Missy Elliott's Most Definitive Dance Moments

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On Monday, MTV announced who will be taking home the Video Vanguard Award this year at the MTV Video Music Awards, and the recipient is none other than Missy Elliott.

I think all 2000s nostalgics can be in agreement when we collectively say…

FINALLY.

The Video Vanguard Award has gone to major artists who’ve brought creativity and innovation to the music video game, and nobody embodies this criteria more than Missy. The Grammy-winning singer, rapper and songwriter will join the likes of Rihanna, Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake in receiving her recognition.

Part of what makes a great music video is a bomb dance routine and Misdemeanor easily meets this qualification with her memorable steps. Whether putting seasoned dancers in the spotlight or showing off her own moves, Missy has always honored this dynamic side of hip hop.

It’s only right that we celebrate Missy’s honor with a look back at her most iconic dance visuals. Hit the flip for all the heat and be sure to watch the VMAs when they air Monday, August 26 on MTV at 8 p.m.

1. That time Missy basically slid on the ground dismounting into an upright shoulder bop in “Work It”

2. When Misdemeanor proved that the running man can be done at any  BPM in the beginning of “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”

3. That time she basically put her head on someone else’s body and gave footwork for the gawds in “Lose Control” 

4. That moment Missy was busting it down in leather in “Pass That Dutch”…oh, and she gave a tribute to the Irish country at the end of the video

5. That time Misdemeanor was already hip to the #YeehawAgenda in “She’s A Bi**h,” dancing in a cowgirl hat and again, patent leather

6. That time Missy looked like the queen of tic-toc toy land in “Beep Me 911” 

7. When Missy was like “I’m a puppet now and I’m still gonna bust it down” in “WTF”

8. That moment she was like “I dance underwater too” in “I’m Better”