See Missy Elliott's Phenomenal, Freaky, Career-Spanning VMA Performance

Missy Elliott once rapped, "Just ensure you ahead of the game," and she's led by example any time it comes to music videos — which is exactly why she's the newest recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The hip-hop icon has created some of the most innovative visuals of all time, and at the VMAs on Monday night (August 26), "Misdemeanor" celebrated that feat with a frenetic, career-spanning performance.


Missy's medley of hits kicked off with a reminder that her glory days are far from over. Surrounded by silver-clad dancers, she launched into "Throw It Back," a triumphant, confident banger she released just last week. From then on, it was smash immediately after smash soon after smash: "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" and "Hot Boyz" gave way to "Get Ur Freak On," while in which Missy brought the vid's wild jungle vibes to the stage.


In a cameo that only hardcore fans will truly appreciate, Alyson Stoner (a.K.A. The little girl from several of Missy's early-aughts vids) took center stage to break it down. The woman of the hour then reemerged immediately after her umpteenth costume change for"Pass the Dutch," and capped off the whirlwind efficiency with "Lose Control," which almost definitely made each person indoors In the Prudential Center do a double take.


Elliott's efficiency was followed by a sweet speech from Cardi B, who revealed that the initial album she ever purchased was a Missy record. Cardi then praised the Video Vanguard by proclaiming, "She changed the music video art form fully with her fashion, humor, and unforgettable creativity. ... Everybody has copied Missy Elliott, even me."


As soon as Elliott reemerged to accept the golden Moon Person trophy, she wiped away tears while explaining why the award means so much to her.


"I have worked diligently for over two decades. And I never thought that I could be standing up here obtaining this award," she mentioned, fittingly wearing a chain around her neck with the word "ICONIC" on it. "I wish to dedicate this award to the dance community all around the world. ... Y'all are the icing on the cake, y'all are the beat to the heart. I dedicate this to every dance community out there."


Notably, Elliott returned last week with Iconology, a five-song EP that marked her first number of new music since 2005. She is a living legend who's still as relevant and as fly as ever — something on full display at the pop-up Museum of Missy Elliott that hit New York City last week — and as long as she keeps getting her freak on, we're all of the better for it.


The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards have touched down at The Prudential Center in New Jersey, airing live on MTV. Visualize the full list of winners and keep up with all the night's biggest VMA moments!