Missy Elliot is set to make a comeback and plans to release a new album, the first since 'The Cookbook' in 2005.

The American rapper and producer is planning her return to music nine years afterreleasing her last album 'The Cookbook' and has hinted she could follow in Beyoncé's footsteps and surprise fans.

In a chat with Yahoo's 'The Yo Show', Missy said: ''When I create something, it's gotta be special, and it can't just be to throw something out there because I feel like I'm Missy.

''I gotta feel like what I'm giving the fans is 100 per cent and that it's game-changing. I don't just throw out microwave records.''

Missy confirmed her comeback album is imminent but when quizzed about the release date, she replied: ''I just ain't telling nobody when.''

After stepping out of the spotlight in 2005, she began producing and lending her vocals to singles byMonica, Keyshia Cole, Jazmine Sullivan and Jennifer Hudson.

Since 2007 Missy has teased her seventh album, 'Block Party', with a handful of singles including 'Best, Best', 'Ching-a-Ling' and 'Shake Your Pom Pom' but the full record has never been released.

In 2012 she also dropped the singles '9th Inning' and 'Triple Threat', reuniting her with collaborator Timbaland.

More recently the 42-year-old star has worked with girl band Little Mix on their single 'How Ya Doin'?' last year.