Missy Elliott Will Be First Female Hip Hop Artist To Receive Honorary Doctorate From Berklee College of Music

Missy Elliott, who is often credited for “changing the rap game for women” with her innovative contributions to Hip Hop and inspiring themes of feminism, gender equality, sex positivity and more, is set to be recognized for her “achievements and influences in music.”

Just two months after Elliott became the first female rapper to be inducted into the songwriter’s hall of fame, the Virginia-bred rapper, singer, songwriter and producer is set to become the first female hip-hop artist to receive an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music. 

According to a Press Release, Elliott will be honored alongside 10-time Grammy Award-winning artist Justin Timberlake and three-time Tony Award-winning musician and Berklee alum, Alex Lacamoire. 

The awards will be presented during the ceremony, which will take place at Boston University on May 11, and serve as “recognition for their musical achievements and influence and for their enduring global impact,” Billboard reports. 

Although the actual degrees will be presented by Berklee president Roger H. Brown, the publication reports that students will pay tribute to the honorees by performing their hit songs or music “associated with their careers.” 

 Congratulations to the honorees.