# Missy Elliott Honored at HBCU Band Battle

> Missy Elliott honored with HBCU bands uniting for 'Get Ur Freak On' at event.
- Title: Missy Elliott Honored at HBCU Band Battle · HBCU Legends On SI
- Summary: Missy Elliott honored with HBCU bands uniting for 'Get Ur Freak On' at event. Missy Elliott received recognition from Virginia officials after HBCU bands…
- Keywords: missy elliot, hbcu bands, get ur freak on, hbcu band battle, norfolk state university, rolling stone, virginia house speaker, missy elliot day, sports, Missy, Elliott, Honored
- Source: HBCU Legends On SI — https://si.com/college/hbcu/football/missy-elliott-honored-as-rival-bands-unite-at-hbcu-band-battle
- Published: 2026-10-20T23:46:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: missy elliot, hbcu bands, get ur freak on, hbcu band battle, norfolk state university, rolling stone, virginia house speaker, missy elliot day, sports
## Missy Elliott Honored
Global music icon Missy Elliott put HBCU marching band culture center stage at the inaugural Missy Elliott Presents HBCU Band Battle.
## 21,894 Fans Attend
21,894 fans attended the event on Sunday, Oct. 18 at William "Dick" Price Stadium.
## Tribute to Elliott
Five HBCU bands performed, including a tribute to Elliott whose "Get Ur Freak On" was ranked No. 1 song of the 21st century by Rolling Stone.
## Innovation Summit
The weekend includes the Missy Elliott Innovation Summit for college students and high school seniors exploring technology, music, education and entrepreneurship.
## Elliott's Statement
Elliott said Virginia will always be home and HBCU bands bring energy, creativity and culture to music.
## Bands Perform
Elizabeth City State University's "Sound of Class" led off followed by Virginia State University's "Trojan Explosion".
## Stand Battles
Bands traded two-song exchanges testing range, creativity and competitive fire.
## Elliott Honored
Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi King presented Elliott with a gift on behalf of Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
## Finale Performance
All five HBCU bands united to play "Get Ur Freak On" as Elliott walked through formations.
## Key takeaway

Missy Elliott received recognition from Virginia officials after HBCU bands performed 'Get Ur Freak On' at the inaugural Missy Elliott Presents HBCU Band Battle.