Missy Elliott goes back around the 'Block'

NEW YORK - Missy Elliott is putting the finishing touches on her next studio album, "Block Party," and eyeing an August release.

The oft-delayed set, originally 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. A video for "Best Best" is in the works.

Elliott said 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 continued. "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."*