Missy Elliott becomes the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame

Missy Elliott became the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday night in New York. Aged 47, she has written her own hit songs and has written lyrics for Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Ariana Grande, Busta Rhymes and many others. The rap icon, Misdemeanor, was honored by former President Barack Obama during a tribute at the ceremony. "Missy, I want to thank you for all your innovative efforts," he said. "Thank you not for simply sharing your gift with the world, but for defending so many people, especially young girls who still do not know how to make their voices heard." Holding Tears, Elliott , who has been battling health issues related to Graves' disease in recent years, said to the audience, "Whenever I get on a podium, even with all the work that I'm I've done it, I do not know it and I guess it's just God I do not know why I'm here … I'm grateful. "