Missy Elliott’s comeback is just around the corner. The hip-hop icon is set to drop the first single from her long-awaited album next month.
During Thursday’s ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, her longtime friend and collaborator Timbaland announced that the song was produced by Pharrell Williams and would arrive in July.
“I love my sister to death. I know the tabloids love to talk, and I’ma say it now. Her first single is from my cousin, and yes we are family, Pharrell,” he said. “And one thing about VA, we stick together.”
In February, Missy tweeted a photo of her and fellow Virginia native Pharrell in the studio working on her first album since 2005’s The Cookbook.
“We’re in the studio and the things that she says and thinks about, and her video concepts… I didn’t know that all of those video concepts were hers. I’m so proud of her. That’s Virginia,” Pharrell told Jimmy Fallon earlier this year.
During Thursday’s ASCAP Awards, Missy also paid tribute to Timbaland, who was honored as Songwriter of the Year alongside Jay Z.
“Timbaland has always changed music over and over and over again,” said Missy in a video montage. “I’ve been knowing Tim since high school. He’s always been a genius.”
UPDATE: Despite Timbaland’s claims, Missy has not set a date for her new single.