Neither the music industry nor music fans have ever given Missy Elliott the love she truly deserved. Consequently, from the early days of Supa Dupa Fly, Missy Elliott has maintained a loyal fan based that has always wondered why, especially with her “laundry list” of talents.  She sings.  She raps.  She writes.  She produces.  Her resume, if unraveled, would surely hit the floor.  Few artists, especially rap artists, can boast the fact they have had four Grammy wins, a successful songwriting career and international record sales topping twenty-two million.  Nevertheless, Miss E has never been one to complain or clamor for attention.  Ultimately, all she wants is for the world to “Respect M.E. (Missy Elliott).”

On September 4, 2006, Missy Elliott released Respect M.E., a Europe-only collection of her greatest hits.  And, when perusing the track listing, true rap and R&B lovers will be hard pressed to find a son they will ever forget.  Despite Missy’s “low” rankings on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, many of her songs will be remembered light-years after those of her contemporaries.  Missy’s staying power has been (and will always be) attributed to her deviation from musical trends.

For music, Missy Elliott has always been a “breath of fresh air.”  Her songs defied mainstream fads and always pushed the envelope — taking music (and the industry) to places we thought it never could go and, honestly, should always be.  From her 1997 hit, "The Rain", to the dance anthem of 2005, "Lose Control", Missy Elliott has not lost her touch, even over the course of a decade.

Although Miss E’s past few outings did not sell as well her definitive masterpiece, Under Construction, which was nominated for “Album of the Year” and “Best Rap Album” at the 2003 Grammys, we should never count her out.  History has shown us, time and time again, Miss E will never fail to keep our bodies moving or our heads from nodding.  As the best-selling female rapper of all-time, the music industry and music lovers should be more forthright with the respect Missy Elliott deserves.  In the end, that is all she really wants.

It’s about time for us to Respect M.E.