[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 163 (Friday, October 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1044-E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MELISSA ARNETTE ``MISSY'' ELLIOTT ON THE DEDICATION OF MISSY 
                  ELLIOTT BOULEVARD IN PORTSMOUTH, VA

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2022

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a living icon, Missy Elliott, for her groundbreaking music career and 
her contributions to the Hampton Roads community. To pay tribute to her 
remarkable accomplishments, her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia will 
dedicate ``Missy Elliott Boulevard'' in her honor on Monday, October 
17, 2022.
  As a student at Manor High School, previously known as Woodrow Wilson 
High School, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Missy excelled in academics and 
developed an affinity for music. While a student at Manor, she formed

[[Page E1045]]

an all-female rhythm and blues group, ``Sista,'' with three fellow 
Portsmouth natives and her childhood friend, Timbaland.
  Even in the early stages of her career, Missy was a trailblazer. 
Instead of signing with a major record label, as was common with 
recording artists in that era, she retained her creative independence 
by founding her own record label, The Goldmind, Inc. Her music career 
quickly skyrocketed because of her exceptional songwriting and 
signature production style alongside her frequent collaborator, 
Timbaland. Missy became a cultural phenomenon because of the artistry 
of her music videos. The creativity she displayed in the iconic videos 
``SUPA DUPA Fly'' and ``Work It'' revolutionized how artists expressed 
themselves. Missy has also been an advocate for female empowerment in 
the music industry, and she is credited for being a pioneer in 
championing body positivity.
  Over the course of her career, Missy Elliott has earned a plethora of 
accolades, including four GRAMMY Awards, six studio albums that are 
Recording Industry Association of America platinum-certified, and 
countless numbers of BET, NAACP and Soul Train awards. In 2019, Missy 
became the first female hip hop artist to receive the MTV Video Music 
Award's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award; she was the first female 
hip hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and 
she was the first hip hop artist to earn an honorary Doctor of Music 
from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Missy's impact continues 
to be felt in today's popular music. She has been credited as an 
influence on other superstar artists, such as Beyonce, Ciara, Pharrell, 
and the late Aaliyah.
  Despite becoming a global superstar, Missy Elliott has never 
forgotten her Virginia roots. She has contributed to the education of 
students in Hampton Roads by donating to her high school alma mater, 
and through a Hampton University scholarship fund from her foundation. 
The latter donation supports the Atlanta Chapter of the National 
Hampton Alumni Association and funds scholarships, as well as tuition 
and fees for students at Hampton University.
  Madam Speaker, as Missy's family, friends, fans, and supporters 
gather for the dedication of ``Missy Elliott Boulevard,'' I join them 
in congratulating Missy Elliott and thank her for all she has done for 
the City of Portsmouth, Hampton Roads, and music fans across the globe.

                          ____________________