While introducing Missy Elliott at Friday night’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Queen Latifah made sure the audience knew one important thing: They were about to witness history. Elliott became the first female rapper inducted into the Hall of Fame and celebrated with a dynamic performance that showcased her expansive influence as one of hip-hop’s most visionary performers.

Queen Latifah recognized Elliott as a multi-hyphenate, calling her “one of the greatest producers ever, period” and also noting that she’s written classic hits for stars like Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, and Aaliyah throughout her career. She also highlighted how much Elliott’s partnership with producer Timbaland — and their work on Elliott’s transformative album Supa Dupa Fly as teenagers — impacted music and pop culture.

“We had never heard anything like that in our lives. They opened the door to new possibilities in all aspects on contemporary music, very much including rock and roll, but trust me, nothing sounded the same after Missy came on the scene. All the kick snares and everything changed — the bass lines changed, the pockets changed, the cadence, the writing. And that’s because Missy has always been a futurist, someone who is always looking ahead. She is avant-garde without even trying.”

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