by Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott are undisputed queens of R&B and hip hop who have been pushing boundaries and inspiring generations of artists for decades. So when Blige sat down for a recent interview with Essence magazine and recalled the first time she met her idol Elliott, it was a precious moment for fans.
Blige shared that she was filled with nervous excitement when she finally came face to face with the innovative rapper and producer she had long admired from afar. “I was so nervous. I couldn’t believe that I was meeting my idol. But she was so down-to-earth and friendly. We just clicked right away,” Blige told Essence.
It’s easy to understand why Blige was so starstruck by Elliott. Since her debut in the early 90s, Elliott has been a trailblazing force in hip hop and contemporary R&B. Her game-changing albums like Supa Dupa Fly and Miss E…So Addictive set trends with their futuristic production style and Elliott’s lightning-fast, mind-bending flow. She elevated hip hop soul with hits like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Sock It 2 Me,” while also becoming one of the music industry’s most sought-after writers and producers.
Blige is no slouch herself. The self-proclaimed “Queen of Hip Hop Soul” pioneered the fusion of hip hop and R&B with boundary-pushing albums like 1994’s My Life. She was one of the first R&B artists to infuse her music with raw, confessional lyrics about her personal struggles with poverty, abuse, addiction, and heartbreak. Throughout the 90s and 2000s, Blige notched hit after hit including “Real Love,” “Family Affair,” “Be Without You,” and “Just Fine.” Her soulful voice and vulnerability connected with fans worldwide.
So it’s not surprising that when these two trailblazing, multi-talented queens finally united, sparks flew. As Blige told Essence, she and Elliott spoke for hours about their creative processes and inspirations during that first meeting. “She’s so talented and hardworking. She’s always pushing the envelope and coming up with new and innovative ways to make music. She’s an inspiration to me and to so many other artists,” Blige said.
Elliott clearly made an equally strong impression on Blige, who called the rapper “one of the most important people in my life.” Although Elliott entered the industry first, Blige explained that their sisterly bond is one of mutual admiration and support. “I can always count on her for support and advice. She’s like a sister to me,” Blige said.
That personal and musical chemistry between the two icons has fueled several powerhouse collaborations over the years. Arguably their biggest smash together was 2002’s “Work It.” The hit single from Elliott’s Under Construction album sampled Blige’s “It Ain’t Worth It,” bringing her soulful vocals into Elliott’s club-ready anthem. With Blige on the hook, Elliott fired off tongue-twisting verses punctuated by her signature ad libs. The futuristic video featured Elliott sporting her groundbreaking trash bag outfit. “Work It” became Elliott’s highest charting single to date, cementing the two queens’ status as a force to be reckoned with.
The pair also linked up on Elliott’s songs “Lose Control” and “Blow Ya Whistle,” with Blige bringing her signature sultry R&B flavor to the tracks. They even co-headlined Elliott’s successful Under Construction tour in 2002. Footage of them performing their hits together and playfully vibing backstage offered fans an inside look at their easy, supportive chemistry.
With their trailblazing careers and music that still sounds as groundbreaking today as ever, Blige and Elliott have both cemented their status as true R&B/hip hop royalty. The fact that they continue to be so supportive and inspirational to each other makes their sisterhood even more special. Blige summed it up perfectly in her Essence interview:
“She’s one of the most important people in my life. I can always count on her for support and advice…She’s like a sister to me.”
For diehard fans, hearing Blige speak so warmly about connecting with her idol Elliott is incredibly heartwarming. It’s a reminder that no matter how famous they get, some bonds in music and friendship can never be broken. We can only hope that these two queens continue blessing us with more genre-bending jams and uplifting each other for decades to come. Their musical and personal alliance is still going strong, showing female artists the power of sisterhood.
