on Missy's remarkable career, it's clear that she has accomplished exactly what she set out to do: shatter glass ceilings, push boundaries, and leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

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