Emotions ran high Thursday night at the Essence 9th Annual Black Women in Music event in New York City when Janet Jackson surprised long-time friend and “Work It” rapper, Missy Elliott, with the magazine’s “Visionary Award.”
“Some rhyme, some rap. Some act, some choreograph. Some write hit songs, some create whole new sounds. 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,” Janet told the audience. “Not only have you made your mark, but she’s done so with boldness and courage.”
.@JanetJackson our SISTERSHIP is UNBREAKABLE over 17 yrs! I THANK you for flying from the UK to present me with the #BlackWomenInMusic@essence award last night! You r the definition of LEGEND/ICON/BLACK&BEAUTIFUL oh & RICH??♀️? I ❤️you I couldn’t stop crying y’all?? pic.twitter.com/pQ6XkwRJYr
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) January 26, 2018
Elliott, who has collabrated with Jackson on songs like “BURNITUP!” and “Son of a Gun,” cried during the tribute.
“That was a surprise,” she said in her acceptance speech. “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,” Elliott said. “The times that I may have felt like giving up, she’s always given me an encouraging word.”
Elliott then continued with a few inspiring and empowering words.
“I wouldn’t want to 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,” Elliott explained, adding, “I want y’all, all of you women in here, to know that you’re beautiful. You’ve 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’m a walking testimony.”
Yes!