‘Misdemeanor’s’ High Five

Here are five artists and/or albums that have greatly influenced Missy Elliott:

Salt-N-Pepa, “Blacks’ Magic” (Next Plateau, 1988). The most successful female act to cross-pollinate rap with R&B;, they are an obvious and important precursor to Elliott’s “Supa Dupa Fly.”

Run-DMC, any album. These rap pioneers made an invaluable contribution to hip-hop music by breaking down the barriers between rock and rap with such hits as their remake of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” One of Elliott’s earliest influences and inspirations.

Chaka Khan, any album. That the great R&B; chanteuse is one of Elliott’s biggest influences comes as no surprise: Elliott has nicked a bit of Khan’s sass and swagger, if not her overt sensuality.

Michael Jackson, Off the Wall (Epic, 1979). Elliott was introduced to Jackson’s breakthrough solo album by her cousins. “I used to go to their house after school, and they had stuff like “Off the Wall” and all of Prince’s albums before anyone knew who he was.”

MC Lyte, “Lyte as a Rock” (First Priority/Atlantic, 1988) and “Eyes on This” (First Priority/Atlantic, 1989). Like Elliott, Lyte was a female rapper who achieved success on her own terms, with little posturing--and verbal skills to spare.