Timothy Zachery Mosley, professionally known as Timbaland, is an American producer, rapper, singer, songwriter, and label executive. The multi-platinum, Grammy-winning producer is best known for his distinctive production style that blends hip-hop, R&B, pop, and futuristic sounds. Timbaland has collaborated with some of the most talented artists in the music industry, including Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, and countless others, creating iconic hits in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Humble Beginnings
Born in 1972 in Norfork, Virginia, Mosley loved music from a young age. While in secondary school, he was in a band called Surrounded by Idiots (SBI), with Magoo and Pharrell. The group wasn’t commercially successful, but it gave young Tim a platform to experiment with beats and rhythms.
In the early ‘90s, Mosley crossed paths with another rising star, Missy Elliott. Elliott, who was then part of the Sistas group, would later play a pivotal role in Timbaland’s career. In a 2004 NPR interview, he credits Elliott with influencing his decision to embrace his unconventional sampling style.
The Big Breakthrough
As the ’90s rolled on, Mosley gradually garnered attention, attracting big names in hip-hop and R&B. Several of these collaborations were instrumental in laying the foundation for his success:
The Jodeci Connection
Soon after, Timbo met Devante Swing of Jodeci, who gave him his stage name, Timbaland, inspired by the boot brand —Timberland. This collaboration was a key turning point in his career. In 1995, Tim and Elliott earned production credits on Jodeci’s last studio album, The Show, The After-Party, The Hotel. They later went on to produce for several other stars while also building their solo careers.
Ginuwine
Timbalands’s work with R&B artist Ginuwine marked his first major production credit. Their collaboration on the double platinum debut album Ginuwine… the Bachelor gave us the baby-making anthem “Pony” (1996). The track was a massive success, highlighting Timbaland’s talent for creating infectious, genre-bending beats.
Aaliyah
In 1996, Timbaland, in partnership with Elliott, produced Aaliyah’s second studio album, “One in a Million”. The album was a major hit, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. Timbaland received acclaim for his innovative soundscape, featuring unique elements like chirping birds and stuttering beats, which soon became his trademark.
His work with Aaliyah on record-breaking tracks like “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again” solidified his reputation as one of the industry’s most sought-after producers.
Missy Elliott
In 1997, Timbaland produced Elliott’s debut album, Supa Dupa Fly, featuring the hit single “The Rain.” Fans and critics celebrated the album, lauding Timbo for his innovative soundscapes and Elliott for her dynamic songwriting. The duo went on to produce some of the most groundbreaking music in the genre, blending hip-hop, R&B, pop, and futuristic sounds.
Timbaland made a name for himself as a recording artist amid these collaborations. He released three albums with the Virginia-based duo Timbaland & Magoo as well as his debut solo album, Tims Bio.
Notable Collaborations
Timbaland’s early work was known for its distinctive stuttering beats and unconventional samples, often featuring Eastern influences. Over time, his sound evolved, incorporating electronic elements to create a futuristic vibe that set new trends in hip-hop and R&B.
In the early 2000s, Timbaland teamed up with Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, among others. He produced Timberlake’s 2002 hit single “Cry Me a River” and most of his subsequent releases, including FutureSex/Love Sounds (2006) and The 20/20 Experience (2013).
Timbaland’s 2007 single “Give It To Me,” featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, was an epic hit. It peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of his album Shock Value (2007). The album featured successful singles like “The Way I Are” (ft. Keri Hilson) and “Apologize “(with One Republic), reaching number three and two on the chart, respectively.
His third album, Shock Value II (2009), was highlighted by top 40 singles, such as “Carry Out” (ft. Justin Timberlake), “Say Something” (ft. Drake), and “If We Ever Meet Again” (ft. Katy Perry). During this time, his accolades expanded to include:
- Aaliyah: “One in a Million,” “Are You That Somebody,” and “Try Again”
- Missy Elliott: “Get Your Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control”
- Nelly Furtado: “Promiscuous,” “Maneater, “ and “Say it Right”
- Jay-Z: “Big Pimpin,” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder,” and “Holy Grail”
- Justin Timberlake: “Cry Me A River,” “SexyBack,” and “Suit & Tie”
- Beyoncé: “Partition” and “Drunk in Love”
- Rihanna: “Rehab” and “Where Have You Been”
- Drake: “Say Something” and “Over”
Mosley Music Group (MMG)
In 2006, Timbaland founded his own record label, Mosley Music Group (MMG). The label struck instant gold with Nelly Furtado’s” Promiscuous,” which hit #1, as did her album. Timbaland also produced Justin Timberlake’s second album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, helping Timberlake launch his solo career. Over the years, MMG has sold over 40 million albums and over 50 million singles from artists like One Republic, Keri Hilson, Chris Cornell, Bubba Sparks, and even some of Timbaland’s solo releases.
While Timbaland is best known for production and writing, his achievements as an artist cannot be overlooked. Beyond his production work, he released five solo albums under his own name and three hip-hop albums with Magoo. To date, he has won four Grammy Awards: three for his collaborations with Timberlake on “SexyBack” (2006), “LoveStoned/I Think She Knows” (2007), and “Push Love Girl” (2013), as well as Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love” (2013).
The Grammy Award winner has also written two books: The Emperor of Sound, a biography chronicling his journey to success, and Nighttime Symphony, a children’s book that tells bedtime stories through imaginative illustrations.
From Teenage DJ to Music Icon
Timbaland’s unique production style and collaborations have shaped the sound of hip-hop, R&B, and pop music for years. With over three decades in the industry, he continues to be recognized as one of the greatest producers of all time. His futuristic approach and signature beats have become engrained in contemporary culture, solidifying his legacy as a producer, artist, and music visionary.
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Upcoming Shows
Missy Elliott – OUT OF THIS WORLD – THE EXPERIENCE
Aug 15 – 7pm Little Caesars Arena – Detroit Michigan
Aug 23 -7:00 Allstate Arena – Rosemont IL
Streaming now on 25/8/366 Global Radio at rBeatz.com.