Lizzo Paid Tribute to Missy Elliott in a Half-Straight, Half-Curly Hairstyle

On November 8, Lizzo graced the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a new hairstyle inspired by none other than music legend and style icon Missy Elliott. The two came together with a slew of other famous friends to celebrate the reveal of Elliott’s own star. 

Always one to surprise us with a new ‘do with every outing, Lizzo’s half updo was part curly, part straight, and a total homage to Elliott’s visionary styling throughout the nineties and early aughts. “I watched you my entire life and I saw a superstar in you, but I also saw myself,” Lizzo said in a heartfelt speech. “And you lived so boldly, and so beautifully, and so unapologetically, and so out loud. You have no idea what you have done for so many Black girls.”

The event was an emotional one as other celebrities, including Ciara, and a crowd of fans gathered to witness the momentous occasion. Elliott, who wore a bedazzled blazer and matching cap that covered her dark purple curls, seemed to be in awe of the amount of love poured out in her honor. It was another reminder of the ongoing work that needs to be done in the entertainment industry to recognize the women who contribute to it each and every day.

When you think of female rappers who paved the way, Elliott is always at the top of the list. It’s hard to pick just one standout look of hers — there were the sleek finger waves she donned in the music video “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and the spiky red and black cut she wore to the 2001 MTV VMAs. And who could forget the sculpted, braided ponytail she debuted for the Iconology album cover? As Lizzo put it, we don’t deserve!

“We love you, we celebrate you, God bless you,” Lizzo said as she tearfully ended her speech. “This is more than deserved. And let us continue to celebrate all of your accomplishments, and all of your influence, forever.”

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