Christine Haveford
Janet Jackson and Missy Elliot have been BFFs and music collaborators for years.
The ‘Rhythm Nation’ legend flew to Manhattan from England especially to award Missy with the Visionary Award, at the ninth annual Essence Black Women in Music event.
Jackson gushed that she was grateful for the 46-year-old rapper’s ‘beautiful soul’ and ‘loyal friendship, which has meant more to me than she could ever know.’
‘Missy, you’re one of the most genuine people I have ever known,’ the Grammy winner said onstage the Highline Ballroom.
‘Awww Missy! You bless us with your loving spirit and your smiling heart. So from one friend, to another, thank you. Really thank you.’
Janet’s heartfelt speech moved Missy into floods of tears.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeZaA2qADbX/?utm_source=ig_embed
Jackson looked stunning in a black-sequin floral mini-dress.
Her speech began by telling the crowd how Elliott can rhyme, rap, act, choreograph, write hit songs, and create 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 said.
‘Not only have you made your mark, but she’s done so with boldness and courage.’
Missy (born Melissa) later admitted she was a ‘big baby and couldn’t stop crying tears of happiness’ about their 17-year ‘sistership.’
‘That was a surprise!’ the four-time Grammy winner – who suffers from Graves’ disease – exclaimed.
‘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.’
Check out more photos and videos below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeZqRhSFexG/?taken-by=theshaderoom
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeafHqgg0m9/?tagged=missyelliot
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeZnLT0g1eK/?taken-by=essence
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