Drop Knowledge...Not Bombs

Timbaland. Most of the readers of this blog (if there are any) will know him from his current string of chart toppers, producing songs by Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtardo, Jay-Z and the Pussycat Dolls. However, despite only truly coming into the public eye in the last year and a half, Timbaland (nee Timothy Mosley) has been around for about a decade.
Timbaland first came onto the music scene as a DJ, called "DJ Timmy Tim". How Nineties is that? Timbaland was also a member of "Da Bassment" crew, featuring DeVante Swing, Ginuwine, with Missy Elliot and Melvin Barcliff, aka Magoo. Interestingly, Timbaland was also friends with Pharrell Williams, and they were in a group known as S.B.I or Surrounded By Idiots.

Timbaland's first breakthrough came with R&B persona Ginuwine, on the album Ginuwine...the Bachelor. This album showcased the talents of both artists, and was the first to demonstrate the "Timbaland sound". The bassline was entirely new, with no samples used, and snare and kick hits that were extremely distinctive. It had a beat made up of short, strong sounds.

Timbaland was also responsible for the debut album from Bubba Sparxxx, from his (now failed) Beat Club Records label, and Justin Timberlake's first solo album, Justified. Timbaland also produced various tracks for the debut album of The Game. During 2006, Timbaland had seven singles receiving massive airplay worldwide: "Promiscuous", "Maneater", "All Good Things (Come to an End)" and "Say It Right" by Nelly Furtado, and Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack", "My Love" and "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around".

Timbaland is now a huge celebrity figure, building up an empire in just over ten years. His production is often key to the sucess of the song, and he is often credited as a featured artist, as well as producer. He can also overshadow the artist of the song, and becomes the actual "star" of the song.

For any fans of Timberlands current work, I would strongly suggest any of his albums, with an overall production level that is extremely high. Although his current album Timbaland Presents Shock Value doesn't seem to be living up to his reputation, his older material is definately worth a listen. His albums with rap partner Magoo are fantastic, with Under Construction Part II standing out, with brilliant beats and a good handful of contributing artists. He is also a relatively good lyricist, although I suspect that he has now grown too big for his proverbial boots.

However, any fans of well-produced hip-hop/R&B/pop should truly give his material a try. He's blurred the lines between hip-hop and R&B with his production technique. His older albums are better as he is more down-to-earth, whereas today he seems to see himself quite highly. But who knows? Any comments-is Timbaland as good as he thinks he is?