Missy Elliott prepares for a summer "Block Party"
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Missy Elliott is eyeing an August release for her next studio album, "Block Party," on which she's now putting the finishing touches.
The oft-delayed set, which originally was slated for May, features production from Souldiggaz, Danjahandz, Pharrell, T-Pain, Pointguard and Timbaland.
Tracks on the album include the Jazmine Sullivan-assisted "Like When You Play the Music"; the drum-heavy "Hip-Hop Don't Die"; the sensual "Milk & Cookies," on which Elliot lightheartedly harmonizes about her capabilities in the bedroom; and "Best Best," the set's first single.
Elliott told Billboard she chose the album title "because there are a lot of dance joints on there. It's one of those albums you can play out in the streets."
"This album is probably more musical and melodic than my previous ones," she said. "A lot of my albums are really hip-hop-driven, with tinges of other music genres. But this album is hip-hop, with a sort of U.K. hip-hop sound to it."
Timbaland remains one of Elliott's major collaborators. What she and the veteran producer share is "deeper than this music industry thing," Elliott said.
"There's a chemistry between us that will never leave. Like Janet (Jackson) and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Like Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones -- that kind of chemistry," she said. "Not to say it can't work if you get with someone else. But, just because a producer's hot, it doesn't mean it'll automatically work."
"People always ask if we're still working together, and the answer is we will always work together," Elliott continued. "He's always going to be involved, even if it is just on one record. That's my brother. I respect and honor what he says."
Reuters/Billboard
