Missy Elliott keen to see y'all

By RENEE KIRIONA

Missy Elliott, the American rap diva who has gone from rags to riches, has promised fans that a bout of bronchitis will not spoil her debut New Zealand performance.

The 30-year-old first lady of hip hop arrived in Auckland yesterday amid tight security, before a concert at the Supertop stadium tomorrow.

Yesterday Elliott was greeted with a traditional Maori welcome at Auckland Airport.

Asked if her health could put a damper on her performance, she replied: "I'm doing a lot better today. See y'all at the show!"

Elliott was surrounded by tight security, media and fans as she walked to her limo.

In the past six years she has produced five albums and the latest, This Is Not A Test, will be the focal point of her performance.

Her life and luxuries today, like the four houses and eight cars she owns, are a far cry from what she knew before.

Elliott, born Melissa Elliott, hails from Portsmouth in Virginia, where she was partly raised in a shack by her mother and a father she described as abusive.

She has wanted to be a superstar since the age of 4, but was initially rejected as a solo artist because of her appearance.

Her list of accolades includes three Grammies and numerous rap and hip hop awards.