Teary Missy Elliott gets Janet Jackson’s praise

MISSY Elliott knew she was being honoured by Essence magazine but not who was giving her the accolade. So there was plenty of emotion when close friend Janet Jackson not presented her with her trophy but praised her talent.

Jackson was one of many stars who turned up to pay tribute to the singer, songwriter, rapper and producer.

“Some rhyme, some rap; some act, some choreograph; some write hit songs; some create whole new sounds. Some women are able to make their mark in some of these fields; but there’s only one woman who has made her mark in all of these fields,” Jackson told a packed crowd on Thursday night.

“Not only has she made her mark, but she’s done so with boldness and courage.”

Elliott – whose hits include Work It, Get Ur Freak On and One Minute Man – began to cry during Jackson’s tribute. The two shared a long embrace when Elliott went on stage for her “Visionary” award from Essence at the magazine’s annual preGrammy event celebrating black women artists.

“That was a surprise,” an overwhelmed Elliott said.

“I’ve known Janet for over a decade and this is not just ... someone I do music with. I can call Janet any time of night and she will listen,” she said. “The times that I may have felt like giving up, she’s always given me an encouraging word.”

She noted that some in the industry didn’t think she could be successful – at times because she was a woman. – AP

Missy Elliott