When I think about Missy Elliott, I think about some of the best times of my childhood: watching music videos attempting to learn every word and every dance move, singing songs at 14 years old and not learning the meaning of it until I was 20 (y’all know it happened to you, too!), and adopting new ways to update my sense of style. Missy Elliott was a part of every moment.

Ever since 1997 (yesterday marked 22 years since the release of her debut album, Supa Dupa Fly), she has captivated audiences of every age and background with her futuristic sound, animated music videos, and finger waves that were laid to the gawds. I mean, from the finger waves, to the stacked haircut with the swooped bang, to her flowing tresses now, I have never seen Missy have an off day with her hair. NEVER!!!

Miss E. was one of the few female MCs who were so ahead of the times and was successful with it. As a fellow Virginia native, she continues to make me proud.

So of course when I saw her on the cover of Marie Claire (shout out to EIC Anne Fulenwider for this pleasant surprise), I could not contain my excitement! She looks absolutely beautiful. Styled by the legendary June Ambrose and photographed by Micaiah Carter, Missy looks like her trendsetting self in perfectly captured photographs wearing Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Moncler Pierpaolo Piccioli, and adorned in some of the finest jewels.

This spread makes me happy. Hearing that her new music will be coming out soon makes me happy. Seeing Missy still living out her dream makes me even happier. I cannot wait to get my hands on this issue.

Source: Marie Claire.com