LOS ANGELES (AP) - Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott has announced her first headlining arena tour, titled "Out of This World - The Missy Elliott Experience," which will feature performances by Busta Rhymes and Ciara. The unexpected tour comes as a long overdue celebration of Elliott's trailblazing career and recent accolades.

Elliott, accompanied by legendary producer Timbaland, is gearing up for an unforgettable tour that will showcase her immense talent as a musician, producer, songwriter, and performer. The tour is set to kick off on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, and conclude on August 22 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

Reflecting on her journey, Elliott expressed her gratitude for the recognition she has received in recent years. In 2019, she became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. Last year, she was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the first female hip-hop artist.

Elliott's longtime manager and co-producer of the tour, Mona Scott-Young, commented on Elliott's constant innovation. "What we're seeing now is kind of the rest of the world catching up," she said. "She's always been ahead."

Joining Elliott on this momentous tour are fellow renowned artists Busta Rhymes and Ciara. Busta Rhymes, who has collaborated with Elliott throughout their careers, expressed his excitement about finally embarking on a tour together. He praised Elliott's meticulous attention to production and affirmed her commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans.

Ciara, who considers Elliott a major inspiration and mentor, spoke highly of Elliott's impact as an artist and as a person. "She means a lot to me as an artist but also as a person, as a sister," said Ciara. "She's someone I can call and cry to if I need to."

While details of the tour remain mostly under wraps, Ciara hinted at possible on-stage collaborations, highlighting their previous successful collaborations on hit songs such as "1, 2 Step" and "Lose Control." Fans can anticipate a lively and energetic show that pays homage to Elliott's iconic music videos and brings them to life on stage.

Tickets for "Out of This World - The Missy Elliott Experience" are highly anticipated and expected to sell out quickly. The tour holds great significance for Elliott, who is eager to connect with her devoted fans and create a memorable experience for all.