image via Missy Elliott Instagram
Missy Elliott made history back in January when it was announced that she would become the first female hip-hop artist ever to become an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (which will take place on June 13 in New York City). Now the music genius has become the first female hip-hop artist to receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Boston’s Berklee College of Music.
The prestigious institution made the announcement back in March that Missy would be receiving the honorary doctorates at the college’s upcoming commencement, presented by Berklee President Roger H. Brown.
Per Berklee College: honorary doctorate recipients are recognized “for their achievements and influences in music, and for their enduring global impact.” Missy is in top tier company, as past recipients of the honorary doctorate include Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones and Smokey Robinson.
Missy took to social media back in March to share her excitement when the news was first announced.
I am soooooo HUMBLED!???????? https://t.co/ouUZnqflAN
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) March 12, 2019
Well on Saturday (May 11) the official commencement ceremony took place at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. Missy was honored alongside Justin Timberlake and Alex Lacamoire in receiving their respective honors.
Missy took to social media to celebrate the major milestone and rightfully so, showed off her new degree.
View this post on Instagram
CREATE YOUR OWN LANE!!!! Sincerely Dr. MISSY ELLIOTT????@Berkleecollege??? #VA #757
Some of Missy’s good friends and peers took to social media as well to celebrate.
Congratulations boo! I am so proud of you babe ❤️ This is awesome!!! ????? https://t.co/R3KvNfRWzu
— Lil’ Kim (@LilKim) May 12, 2019
????
Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake and Alex Lacamoire receive honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music https://t.co/hDuDB3NDTd— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) May 11, 2019
Get into her full speech below.
