Janet Jackson has taken her State of the World Tour overseas, but that didn’t stop her from surprising her very close friend, Missy Elliott, at the Essence “Women In Music Awards.” Missy was being honored with the Visionary Award and Janet flew in from the U.K. to present it to her. The gesture brought Elliott to tears.
“That was a surprise,” Missy said. “I’ve known Janet over a decade and this is not just… someone I do music with. I can call Janet any time of night and she will listen. The times that I may have felt like giving up, she’s always gave me an encouraging word.”
In her heartfelt tribute, Janet read a prepared statement that explained what Missy has meant to music and the culture. She has managed to succeed in a male-dominated industry in spite of the naysayers and Janet wanted to honor that.
“Some rhyme, some rap; some act, some choreograph; some write hit songs; some create whole new sounds,” Janet said to the packed house. “Some women are able to make her mark in some of these fields; but there’s only one woman who has made her mark in all of these fields. Not only have you made your mark, but she’s done so with boldness and courage.”
Watch Missy Get Emotional As Janet Pays Her Homage
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There were many times when Missy faced sexism and racism in the entertainment industry. Some incidents were so disappointing that she doubted her ability to succeed. Missy continues to face judgment by those who subscribe to the European standard of beauty. But she told the crowd that Black women have to value themselves and keep striving. Missy would not ever want to be anyone other than who she is.
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“I want all of you women in here to know that you’re beautiful,” Missy said. “You gotta believe in yourself. Because there are going to be times that people tell you you can’t do it or you don’t look the part, but I am a walking testimony… I wouldn’t wanna be any other color but Black. I’m Black and I’m proud. There’s something about our DNA that can’t be taught, it comes from a different place.”
