Laughter, tears and triumph abounded on Nov. 8 as Missy Elliott received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The legendary rapper/songwriter/producer was on hand to accept her honor on Hollywood Boulevard, just outside the recently-relocated Amoeba Music. Lizzo and Ciara each gave speeches celebrating her artistry, style and impact on Black art.
"I watched you my entire life, and I saw a superstar in you, but I also saw myself," Lizzo said through tears. "You have no idea what you have done for so many Black girls."
Ciara recounted "one of the best surprises of my life" when she was presented Elliott's demo to "1, 2 Step," which she took to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004. "We define music genres such as R&B, hip-hop and pop - and then there's a genre of Missy," she said in a speech.
Missy fought back tears as she thanked fans, family, collaborators like Timbaland ("my right hand") and all the female rappers whose example opened the door for her, including Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Sha-Rock, Angie Stone, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, MC Lyte and Salt-N-Pepa.
You can watch the entire event, including all speeches and photo ops, below.