Missy Elliott First Hip-Hop Artist To Receive Honorary Doctorate From Prestigious Berklee College Of Music

Missy Elliott joined the likes of other legends like Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin to receive honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music in Boston.  

For the past 30 years, the five-time Grammy Winner influenced the music industry with groundbreaking music videos and hit, bombastic singles. The “Get Your Freak On” rapper is the first hip-hop artist, male or female, to be presented with an honorary doctorate from the college. Missy’s career was celebrated during a joyous ceremony Saturday morning in front of graduates.

I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE WE UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT!

“So, for her LASTING impact in RESHAPING the landscape and CULTURE of Hip-Hop, R&B AND Pop, it is my pleasure to present Berklee’s Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree to @MissyElliott”

NOT ONE LIE TOLD! pic.twitter.com/MJwBqQvJtE

— I. King (@IvanKingz)

CREATE YOUR OWN LANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely Dr. MISSY ELLIOTT????????????????????????‍???? @BerkleeCollege Thank you for this Honorary Doctorate Degree I am SO HUMBLED???? pic.twitter.com/JipNdcrRYb

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott)

Over the past two days, Berklee College honored her and other guests with several events. Students performed songs paying homage to each respective honoree in a private concert at Agganis Arena, Friday night.

The native Virginia entertainer was joined by conductor Alex Lacamoire, who graduated from the school in 1995 and is famous for his work on Hamilton, and singer Justin Timberlake.

“Being honored in this way by my alma mater means the world to me, you guys,” Lacamoire wrote earlier this year in March. “I’m over the moon with joy and I’m psyched to be grouped with these legends! See y’all in May.”

The three artists were presented their honorary doctorates as more than 7,000 people cheered them on, celebrating the work and impact of their musical contributions.