After a six-year hiatus, VH1’s “HIP HOP HONORS” returned to celebrate the best and brightest in hip hop with a twist.
Originating live for the first time in its history, Monday night’s (July 11) event in New York City paid homage to the female pioneers, trailblazers and trend-setters who led a movement and infiltrated the ranks of the male-dominated genre to make their voices heard and still do today.
The evening began with an inspiring statement from ‘Black Lives Matter’ founders Darnell Moore and Alicia Garza, and also included a special taped appearance by First Lady Michelle Obama honoring the women of hip hop.
The first tribute of the evening was to honoree Missy Elliott, which included an army of dancers and performances by Remy Ma (“Work It”), Nelly Furtado (“Get UR Freak On”), Eve (“Hot Boyz”) and Trina (“One Minute Man”). Elliott’s tribute also included presenters Pharrell, Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, Angie Martinez, Jazmine Sullivan and Keyshia Cole, plus a tribute to Missy’s work as a producer that featured performances from Fantasia (“Free Yourself”), Monica (“So Gone”), and Tweet (“Oops (Oh My)”).
Check out the performance tribute below!
(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
