R&B singer/rapper, Missy Elliott, a Portsmouth native, was honored with the key to the city on Oct. 17, reports 13 News Now. The famous musical artist came to Portsmouth to celebrate this momentous occasion at the same place that she graduated from in 1990,  Manor High School. Marching bands from Hampton University, Elizabeth City University and Norfolk State University performed at the ceremony. 

Portsmouth City Council renamed a part of McLean Street to Missy Elliott Boulevard and VA Governor Glenn Youngkin declared Oct. 17 as “Missy Elliott Day.”

On Oct. 18, Elliott tweeted about the street named in her honor. She wrote, “… God is good! I am not perfect & I’ve had ups & downs when some doubted me & thought I would give up I PRAYED & got back up everytime. Hopefully this will INSPIRE some1 else to KEEP PUSHING!”

Congressman Bobby Scott was present at the event, as well as fellow artists and friends of Elliott, like  Pusha T, Trey Songz, and Timbaland.

Elliott’s music journey started in the 1990s with the girl group “Sista.” In 1997, she embarked on a solo career, reaching stardom with her hit song, “Sock it 2 Me” from her debut album “Supa Dupa Fly.” 

She has sold over 30 million records in the United States and won four Grammy Awards throughout her career. She was also the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2021, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Elliott spoke at the ceremony, saying, “I have always been told to dream big. I couldn’t have dreamed this big. Though I have accomplished many things, I have won many awards, but this trumps all when you get the love from your home” (13 News Now).