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Missy Elliot to become first female rapper to receive MTV’s Video Vanguard Award
American rap icon, Missy Elliott will receive MTV’s Video Vanguard Award to become the first female rapper to do so.
MTV made the announcement on Monday (Aug. 12). In addition to receiving the prestigious honor, the groundbreaking rapper, producer, and songwriter will return to the VMA stage for her first performance in 16 years.
The moment has been a long time coming for Missy and her fans, who have petitioned MTV for years. “I am Humbly Grateful to be receiving the MichaelJacksonVideoVanguard Award. I Thank my FANS ‘Supafriends’ who fought diligently to see this day come,” tweeted Missy, while thanking some of her supporters by name. “I am crying happy tears Thank you God.”
Missy joins past Video Vanguard honorees including Micheal Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Rihana, Justin Timberlake, and Jennifer Lopez who received the award last year.
“Missy’s impact on the music landscape is indelible,” said Bruce Gillmer, MTV International co-brand head and Viacom music and music talent head. “Her creative vision across production, performance and songwriting is unmatched.”
With a career that spans three decades, the 48-year-old icon has sold over 30 million records worldwide and is the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum. She is a five-time Grammy winner and the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The VMAs will air live from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Monday, Aug. 26.