Missy Elliott is the latest cover star for Marie Clair Magazine. In addition to some gorgeous new shots, Missy sat down with the magazine for an accompanying interview where she spoke about her career, hip-hop and the power of speaking things into existence.
Speaking about the how she’s broken down barrier’s for women of colour, the rapper says,
“I am a champion for my brown, dark women. I want them to be seen. Because we are beautiful. If we knew how special we were, we would be unstoppable.”
At 48, Elliott is also looking to the next generation coming up on her heels.
“I do want to make the generation behind feel like, don’t be afraid, because we are in a time where so many people can be artists,” she says. “Now you can just post up, and if it gets to the right person, then it’s just viral. I want to be able to encourage those who don’t go viral… A lot of people that have 452 or 100 followers may be talented. I want them to not feel like they have to do what everybody else is doing to gain that attention. Just be you. It’s going to catch hold somewhere.”
As for the issue of equality for women in music, Elliott says, “We need more women out there, singing and just for being. Just for balance. Just a great balance.”
As seen in the new photos, Missy is experimenting with her style. The Moncler Pierpaolo Piccioli quilted dress and the patterned Dolce & Gabbana coat are particular standouts. Since the 90s she has let her inhibitions go time and time again to give us the creative, futuristic looks that accompany her sounds. Instead of trying make herself seem skinnier than she was, Missy used her size as a foundation to build a larger than life character in Hip Hop.
Elliott is also currently at work on her next album, and when asked what she wants people to think after listening to it, she offers simple: “There’s no one like Missy. No one.” Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming Missy Elliott album.
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