Missy Elliot was once the reigning queen of hip-hop, dominating the charts with hits from her own catalog and those of a myriad of fellow music acts. Then, a few years ago, Elliott seemed to disappear from the scene almost overnight. Now, Elliott is back and opening up about her hiatus, explaining that devastating health problems kept her away from the stage.
According to StarPulse, in the latest issue of People, Elliott explains that in 2008 she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. The symptoms of the disease came on quickly and left the “Work It” rapper unable to perform even the most basic of everyday tasks.
“I was (driving and) trying to put my foot on the brake, but my leg was jumping. I couldn’t keep the brake down and almost crashed. … I couldn’t write because my [central] nervous system was so bad — I couldn’t even use a pen.”
Elliott also endured a slew of other symptoms including hair loss and mood swings before improving her condition through radiation treatment.
Now, Elliott explains that her health is better than ever. “I’m 30 pounds lighter because I’ve been exercising. My thyroid is functioning, so I haven’t had to take medication in about nine months. (But) you live with it for the rest of your life,” said Elliott.
According to Perez Hilton, Elliott will be the focus of the June 29 season premiere of VH1’s celebrity biography series, “Behind The Music.” And as the show’s executive producer, Brad Abramson, explained, she’ll discuss in detail her ordeal with Graves’ disease as well as reveal her struggle with childhood sexual abuse.
“Missy was great and very candid,” said Abramson. “She talked for the first time about her [near fatal bout with] Graves’ disease, which she’s been battling for the last few years, and spoke in detail about the sexual abuse she experienced as a child.”
Elliott is currently working on a new album with longtime friend and producer, Timbaland. Welcome back, Missy. –nicholas robinson
