Missy Elliott Will Receive MTV’s Video Vanguard Award
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott is making history as the first female rapper to receive an MTV Video Vanguard Award.
Fresh from her recent collaboration with Lizzo, Missy Elliott is being honored with MTV’s Video Vanguard Award. Previous winners have included Jennifer Lopez, David Bowie, Rihanna, and Madonna.“Missy’s impact on the music landscape is indelible. Her creative vision across production, performance, and songwriting is unmatched,” said Bruce Gillmer, producer of the VMAs.
Elliott is the first female rapper ever to receive the award. It’s the recognition that Missy more than deserves. The OG Hip-Hop artist is best down for her bangers, “Get Your Freak On,” “One Minute Man” and “Work it.” With a career that spans over 25 years, she’s worked with Lil Kim, Beyoncé, and Aaliyah.
Her first album (Supa Dupa Fly) gained critical acclaim and gave us the seminal single and video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”. Her follow-up albums—Miss E…, So Addictive, and Under Construction—brought Missy major mainstream success. In total Elliott has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Elliott has been nominated for over 30 VMAs and has won five Grammys.
Elliott is the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum, and she is the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Elliott also had a cameo in 00’s teen hit movie, Honey.
In 2017 Elliott returned with the track “I’m Better,” with a video that was directed by long-term collaborator, Dave Meyers (who also directed Normani’s “Motivation”). Most recently Elliott featured on V cover star Lizzo’s hit, “Tempo.” MTV has confirmed that Elliott will perform live at the awards show, her first live performance in 16 years. A long-awaited seventh studio album is expected to follow.
Check out MTV’s Video Vanguard reveal below.
The VMAs will air on MTV at 8 p.m. on Aug 26