Missy Elliott has won four Grammys and is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. And on Friday night, the groundbreaking rapper-singer-songwriter-producer had an extra bright smile as she was officially honored for being a hometown hero.
At the Hampton, Virginia stop of her “Out Of This World: The Experience” Missy received the honor from Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott and Mayor Donnie Tuck just across Chesapeake Bay from her birthplace in Portsmouth. She was lauded by fans, tourmates — including her longtime collaborator, local native and high school friend Timbaland — as well as local and government officials.
She got her flowers toward the end of the concert — which was reviewed by Variety last month — from Scott, who’s served as the area’s Congressman since 1993. Elliott was honored with “Missy Elliott Day” by the city of Portsmouth in 2022, and in observation of the accolade. she donated $50,000 to the city’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority, which enabled 26 families to remain in their homes.
“It would be a crime — a ‘Misdemeanor’! — not to recognize you, and to thank you for all you’ve done, not only with the fame and fortune, but giving back to the community,” he added, playing off of Elliott’s original nickname. “So I wanted to recognize you with a Congressional Certificate Of Community Service. Thank you, Missy.”
A few minutes earlier, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck declared that from now on, July 23 will be “Out of This World Tour Day” in the city.
All of Elliott’s tourmates — Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, Spliff Star and Ciara — came back out to give Elliott hugs and words of congratulations before they walked out. She then exited in grand fashion, walking into the spaceship that’s part of her astounding set.
“We only get one life, and it’s good to see [Elliott] live out the dream that she always wanted,” Timbaland told Variety before the show. Surprisingly, considering the achievements of her 30-year-plus career, “Out of This World” is Elliott’s first headlining tour. The show is a staggering spectacle: an immersive, interactive experience that fans have lauded since the tour started in early July.
“I always [envisioned] her performing on stage,” Timbaland continued. “I know she likes to stay behind the music and that’s cool, but I knew she was much more. I always saw her on the main stage. And for her to headline this tour the way she’s doing it… I’m glad that she’s seeing that people really love her and cherish all the work she’s done. I feel like she’s at the top of her game, like she’s 19 again.”
Friday’s concert was special for Timbaland — who also grew up just across the bay, in Norfolk. He sets the tone for each “Out of This World” show, with his son Demetrius acting as the DJ for a set of Tim’s non-Missy Elliott hits, including songs by Justin Timberlake and his own “Say Something” and a new song called “Love Again” featuring the singer Alejandro. Timbaland stands center stage, hyping the crowd and rapping on songs where he has verses.
“I got my family in the house, my cousin, my brothers,” Tim said toward the end of his set on Friday. “This is a special night to be here and do this shit here with y’all. I wanna thank y’all for over the last 30 years supporting us and our music. It’s been a dream come true. This is a special night because I get to do this with my son — father and son duo. V.A., I love y’all so much.”
The “Out Of This World” tour runs through August 23, concluding at Chicago’s Allstate Arena.
