Following in the footsteps of previous recipients like Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kanye, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears, the legendary rapper, producer and songwriter will receive the prestigious award on 26 August, when she will also perform at the ceremony for the first time in sixteen years.

“Missy’s impact on the music landscape is indelible,” said Bruce Gillmer, head of music and music talent, Viacom and co-brand head at MTV International. “Her creative vision across production, performance and songwriting is unmatched.”

Gillmer is right: Elliott’s influence on the music industry has been profound. Not only has she amassed 30 million records worldwide over the course of her thirty-year career, but she’s also a five-time Grammy Award winner.

Elliott has broken records in her own right too, becoming the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She also remains the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum.

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