As Missy Elliott prepares to be honored in her hometown, some HBCU bands are gearing up to celebrate alongside her!

A couple of months ago, news broke that a street in Portsmouth, Virginia, would be renamed “Missy Elliott Boulevard” in honor of the “Get Ur Freak On” rapper.

The decision was unanimously made by the Portsmouth City Council, who also decided to give her the Key to the City, according to WTKR.

A portion of McLean Street was swiftly renamed, and Missy acknowledged the honor on Twitter.

Despite the street already being dedicated to Missy Elliott, the official ceremony is going down on Oct. 17, and the rapper will have some special guests joining her!

News recently broke that bands from four nearby HBCUs — Norfolk State University (NSU), Hampton University (HU), Virginia State University (VSU) and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) — will be joining Missy Elliott for a pep rally and parade this Monday.

“When we were asked to come perform, I thought it would be an honor to do that. This is one of the best artists that have ever hit the hip-hop scene,” William Beathea, NSU’s band director, said, WTKR reports. “When big things like this happen in Hampton roads, Norfolk State always wants to be a part.”

In addition to these 4 HBCUs, WTKR reports that bands from Manor High School, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School will also perform.

Other local rappers like Trey Songz, Timbaland and Pusha T are also scheduled to be there, so it’s safe to say that the event will definitely be poppin’!

The ceremony will go down at Manor High School at 3:30 p.m., and it will be free and open to the public, according to WTKR.

This significant honor comes a year after Missy Elliott received her long-overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as Blavity previously reported.

Shoutout to Missy Elliott and HBCU bands who will celebrate the street dedication with her!

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