1x205 - Behind the Music

Behind the Music: Missy Elliott tracks the rocky road to stardom of one of hip hop's most pioneering, successful female hip hop artists. Born in Virginia, Missy Elliott's childhood was plagued by poverty, horrific domestic abuse between her father and mother, and sexual abuse at the age of eight. Hear candid stories about how Missy used these hardships for motivation and eventually came to terms with her past, even reaching out to her father for the first time since childhood. Also learn how Missy gained a new outlook after the tragic death of close friend Aaliyah and almost losing her own life to a health crisis.Interviews with family, friends, industry executives, and music luminaries including Timbaland, Ciara, and Mary J. Blige contribute personal stories to this in-depth profile of a truly groundbreaking and gifted artist.VH1 has re-imagined "Behind The Music" to now focus on some of the top current artists of today who have had a major impact or contribution to the music scene from rock to hip-hop to pop. Expanding on the storytelling legacy that has earned the series five Emmy nominations, each episode will include verite footage of the artists at work today, connecting the past with the present, the music with the life.