NASA Transmits Missy Elliott Song 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)' 158M Miles Through Space to Planet Venus

Elliott's 1997 hit is the first-ever hip-hop song to be transmitted into space by NASA

Missy Elliott was one of the first women in hip-hop to make going to space look cool. Now, she’s the first rap artist to actually do it.

On Friday, July 12, the music icon, 53, made history when her 1997 hit “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” was transmitted at the speed of light (approximately 158 million miles) from planet Earth to Venus — her “favorite planet” — via NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), the space agency reported.

According to NASA, only one other song has ever been played through space — The Beatles’ "Across the Universe" in 2008 — making the transmission of Elliott’s song a historic first for hip-hop and her decades-long trendsetting career.

Related: Missy Elliott, SZA and Other Black Stars Who Are Making History Now: 'I Could Do Anything'

“Both space exploration and Missy Elliott’s art have been about pushing boundaries,” Brittany Brown, director of digital and technology division, office of communications at NASA headquarters, said in a statement. “Missy has a track record of infusing space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos, so the opportunity to collaborate on something out of this world is truly fitting.”

In her own statement, Elliott added, “I still can’t believe I’m going out of this world with NASA through the Deep Space Network when ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)’ becomes the first ever hip-hop song to transmit to space! I chose Venus because it symbolizes strength, beauty, and empowerment and I am so humbled to have the opportunity to share my art and my message with the universe!”

Elliott’s latest history-making accomplishment comes amid a triumphant era in her career. In 2019, the four-time Grammy-winning rapper’s legendary impact on music was honored with the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. Two years later, she was saluted with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in celebration of her epic career. And last year, the legend earned a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making her the first woman hip-hop artist to earn the musical honor.

"I want to say this is HUGE not for just me but all my Sisters in HIPHOP this door is now OPEN to showcase the hard work & what many of us contribute to MUSIC," Elliott wrote on X (formerly Twitter) at the time. "I have cried all morning because I am GRATEFUL thank you @rockhall & all on the committee & Supafriends💜."

Related: Missy Elliott Says 'I'm Blessed to Be Here' After Struggles with Graves' Disease, Anxiety (Exclusive)

Currently, Elliott is on her Out of This World - The Missy Elliott Experience tour with friends and longtime collaborators Ciara, Timbaland and Busta Rhymes, marking her first time hitting the road since 2004 and her first-ever headlining tour.

Speaking to PEOPLE recently, the performer said the long touring hiatus was due to her difficult battle with Graves’ disease, which led to severe weight loss and a period of depression. But now, the star has returned feeling better than ever and happy to be back doing what she loves.

"Every day I wake, I'm blessed to be here and in good health," said Elliott. “I’m feeling so much better now. That was a run. Every now and then you get a little ache in the leg or the knee, but outside of that, I feel good."

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