“Misdemeanor’s in da house,” and now she’s got her very own street. Portsmouth’s own Melissa Arnette Elliot, aka hip-hop icon Missy Elliott, was recently honored by Portsmouth City Council, which voted unanimously to rename a portion of McLean Street to “Missy Elliott Boulevard.” The street accesses Victory Crossing Shopping Center, Tidewater Community College and the future Portsmouth Rivers Casino.
Missy Elliott grew up in Portsmouth and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School (now Manor High School) before going on to become a Grammy award-winning performer, songwriter and producer. The honor was celebrated with a parade and a presentation of the key to the city for Elliott in October. “I have been blessed so much,” Elliott posted in her official Instagram account, “but this right here hits my heart differently.”