Missy Elliott Honored by Her Virginia Hometown of Portsmouth With Street Dedication Ceremony

etonline.com:

Missy Elliott is getting her flowers from a special place — her hometown! The 51-year-old was honored by her hometown in Portsmouth, Virginia, with a special dedication ceremony on Monday in which they named a city street after her.

In an announcement sent on Sept. 15, it was revealed that the Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously to rename a portion of McLean Street to «Missy Elliott Boulevard» and the Songwriters Hall of Famer would receive a key to the city.«We're beyond proud of Missy's accomplishments and so thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate her right here in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia,» said Portsmouth City Manager Tonya Chapman. «Missy's trailblazing career is a testament that when you dream big, anything is possible.

We're excited to celebrate her and rename this street in her honor.»Elliott — whose legal name is Melissa Arnette Elliott — was born and raised in Portsmouth before she went on to become a five-time GRAMMY-winning, singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer, as well as the first female rapper to be inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.According to, the ceremony included a parade at Manor High School, where Elliott was honored with sounds from three HBCU bands -- the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion, Hampton University's Marching Force, and Elizabeth City State University's Sound of Class.

Fellow Virginia music icons Pusha T, Trey Songz, and Timbaland were also in attendance.Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover presented Elliott with the key to the city, while Gov.