About time!
The legendary Missy Elliott is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award at this year’s MTV VMAs. The honour recognises artists who have greatly contributed to music video artistry and the 48-year-old joins a long list of revered performers. Past recipients include Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kanye.
Speaking in a press release, Bruce Gillmer – head of music and music talent, Viacom, and co-brand head at MTV International – stated: “Missy’s impact on the music landscape is indelible… Her creative vision across production, performance and songwriting is unmatched.”
Some of the most influential artists from the past year are to make an appearance at the ceremony also. Nominees on the night include Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, and Solange.
The announcement comes two months after the icon was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame – the first female rapper to do so. Recognition for her accomplishments are pretty overdue, so it is satisfying to see Missy receiving these much-deserved accolades.
The Virginia native is set to receive the award 30 years on from forming RnB group Sista, where her career began. For good reason too. In the early noughties, Missy Elliott came out with some of the most iconic music videos. Videos for “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On” still give us a healthy dose of nostalgia while reflecting an enduring talent.
More recently, Missy has been working with the loveable Lizzo on her track “Tempo” and took to Instagram in April to state “I just finished a long project I been working on since last year & this my mood 'Keep On Moving' I'm about to show y’all I’m on some next ish.”
Missy is also set to perform at the awards, which will take place in New Jersey on August 26.
