Missy Elliott will receive the MTV Video Vanguard Award at this year’s VMAs, joining previous winners Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kanye, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Madonna.
While the honor coincides with her recent reentry into the charts, it’s a rather long time coming. After all, Elliott’s legacy spans three decades and her debut album “Supa Dupa Fly” dropped back in 1997. She remains the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum, including her pivotal 2002 album, “Under Construction.” She’s since received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.
Bruce Gillmer, Head of Music and Music Talent, Viacom and Co-Brand Head, MTV International acknowledged that “her creative vision across production, performance, and songwriting is unmatched” and that her “impact on the music landscape is indelible.”
Missy Elliot will also perform at the award show on August 26.
