Missy Elliott celebrated Virginia’s second annual “Missy Elliott Day” in her hometown of Portsmouth by paying $50,000 in past-due rent for 26 families.
According to The Virginian-Pilot, the “Work It” rapper made an appearance at Portsmouth’s Dr. O. Marriner Family Life Center at Grove Church to deliver a check to the city’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The ceremony took place one year after the Commonwealth of Virginia designated October 17th “Missy Elliot Day” and Portsmouth renamed a portion of McLean Street after her.
In a brief speech, the Grammy-winning artist shared “Instead of it being a celebration of Missy Elliott, you know about me, I wanted to give back and let that be the celebration of Missy Elliott, just to show that I love everybody out here.”
“Just know that P-town is with me no matter where I go,” she added. “I love my city. I love my state. I love everything about it. Everything about Missy comes from here — the hospitality, the humility, the confidence — if you mess with me, it’s a problem. We sweet, but don’t try us.”
On Twitter, Elliott shared photos from the ceremony as well as a caption that read: “Thank you VA! Where I was born taught me DRIVE taught me FAITH taught me HUMILITY also taught me Dont try me either🤣🤣😂 but most of all taught me the blessings I get are not just for me but to Bless someone else🙏🏾 I love #757.” See the full post below.
The celebration of Missy Elliott will continue next month when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts her as a member of the 2023 class and its first female rapper. Misdemeanor is also slated to perform at the 2023 ceremony in Brooklyn, New York on November 3rd. Grab your tickets here.
Earlier in 2023, Elliott rocked the mic during the wide-ranging, multi-generational Grammy performance honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. As part of our Hip-Hop 50 coverage, her 1997 debut album Supa Dupa Fly ranked No. 4 among the 50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of All Time.
Thank you VA! Where I was born taught me DRIVE taught me FAITH taught me HUMILITY also taught me Dont try me either🤣🤣😂 but most of all taught me the blessings I get are not just for me but to Bless someone else🙏🏾 I love #757 #MissyElliottDay https://t.co/PqDP0OiRQx pic.twitter.com/45uVLoA0o9
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) October 18, 2023
