It was a historic and emotional night at Brooklyn's Barclays Center as Missy Elliott became the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, showcased a lineup of legendary performers and surprise appearances. Rolling Stone reports that despite a few notable absences, the Rock Hall delivered a memorable night filled with electrifying performances and heartfelt speeches.

Elliott took the stage just past midnight to accept her induction, joining a prestigious group of musicians including Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, and Olivia Rodrigo. As she looked out at rap pioneers like Flava Flav, Ice-T, and Queen Latifah, tears welled up in her eyes, underscoring the significance of the moment.

"This is deeper than just me being up here," Elliot expressed during her emotional speech. "You feel like it's so far to reach when you're in the hip-hop world. To be standing here means so much to me...All the inductees, you're so amazing. I'm honored to be even in the room with you all."

The event faced its fair share of challenges, with several inductees who have since passed away and the notable absence of Kate Bush and most of Rage Against the Machine. However, the organizers proved adept at securing surprise A-list guests, ensuring an unforgettable show for the audience.

Sheryl Crow, who finally received her induction after years of being a special guest, kicked off the ceremony with a joyous performance of "If It Makes You Happy." Throughout the night, she delighted the crowd with collaborations alongside Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Nicks, and Peter Frampton, who graciously showed up despite not yet being inducted himself.

Another notable moment came when LL Cool J paid tribute to DJ Kool Herc, one of hip-hop's true originators, inducting him into the Hall of Fame. DJ Kool Herc, accompanied by his sister Cindy Campbell, was deeply moved by the honor, expressing tearfully his gratitude to his heroes, including James Brown and Marcus Garvey, for their influence on his life and career.

Chaka Khan's long-overdue recognition with the Musical Excellence award brought both relief and celebration. During her acceptance speech, she dedicated most of her time to praise Jazmine Sullivan and honor her former Rufus bandmates, particularly guitarist Tony Maiden, acknowledging his pivotal role in her musical journey. The audience was treated to a medley of Khan's hits, performed alongside Common, H.E.R., and Sia.

The late George Michael's induction brought a mix of nostalgia and reverence. Andrew Ridgley, his Wham! partner, delivered a heartfelt speech paying tribute to Michael's immense talent and profound songwriting. Miguel and Adam Levine took on the challenge of covering Michael's iconic songs, and Carrie Underwood brought the event to a close with a country rendition of "One More Try."

The evening also featured memorable tributes to the Spinners, whose current touring lineup was represented by New Edition, and Soul Train pioneer Don Cornelius, backed by a stellar cast of dancers and testimonials from various music legends.

The absence of Kate Bush left fans disappointed, but Big Boi, a devoted admirer, delivered her induction speech. St. Vincent rose to the challenge of covering Bush's "Running Up That Hill" with astonishing skill and flair.

Throughout the night, the crowd eagerly awaited the appearance of Rage Against the Machine. At the ceremony, Tom Morello appeared alone on stage, acknowledging the differing perspectives within the band about the Rock Hall induction. Despite the absence of Zack de la Rocha, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk, Morello paid tribute to their incredible fan base as the fifth member of the band.

In a stunning showcase that concluded the night, Missy Elliott took the stage with an explosive medley of her greatest hits, backed by a dazzling ensemble of dancers dressed in gold. Her groundbreaking performance set a high bar for future hip-hop artists entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

As the night came to a close, it was evident that the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony had created a landmark moment in music history. Missy Elliott's historic achievement as the first female rapper to enter the esteemed institution highlighted the resilience and creativity of hip-hop. The event exemplified the power of music to bridge generations and genres, leaving both performers and audiences forever changed by the magic of the rock and roll spirit.