*Missy Elliott paid it forward in her Portsmouth hometown where she paid off 26 families’ past-due rent with $50,000 she donated to a local housing organization.
The rapper’s generosity comes on the one-year anniversary of Oct. 17 being declared “Missy Elliott Day” in Virginia, People reports.
“Instead of it being a celebration of Missy Elliott, you know about me, I wanted to give back and let that be the celebration of Missy Elliott, just to show that I love everybody out here,” Elliot said at the Dr. O. Marriner Family Life Center at Grove Church, where she presented a large check to the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
“I love my city. I love my state. I love everything about it,” she added. “Everything about Missy comes from here — the hospitality, the humility, the confidence — if you mess with me, it’s a problem. We sweet, but don’t try us.”
Last year, Portsmouth renamed a portion of McLean Street as Missy Elliott Boulevard and presented her with a key to the city, according to a city news release.
#MissyElliottBlvd I been through MANY ups and downs but it’s nothing like having FAITH! God I thank you for FAVOR🙏🏾 If anybody feel like quitting NO just hang in there your BLESSING may be coming sooner than you think! Just keep PUSHING even through tough times💯 You built 4 it! pic.twitter.com/ixs4bTe2wD
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) October 18, 2023
At the time, Elliott joined officials for a community parade to celebrate the city’s artistic culture.
“We’re beyond proud of Missy’s accomplishments and so thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate her,” said City Manager Tonya Chapman in the release. “Missy’s trailblazing career is a testament that when you dream big, anything is possible.
On Tuesday, Elliott shared photos of herself on the block, along with the caption: “I been through MANY ups and downs but it’s nothing like having FAITH! God I thank you for FAVOR,” she wrote.
“If anybody feel like quitting NO just hang in there your BLESSING may be coming sooner than you think! Just keep PUSHING even through tough times,” continued the musician. “You built 4 it!”
READ MORE: Missy Elliott and Timbaland Pay Tribute to Rapper Magoo Following Death at 50
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