July 1997
Events
- July 15, 1997Missy Elliott Debuts with Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott released her debut album Supa Dupa Fly on July 15, 1997, announcing a wholly original creative vision — she wrote, rapped, and produced alongside Timbaland with a futuristic aesthetic unlike anything in hip-hop or R&B. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and launched one of the most innovative careers in popular music.
- July 15, 1997Missy Elliott releases Supa Dupa Fly
Elliott's debut album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, the highest-charting debut for a female rapper at the time, and established her and Timbaland as the most innovative production force in R&B.
- July 22, 1997Puff Daddy releases No Way Out and 'I'll Be Missing You'
No Way Out debuted at number 1; the tribute single 'I'll Be Missing You' spent 11 weeks at number 1, and the album won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, making Combs a defining mogul of the era.