They went on to record additional songs and remixes together over the years, including “BURNITUP!”
and “Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think this Song is About You.)”
Elliot would write fan letters to Jackson and hope to see her and her brother Michael show up.
“I used to get my mother to get 25-cent stamps,” she toldPeople.
I used to visualize them in a limo pulling up to my school.
The two musicians have been friends ever since they started working together in 1998.
Here’s a glimpse at this unexpected friendship.
She missed her friends and family and said she hoped to see Jackson that year.
Jackson told her she’d be there.
Elliott appreciated her saying that but figured she was just saying that to be kind.
She did not expect what happened next.
A few days later, Elliott got a text from Jackson saying “I’m here.”
“We cut up and laughed for 2 days straight!
I sure needed that just to laugh & feel at peace.”
Words of encouragement
Janet Jackson had a stunning transformationbut didn’t leave her friends behind.
Missy Elliott and Janet Jackson’s friendship takes place on and off the stage.
“Creativity is a beautiful thing,” she said during her speech.
“And when creativity flows so freely from a musical genius, all we can do is express gratitude.
I am so grateful for Missy’s beautiful soul.”
Elliott was selected for the 2023 Innovator Icon Award in early June.
Before she received it and before Jackson’s surprise visit Elliott shared that Jackson had shared some encouraging words.
“Janet said that she is proud of me,” Elliott toldPeople.
“You have to understand the majority of us look at the Jacksons like royalty.
To have Janet Jackson say that she’s proud of you that speaks for itself.”
