Missy Elliott has brought in the holidays with a unique take on the traditional Christmas tree paying homage to Aaliyah, 2Pac and other music greats.
The singer proudly showcased her trio of white Christmas trees in a Reel posted on Saturday (December 24). The opening shots saw Missy approaching the trees, which are guarded by a matching pair of life-sized, all-black nutcrackers.
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As she got closer, Missy began explaining why these particular holiday decorations were special. “This tree is a different kind of tree,” she said. “This tree has vinyl and CDs on it. You got Aretha Franklin, you got Aaliyah, you got 2Pac. You got a Chaka Khan CD right there. You got Luther Vandross over there. You got Stevie Wonder up there.”
A collaborative effort between décor firms Opulence by Chavien Shy and Immaculate Events, the trio of trees were also adorned with tributes to Michael and Janet Jackson, Prince, Diana Ross, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, TLC and Biggie Smalls.
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In addition to the decorative CDs and vinyl, Missy Elliott’s Christmas trees were also decked out with more conventional ornaments in shades of black, grey, red and white. Replica violins and even a trombone were incorporated into the display as well.
After showing off her tree, the multi-hyphenate creative made way for dancers Jené Marie and Skootah to perform a number set to the tune of a song about dueling Christmas trees.
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Missy Elliott may have dedicated her holiday decorations to other artists, but she has spent the year being celebrated for her own contributions to the culture.
In September, she was honored with her own street, Missy Elliott Boulevard, in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia. Two months later, the icon was immortalized with an impressively life-like wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s Las Vegas, complete with an immersive virtual fan experience.
Most recently, the four-time Grammy Award winner was presented with Norfolk State University’s “most prestigious award,” the Presidential Commencement Medallion; and received an honorary doctorate in humane letters at the school’s fall commencement.
During the graduation ceremony, Norfolk State President Javaune Adams-Gaston explained the degree was extended in recognition of Missy Elliott’s “outstanding professional achievements and extraordinary contributions to public service.”
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She previously received a honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music alongside pop royalty Justin Timberlake and conductor Alex Lacamoire in 2019. Before the end of the eventful afternoon, Missy Elliott presented NSU with a $10,000 donation, with a request that the funds go “to the area of greatest need,” a spokesperson for the school said.
