Missy Elliott is being awarded with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2019 VMAâs.
Today (August 12th), MTV announced that music legend Missy Elliott will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2019 Video Music Awards. Long overdue and well deserved, Missy will also perform live as she returns to the VMA stage for the first time since 2003.
This amazing accolade comes after the Virginia native rapper was inducted into the 2019 Songwriters Hall Of Fame as the first ever female rapper to receive this award. The five-time GRAMMYÂŽ Award winner has achieved unprecedented success. With a legacy that spans over three decades, not only is she one of the most influential women in Hip Hop, but one of the most respected and influential artists overall. Over the years, she has shown up and shown out with her songwriting skills, record breaking hits, and ability to elevate other musical artists from a variety of genres.
Bruce Gillmer, Head of Music and Music Talent, Viacom and Co-Brand Head, MTV International spoke on Missyâs ground-breaking accomplishment.
âMissyâs impact on the music landscape is indelible...Her creative vision across production, performance and songwriting is unmatched.â
Elliott is multi-talented and is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry across the board, both male and female. Throughout her musical career, she has globally transferred the music scene as an innovative solo superstar, pioneering producer, songwriter, singer, rapper and cultural icon. Selling over 30 million records worldwide with fan favorites such as, âWork It,â âGet Ur Freak Onâ and âWTF (Where They From),â Elliott leads the field of modernization, creativity and influence on other artists. Her latest offering comes as a joined force with Lizzo for the excellent single âTempo.â
Earlier this year, Missy delivered an uplifting commencement speech as she received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music. As the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum, including her debut 1997 album âSupa Dupa Fly,â and 2002 blockbuster âUnder Construction,â this kind of recognition from musicâs leading global media brand in 180 countries, is well deserved. Missy will be joining the reputable list of past Vanguard recipients, including: Jennifer Lopez, BeyoncĂŠ, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Guns Nâ Roses, Britney Spears, Kanye West, Rihanna, and P!nk.Â
The award is officially titled the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, but it was recently rumored that MTV was considering renaming the award. Although MTV hasnât officially confirmed whether or not they would be removing Jacksonâs name from the award in light of the Leaving Neverland documentary, MTVâs video announcing Elliottâs award simply calls the prize the âVideo Vanguard.â Missy took to social media to share her excitement about receiving VMAsâ highest honor. Take a look at her Instagram post below.
MTV and PEPSIÂŽ will be teaming up to host, âMTV & PepsiÂŽ Celebrate the Museum of Missy Elliott,â a pop-up event in New York City on August 24-25th. The event will highlight the unapologetic icon who helped redefine hip-hop. Fans will be immersed in some of Missyâs most iconic moments, groundbreaking music videos and trend setting costumes, as they walk through the installations. Providing a first-of-its kind immersive fan experience. Further updates regarding the upcoming event such as location and ticketing information will be revealed at a later date. Until then, the brands will celebrate Elliottâs legacy leading up to her Vanguard performance through celebrity and fan tribute videos.Â
Musicâs biggest stars and fans will celebrate the yearâs most iconic videos with electrifying performances and viral moments for the first time ever in Newark, NJ on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the Prudential Center. Hosting live from the VMA stage this year is none other than, comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco.
As Missy is being awarded for her most iconic, groundbreaking, and hottest visuals, which music video was your favorite?