Missy Elliot Awarded Billboard's 'Innovator' Award: 'Women In Music' Honored In The Event!

Legendary emcee Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, accepted Billboard's "Innovator" award and gave thanks to artists who came before her, according to HipHopDX.

The rapper has won many awards and accomplished lots of things during her career and it seems her most recent honor made her emotional. Elliott thanked Aaliyah, who passed away in 2001.

"Because of them, those ones before me, I thank you, and I thank my peers and those after me, but those ones before me, I want to tell y'all that I love y'all so much and Aaliyah, I hope you're looking down and that you are proud of me," she said during her speech.

Elliott wanted to let everyone who was watching that night know that they should not stop and continue to be creative.

"I want y'all to continue to be creative and don't be scared to take risks," said Elliott. "I've had to take a lot of risks, and being a woman in this industry for me, as an artist, a writer and producer, I've had my ups and downs."

During the ceremony, dancers performed for the American singer, songwriter and producer, revealed Billboard.

Before receiving Billboard's "Innovator" award, Missy Elliot started her career in the 90s and was part of an all-girl group "Sista." She then became a part of "Swing Mob" along with Timbaland, who is her childhood friend and producer.

She launched her solo career in 1997 and released her debut album entitled, "Supa Dupa Fly" which debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at number three. This made her at that time, the highest-charting female rapper.

The music star has won five Grammy awards through the years and she is the only female rapper to have six certified platinum albums. She has sold over 30 million records in the United States alone.

The event was taped in New York, Dec.11 and was aired on Lifetime Dec. 18.

Billboard's annual show, "Women in Music" aired Friday at 8 p.m. eastern. Other artists and celebrities were honored as well; like Kelsea Ballerini, Lana Del Ray, Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Fifth Harmony, Loretta Lyn, Tori Kelly and Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard.

Each spoke movingly and honored women who inspired, believed and supported them through their careers. Several of the honorees performed as well, revealed The Hollywood Reporter.

Missy Elliot has yet to announce any tours or albums after she received the Billboard award.