Watch Missy Elliott’s Video Vanguard Award Performance
Written by SOURCE on August 27, 2019
It was long overdue. On Monday, Missy Elliott returned to the VMAs stage to receive the 2019 Video Vanguard Award—an honor reserved for some of the most influential artists of our time.
“Missy’s impact on the music landscape is indelible,” Bruce Gillmer, the co-brand head of MTV International, said in a statement. “Her creative vision across production, performance and songwriting is unmatched.”
Not that we had any doubts, but Missy proved to the world that’s she still got it, performing her new single “Throw It Back,” followed by medley of her greatest hits, such as “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “Lose Control.” It marked her first VMAs performance in over decade.
“I can’t stand the rain.” ☔
Missy always delivers in the performance department ✔️ @MissyElliott‘s 2006 #VMAs performance pic.twitter.com/fEM1qdV9YT
— Complex (@Complex) August 27, 2019
BRO MISSY ELLIOTT BROUGHT ALYSON STONER OUT TO DO “WORK IT” AGAIN #VMAS pic.twitter.com/lrifcYR2Qb
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) August 27, 2019
VIDEO: Missy Elliott shuts down the #VMAs pic.twitter.com/nYuj4OkVaO
— Opinionated Me (@opinion8dmecom) August 27, 2019
Moments after the set, Cardi B took the mic to breakdown Missy’s biggest accomplishments, including her multiple Grammy wins, VMA trophies, and her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“I promised I wouldn’t cry this time, ’cause I cry at every awards,” Missy said during her acceptance speech. “But this Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award means so much to me. I have worked diligently for over two decades, and I never thought that I would be standing up here receiving this award, so it means so much to me. I promise you, it don’t go unnoticed, that the support and love that y’all have shown me over the years.”
She went on to thank God, her mother, Timbaland, choreographer Laurieann Gibson, Atlantic Records, Janet Jackson, her home state of Virginia, MTV, Aaliyah, and more.
“And lastly, I wanna dedicate this award to the dance community all around the world,” she said. “Because when y’all get on the stage with these artists, y’all are not just props. Y’all are the icing on the cake. Y’all are the beat to the heart […]
Missy is the first woman rapper and fourth hip-hip act to receive the Video Vanguard Award, joining a prestigious list that includes names like Madonna, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Janet Jackson.
