Absent But Never Forgotten

Courtesy of The Amplifier

Portsmouth, Virginia native Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.

So we thought!!!!

Perhaps, you may have thought she was just working behind the scenes and taking a much-needed break from the limelight.

I mean after all, you would need a break too if you’re the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum, including one double platinum for her 2002 album "Under Construction".

However, fam’ there was much more to the story.

In the latest issue of People magazine, Missy divulges what is really going on in her personally life. My heart sank with sadness as I read this breaking news.

Missy revealed to the world she is suffering from Graves disease. "In the latest issue of People, she explains she was diagnosed in 2008 after a scary moment in her car: "My leg was jumping," she said. "I couldn’t keep the brake down and almost crashed."

"Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to over-activity of the thyroid glands (hyperthyroidism)."

"Graves symptoms include muscle tremors, mood swings, bulging eyes, and hair loss, and Elliott said her nervous system became so spastic, she couldn't even hold a pen to write music -- a crushing situation for an artist as prolific and wildly creative as Missy."

"After receiving radiation and taking medication with unpleasant side effects like weight gain, Elliott's condition has stabilized and she's even shed the 30 extra pounds she picked up from her treatment. She has told fans on Twitter a new single is coming soon, and reminded them she hasn't been totally inactive the past few years: "I'm always making music:) yall gotta start peeping the credits on these cds:)." She promises she's not rusty, telling People, "My ear ain't gone bad yet!"

Missy’s VH1 Behind the Music, which premieres on Wednesday, June 29th at 10 p.m. ET/PT will reveal some of her most inner secrets and struggles she’s overcome.

"She will address the sexual abuse she endured as a child, a topic the rapper hasn't spoken about much publicly before. At the age of eight, she was raped every day by a 16 year old cousin, until an aunt discovered the abuse almost a year later. Elliot stated, “No matter how many years ago, that’s something that still affects me every day. If you get raped, that’s something that’s there forever."

"Elliot also had an abusive father who beat her mother every day and beat Elliott once. At one pont, he pulled a gun on them and they were forced outside naked."

By sharing her story, "I felt that I would be able to help other people," she told the magazine. Timbaland, Ciara and Mary J. Blige will chat about their friend and collaborator in the special."

This strong Black women has truly changed the face of music. In my opinion, music would have never been the same without this award winning producer, singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and clothing line designer.

We all anticipated seeing Missy’s clever, original and inventive videos that left us in awe.

Wouldn't you agree . . . we all need a lil bit of Missy in our lives!

Side Bar ~ At thirty-nine years young Ms. Missy . . . Ficky, Ficky . . . Elliott  is still S-U-P-A Dupa Fly!