Missy Elliott continues to keep fans waiting for her next project. And although she's confirmed multiple times that she has indeed been at work on her next album, health issues and perfectionism have prevented the hip-hop pioneer from providing a release date.

Speaking with Billboard as part of their 31 Female Rappers spotlight for March, the MC discussed her past and career highlights, as well as what separated her from her peers. While she admitted she's been hesitant to give herself a deadline, she promised only the best when the album does finally arrive.

"I'm very critical when it comes to my stuff," she said. "When you've done it for so long … I've talked about so many topics, so I think, 'What way can I approach something and not feel like I've heard five those records before?' ... I don't work well under pressure. I decided this time I'm going to work at my own pace. When I drop whatever I drop, it's going to be worth every year people have waited."

Elliott's last studio album of new material, The Cookbook, released in 2005.