In a genre that has often struggled to give women their due credit, Missy Elliott’s legacy stands as an undeniable force. This year, Billboard recognized that power, naming her the second greatest female rapper of all time—a nod not only to her chart success, but to her cultural influence, innovation, and boundary-pushing creativity.

Coming just behind Nicki Minaj in the top spot, Missy’s placement at number two may surprise some, but for others, it reaffirms what has been known for decades: no one has done it quite like her.

Emerging in the late ‘90s with her debut album Supa Dupa Fly, Missy Misdemeanor Elliott immediately disrupted the hip-hop landscape. Her sound, a collaboration with Timbaland that fused futuristic production with genre-defying lyricism, reimagined what rap could sound like. Tracks like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Get Ur Freak On” weren’t just hits—they were statements.

But Missy’s influence didn’t stop at the mic. She’s one of the few female rappers who also took the reins behind the scenes—producing, directing, writing, and shaping the sound and visuals of not just her own work, but that of artists across pop and R&B. Her music videos became visual milestones, celebrated for their surrealist imagery and unapologetic flair. In an era dominated by male-centric hip-hop narratives, Missy carved out a lane where she wasn’t simply included—she led.

Over the past few years, her accolades have only grown. In 2023, she became the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a historic moment that finally gave her the recognition her peers and fans have long argued she deserved. Then, in October 2024, she received the National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden—a rare and significant honor for any artist, let alone a rapper.

Being named #2 on Billboard’s all-time list is both a celebration and a conversation starter. It invites reflection on how Missy’s work continues to influence generations of artists—from Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion to Doja Cat and Tierra Whack. Her fingerprints are everywhere, not just in sound and style, but in the permission she gave others to be unorthodox, playful, and fearless.

Whether you agree with the rankings or not, one thing remains certain: Missy Elliott is not just one of the greatest female rappers of all time—she’s one of the greatest artists in music history. And she didn’t just open doors for women in rap—she helped build the house.