HAPPY BIRTHDAY Melissa Arnette Elliott, br also known as Missy Elliott, br was born on July 1, 1971, and br turns 48. She was born in Portsmouth, Virgina. Elliott was a member of the R&B group, Sista. She later released her br debut solo album, Supa Dupa br Fly, in 1997. Missy went on to release one of her hit singles, “Work It,” which won a Grammy for Best Female Rap Solo Performance. 'Billboard' has named her the best-selling female rapper in Nielsen Music history. She recently became br the first female rapper to br be inducted into the br Songwriters Hall of Fame.