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DR MISSY ELLIOTT: The hip hop superstar has received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music

MISSY ELLIOTT has received an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

The five-time Grammy Award winner is the first hip hop artist to be honoured with the honorary degree from the college.

The 47-year-old was recognised for her achievements and influence in music, as well as her enduing global impact.

Berklee College of Music students paid tribute to Missy Elliot by performing music from her career, including The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) and Get Ur Freak On, the day before the ceremony.

Introducing the hip hop superstar, Berklee president Roger H. Brown described her as "fiercely original". As Brown read out her career highlights, the audience applauded her various achievements.

During her speech Missy Elliott shared some words of wisdom with the graduates. “There will be ups and downs—prepare for that,” she told them, mentioning her own experiences – losing awards and becoming ill – as examples of obstacles she overcame.

She was visible emotional during her address, shedding tears as she spoke to the audience.

"Let me just soak it in," she said before taking a moment to collect herself.

She urged the graduates to be patient as they battle struggles and to never give up on themselves. “As long as you are breathing, it is never too late...People will tell you it'll never work, don’t believe that because I'm standing here today,” she said.

On Twitter, Missy Elliott shared her joy at receiving the honour with her fans.

The multi-talented artist posted a video of herself wearing a Berklee College of Music cap and down and holding her framed certificate. And she’s clearly getting used to her new title as she couldn’t resist signing off Dr Missy Elliott.

“Create your own lane! Sincerely Dr. Missy Elliott. Berklee College, thank you for this honorary doctorate degree. I am so humbled,” she wrote.

CREATE YOUR OWN LANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely Dr. MISSY ELLIOTT????????????????????????‍???? @BerkleeCollege Thank you for this Honorary Doctorate Degree I am SO HUMBLED???? pic.twitter.com/JipNdcrRYb

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) May 11, 2019

Justin Timberlake and composer Alex Lacamoire also received honorary doctorates at the ceremony on Saturday. The trio joined more than 1,000 graduates who received their degrees at the event.

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