Missy Elliott's MTV VMAs 2019 Performance Proved She's One of Music's Most Iconic Powerhouses
After literal decades of anticipation, Missy Elliot was finally honored with the VMA Video Vanguard Award for her “culture-shifting visionary” visuals at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards — and she took the VMA stage in style for the occasion after a jaw-dropping performance featuring some of her greatest hits.
Not only was Missy in the house, she brought down the house. In true Missy Elliott one-time exclusive style, Missy’s tour-de-force set featured frenetic choreography, impeccable rapping, and show-stopping production. From classic bangers such as "The Rain" complete with imagery of the iconic shiny trash bag outfit to the dance-inducing "Get Ur Freak On" to "Work It," the entire medley had the crowd on their feet. Missy even brought out Alyson Stoner, who was the dancing little girl from some of Missy's most famous videos.
Cardi B introduced Missy after the medley, sharing about the time she met the revolutionary rapper along with recounting some of her greatest achievements. "Missy has inspired countless young women," Cardi said. She also joked about just how much Missy Elliott has influenced music, saying, "Everyone has copied from Missy. Even me. I don't care!" before handing it over to Missy.
During her acceptance speech, Missy shared how much the award means to her after working in the industry for two decades. She thanked God, her mother, and a list of colleagues including Janet Jackson. And before she exited the stage, she also gave a major shout out to dancers everywhere.
"I want to dedicate this award to the dance community all around the world," Missy said. "Because when y'all get on the stage with these artists, y'all are not just props. Y'all are not just the icing on the cake, y'all are the beat to the heart."
Making hip-hop history, as the 33rd Vanguard honoree, Missy is the first female rapper to ever receive the award since its genesis in 1984 — and the eighth woman overall after the likes of Madonna, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Rihanna, P!nk, and Jennifer Lopez, who landed the coveted Moonman statue just last year.
In her distinguished 22-year career, the five-time Grammy-winner had already amassed 7 wins and a whopping 44 nominations at the VMAs only. Shortly after her debut in 1997 with Supa Dupa Fly, she had already been dubbed “the biggest and blackest female rap star that Middle America has ever seen” by The New Yorker — her work praised for “redefining the boundaries of rap music.” That’s why many fans believed the Award had been a long time coming for the hip-hop legend when it was first announced.
“To be recognized for the hard work means more than anybody could know,” Missy had previously told MTV News about her latest feat. “When you look at all the people who have gotten this award, it says a lot and I am thankful, I am grateful. It don’t stop here.”
Merely three days after the release of her five-song EP Iconology — her first long-format project since 2005’s The Cookbook — Missy’s VMAs win and performance add just another layer to an amazing 2019 for the artist. Earlier this year, she became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the first hip-hop artist ever to receive an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music for her impact on the music industry — and she doesn't plan on stopping.
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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
