Missy Elliott performs at the 2019 ESSENCE Festival. July 5, 2019.
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The most deserved winner at the 2019 MTV VMAs wasn't a surprise: Missy Elliott, the previously-announced winner of the Video Vanguard Award, took the stage on Monday evening to accept her prize, presented by Cardi B.
"I want to dedicate this award to the dance community all around the world," Missy said, "because when y'all get on the stage with these artists, y'all are not just props." Watch a clip below, followed by the full speech:
"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 not just props. Y'all are not just the icing on the cake, y'all are the beat to the heart" – Missy Elliott, #VMAs Video Vanguard winner pic.twitter.com/YDuxu0lEOj
— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) August 27, 2019
Missy's award is the latest in a string of honors she's received this year. In May, Elliott and Justin Timberlake were awarded with honorary doctorates in music from the Berklee College of Music. She also became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Last week, Missy added another great music video to her collection with "Throw It Back," a song that appears on her surprise-released EP ICONOLOGY.
The 2019 VMAs are being held Monday evening at New Jersey's Prudential Center. Hosted by comedian Sebastian Maniscalo, the 36th annual award show has Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift leading the way with 10 nominations each, and Missy Elliott receiving the esteemed Video Vanguard Award. See the full list of winners here, and the best red carpet looks here.
