Missy Elliott has won four Grammy Awards and is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. On Friday night, the pioneering rapper, singer, songwriter and producer's smile was especially bright as she was officially honored as a hometown hero.
At the Hampton, Virginia, stop on her “Out Of This World: The Experience” show, Missy was honored by Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott and Mayor Donnie Tuck across the Chesapeake Bay from her hometown of Portsmouth. She was applauded by fans and tour partners — including Timbaland, her old co-star and high school friend — as well as local and state officials.
She got her flowers at the end of the party – which was reviewed by diverse Last month — from Scott, who has served as the district’s congresswoman since 1993. Elliott was honored with “Missy Elliott Day” by the city of Portsmouth in 2022, with a street named after her and a key to the city. In celebration, she donated $50,000 to the city’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority, enabling 26 families to remain in their homes.
“It would be a crime — even a misdemeanor — not to recognize you and thank you for all you’ve done, not only with fame and fortune, but also with giving back to the community,” he added, using Elliott’s original nickname. “So I wanted to recognize you with a Congressional Community Service Award. Thank you, Missy.”
A few minutes ago, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck announced that from now on, July 23 will be “Out of This World Tour Day” in the city.
All of Elliott's tour mates – Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, Sublime Star, and Shera – returned to hug Elliott and offer him words of congratulations before they left.
Elliott, who rarely gives big speeches, thanked everyone and then made a grand exit, entering the spaceship that forms part of her spectacular stage.
We only get one life, and it's nice to see [Elliott] “Live the dream you always wanted,” Timbaland told Variety ahead of the show. Surprisingly, given her 30-plus-year career, “Out of This World” is Elliott’s first headlining tour. The show is a spectacle: an immersive, interactive experience that fans have raved about since the tour began in early July.
“I'm always [envisioned] “I know she likes to stay behind the music and that’s great, but I knew she was so much more than that,” Timbaland continued. “I’ve always seen her on the main stage. And for her to headline this tour the way she does… I’m happy for her to see that people really love her and appreciate all the work she’s done. I feel like she’s at the peak of her game, like she’s 19 again.”
Friday’s show was special for Timbaland — who also grew up across the bay, in Norfolk. He sets the tone for each “Out of This World” show, with his son Demetrius DJing a mix of Tim’s songs and Missy Elliott’s, including Justin Timberlake songs, his own “Say Something” and a new song called “Love Again” featuring singer Alejandro. Timbaland stands center stage, cheering the crowd on and singing along to his songs that have verses.
“I have my family here, my cousin, my brothers,” Tim said at the end of his show on Friday. “This is a special night to be here and do this with all of you. I want to thank you all for supporting us and our music over the past 30 years. It’s been a dream come true. This is a special night because I get to do this with my son — a father-son duo. VA, I love you all so much.”
The “Out Of This World” tour continues through August 23, ending at Allstate Arena in Chicago.
