Missy Elliott Performs, Receives Michael Jackson Vanguard Video Award At 2019 VMAs
On Monday night (Aug. 26), Missy Elliott accepted the prestigious Michael Jackson Vanguard Video Award at the 2019 MTV Music Video Awards.
She graced the stage in all silver performing her new single, “Throw It Back” from her newly released EP, Iconology.
The legendary rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer also performed her single “The Rain,” in her iconic black garbage bag outfit prior to performing a very short segment of her fan-favorite single “Hot Boyz.”
She then performed her song “Get Ya Freak On,” wearing an army green and camo outfit, before going into her track “Work It,” where B-Boys in Adidas tracksuits took the stage.
“Pass The Dutch” was performed next while the Virginia native rapped from a cornfield on stage with dancers precisely hitting their moves in front of her.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Missy Elliott performs onstage during the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.
Elliott then went into her hit song “Lose Control”, rocking a black and neon yellow ensemble with “Missy” written across her chest.
Elliott’s peers and close friends such as Janet Jackson, Lil Kim, Lizzo Justin Timberlake, and Pharrell, among others, had a lot of heartwarming things to say about the legendary artist during her celebratory video that played prior to Elliott being presented with her award.
Cardi B took the stage to introduce Elliott. “Ayo, give it up for Missy Elliott that was fire! That was fire,” Cardi B said before presenting Elliott with her Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and greeting Missy with a tight hug.
“I cry before every award, but this MTV Video Vanguard Award means so much to me. I have worked diligently for over 2 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 doesn’t go unnoticed. The support and love that y’all have given me over the years,” Elliott said before thanking God.
“I ain’t here to change nobody, but I know that God has gotten me this far,” Elliott continued before thanking her mother, her close friend and collaborator Timbaland, video director Hype Williams, June Ambrose, Dave Meyers, choreographer Laurieann Gibson, Silvia Rhone, and Mona Scott-Young, among others before also thanking her “entire glam squad.”
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Missy Elliott performs onstage during the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.
“Virginia, my hometown. I love yall,” Elliott shouted. “Janet Jackson, I know you are watching. I love you. I thank you for being such a great friend,” she said during her acceptance speech, before also shouting out ther artist such as Busta Rhymes, Peter Gabriel and Madonna.
The rapper-singer also made sure to show her gratitude to podcasters Kid Fury and Crissle for advocating for Elliott to receive this highly-coveted award for years. “They’re the ones that caped for me to get this,” she said before also thanking bloggers and radio.
Elliott also made sure to shout out her late close friend and collaborator, Aaliyah, who has been gone for 18 years. “Aaliyah I love you. I miss you,” she said.
“And lastly, I want to dedicate this award to the dance community all around the world. Because when y’all get on the stage with these artists, y’all are just not props,” Elliott said. “I dedicate this to every dance community out there, and including these hard workers,” before bringing out her youth dancers to the mic alongside her.
“I love y’all with all my heart. If my heart could speak you would know how grateful I am,” Elliott said, before making sure that she thanked Cardi B for introducing her
“Cardi! Cardi, thank you, sis,” Missy Elliott said, “for such an intro.” “I love y’all goodnight,” Elliott said before leaving the stage.
Check out Missy Elliott’s iconic performance, below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9I-ut1TXoA
