Missy Elliott’s trials and tribulations — and there have been plenty of each — were well documented last night on her Behind The Music special on VH1. In the hour-long special, the MC, born Melissa Arnette Elliott, opens up about many of her personal struggles: growing up in poverty, being sexually abused by her cousin, watching her violent father terrorize her family, losing her beloved friend Aaliyah, and her current battle with Grave’s Disease. Thankfully, it’s not all tragedy — we see the promising beginnings of her music career as part of a group called Fayze, the chance meeting with lifelong friend and collaborator Timbaland, and the point where she becomes one of the biggest hip-hop stars in the game. Watch the whole special below.

Missy’s pals Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Ciara and Timbaland, among others, make cameos during the special to talk about the hip-hop star. Her friend, rapper Melvin Magoo, even reveals that he coined her stage name “Misdemeanor”: “Her ability to write, rap and produce was almost like a crime.”

“People are always like, where you been? I haven’t seen you in a minute,” says the rapper of her five-year absence. “I’ve been working on my album, and making sure it’s hot.” We’re even showed footage of Missy and Timbaland in the studio recording “Take Ur Clothes Off” for her long-delayed (but no less anticipated) new album Block Party.

Welcome back, Missy! We missed ya.