Pass that dutch—it’s a celebration, bitches! Melissa Arnette Elliott—also known as Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott—has been honored with the 2019 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award!
Yep, that’s what we thought, MTV. Y’all knew what was up. *places mob torches back into storage*
As an elderly Rose Dewitt Bukater mused in the 1997 hit Titanic, “It’s been 84 years…” of waiting by Missy fans and people with common sense alike for the proper recognition. Sure, that’s hyperbole, but denying Missy an award called the “Video Vanguard” this long when her music videos are unmatched iconic works of art is downright preposterous.
The 48-year-old singer took to Twitter on Monday to express her sheer gratitude for the honor, particularly shouting out The Read’s Kid Fury and Crissle West for their unrelenting campaign on their popular podcast.
“I am humbly grateful to be receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. I thank my fans, “Supafriends,” who fought diligently to see this day come,” she tweeted.
As MTV notes in their official announcement:
Missy Elliott is a groundbreaking solo superstar, pioneering producer, songwriter, singer, rapper and cultural icon who has transformed the global music scene. The five-time GRAMMY® Award winner has achieved unprecedented success and sold over 30 million records worldwide. Known for her classic hit singles “Work It,” “Get Ur Freak On” and “WTF (Where They From),” Elliott leads the field in innovation, creativity and influence on other artists. Earlier this year, she was the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Elliott has an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, and she is the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum, including her debut 1997 album “Supa Dupa Fly” and her 2002 blockbuster “Under Construction.” She joins a prestigious list of past Video Vanguard Award recipients, including Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Britney Spears, Kanye West, Rihanna and P!nk. Elliott will be performing at the VMAs.
Congrats Missy, this is yours. It’s been yours. Hit ‘em with the hee.
The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards will take place on Monday, Aug. 26 at 5:00 p.m. PDT / 8:00 p.m. EDT.