Today in Hip-Hop: Missy Elliott Drops ‘Supa Dupa Fly’

On this day, July 15, in hip-hop history...

1997: On July 15, 1997, newcomer MC Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott dropped her debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. Today marks 20 years since the album's release.

After spending years trying to make her dreams of stardom come true both in a high school girl group, Sista, and ghostwriting for Swing Mob, the Virginia native began rapping as a solo artist and worked with longtime friend Timbaland to hone her skills.

Aided by inventive singles like "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," "Hit Em wit da Hee" and "Sock It 2 Me," production exclusively by Timbo and groundbreaking hip-hop videos directed by Hype Williams, Missy's first LP debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, selling 129,000 copies in the first week and went on to become certified platinum.

For an upstart MC, Missy boasted some big name guest appearances on her debut the likes of Busta Rhymes, Aaliyah and Lil Kim but was still able to shine on every track. Supa Dupa Fly was hailed as one of the best albums of the year and one of the strongest debuts from any female rapper. When it came time for accolades, Supa Dupa Fly was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album, but lost to Puff Daddy & The Family's No Way Out.

Missy was one of the pioneering female MC's who was recently honored at VH1's 2016 Hip Hop Honors, along with Lil Kim, Queen Latifah and Salt & Pepa featuring Spinderella.

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