I always said if a man would have done half the records that I've done, we would know about it. But we don't know all the records I've done for other artists.
Missy ElliottRead
A lot of people don't know a lot of records that I've written or produced, so that's a highlight for me as a woman.
Interpretation
Missy Elliott emphasizes the importance of recognition and achievements in her career as a woman in the music industry.
In this quote, Missy Elliott reflects on her accomplishments as a songwriter and producer, noting that many people are unaware of her extensive contributions to music. By highlighting her success and experiences, she underscores the underrepresentation of female artists in the industry, showcasing a moment of pride in her achievements and the impact they've had as a woman in a historically male-dominated field.
In practice
During a motivational speech about female empowerment in the music industry.
I always said if a man would have done half the records that I've done, we would know about it. But we don't know all the records I've done for other artists.
I felt like, 'How do I fit in'? I'm battling. But then I never fit in!'... I thank God for somebody like Pharrell who stayed in my ear. For him, at that time, 'Happy' was everywhere; he didn't have to share anything with me.
I'm blessed to be living this dream of writing and singing, but that's not the real dream I had. The real dream was to make enough money to take care of all the pain and suffering that my mother has been through.
I feel like, O.K., if I can make it as a singer, then let me try rapping. If I can make it as a rapper, then let me try writing. All right? If I make it as a rap singer and writer, then why not try to produce? I don't feel limited in any way.
I didn't want to just be an artist and let someone else have all that control over me. I knew I would have to produce.
And basically I always said when I was little that if I ever became successful or a celebrity, I would buy her this huge house and she would never have to work anymore. And I've done that. So I feel happy about doing that.
Money is a tool – it’s the means, not the end. Inspiration is the metric that dictates whether or not a project is a success. It’s more realistic than trying to aim for radio play, or trying to satisfy an AR, or the other gatekeepers on these platforms. I don’t even know how to create with those things in mind. But if you tell me the goal is to inspire? That makes my job a lot easier.
If the pitch starts with a sob story, I'm out. If the pitch talks about personal issues, I'm out. If the pitch starts off with how big the market opportunity is, I'm out. If the pitch tells me what is unique about the product, how it can make a profit, and it's an area where I have expertise, I will read on.
As many micro-credit schemes across the world can testify, investment in women is the best investment for the future.
When I went into the Montreal Games, nobody expected much out of me.
There is a difference between WISHING for a thing and being READY to receive it. No one is ready for a thing, until he believes he can acquire it. The state of mind must be BELIEF, not mere hope or wish. Open-mindedness is essential for belief.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.
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