Missy Elliott just acquired a new title to add to her trailblazing career – Doctor. On Saturday, the Berklee College of Music awarded her with an honorary doctorate in music, making her the first hip-hop artist in the school’s history to receive the prestigious degree.
Elliott joins other artists whose musical contributions have impacted the culture such as Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and Quincy Jones. Justin Timberlake and Alex Lacamoire were also honored with Elliott.
Upon receiving the degree the Virginia native was overwhelmed with emotion. She posted pieces of her acceptance speech on Instagram.
The caption read: This is still SURREAL to me I keep crying and crying it’s such a feeling I can’t even explain. Thank you every one at Berklee College & President Roger Brown & committee. I AM HUMBLY GRATEFUL. To my mom you taught me to fight to push through even in the toughest times keep pushing through! And through the Grace of God I AM STILL HERE. My Team/Family/Friends/Supafriend fans! I love you all.
Elliott is set to make history again this June as the first woman rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Missy, congratulations on creating your own lane and blazing a trail for so many others!