According to consequence.net, artist Missy Elliott has celebrated Virginia’s second annual “Missy Elliott Day” in her hometown of Portsmouth by paying $50,000 in past due rent for 26 families.

According to The Virginian-Pilot, the rapper made an appearance at Portsmouth’s Dr. O. Marriner Family Life Center at Grove Church to deliver a check to the city’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

The event took place one year after the Commonwealth of Virginia designated October 17 as “Missy Elliot Day” and Portsmouth renamed a portion of McLean Street after Elliot.

During her brief speech Elliot shared that “Instead of it being a celebration of Missy Elliott, you know about me, I wanted to give back and let that be the celebration of Missy Elliott, just to show that I love everybody out here.”

The rapper adds: “Just know that P-town is with me no matter where I go. I love my city. I love my state. I love everything about it. Everything about Missy comes from here. The hospitality, the humility, the confidence. If you mess with me, it’s a problem. We sweet, but don’t try us.”

On Twitter, Elliott shared photos from the ceremony as well as a caption that read: “Thank you VA! Where I was born taught me DRIVE taught me FAITH taught me HUMILITY also taught me Dont try me either. But most of all taught me the blessings I get are not just for me but to Bless someone else. I love #757.”

Thank you VA! Where I was born taught me DRIVE taught me FAITH taught me HUMILITY also taught me Dont try me either🤣🤣😂 but most of all taught me the blessings I get are not just for me but to Bless someone else🙏🏾 I love #757 #MissyElliottDay https://t.co/PqDP0OiRQx pic.twitter.com/45uVLoA0o9

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) October 18, 2023

The celebration of Elliott will continue next month when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts the artist as a member of the 2023 class as its first female rapper. Artist Misdemeanor is also slated to perform at the 2023 ceremony in Brooklyn, New York on November 3.