Timbaland is similar to producers such as Norman Whitfield in that he helped to redefine the sound of an entire genre of music with an immediately recognizable production style. The songs he produces feature unusual arrangements, sounds, and instrumentation, tied together by a trademark sense of rhythm. Like Spector and Whitfield, Timbaland's production sometimes overshadows the credited performer and becomes the actual "star" of the song. With songwriters Steve "Static" Garrett and childhood friend Missy Elliott, Timbaland has helped to create some of the most successful songs in modern pop music and urban music, including singles for Aaliyah, Ginuwine, SWV, Total, and 702.
Mosley grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, where he became acquainted with Missy Elliott and Melvin Barcliff, whose MC name was "Magoo." Originally a disc jockey known as "DJ Timmy Tim," Mosely began making hip-hop backing tracks on a Casio keyboard he owned. In 1993 Elliott heard his material and, taken by Mosley's unique sense of rhythm, immediately began working with him.
Elliott and her girl group Sista auditioned for DeVante Swing, producer and member of successful R&B act Jodeci. Devante signed Sista to his Swing Mob label, and Elliott brought Mosely and Barcliff along with her. Mosely began working under Devante, who renamed the young producer Timbaland, after the Timberland boot popular in hip-hop fashion.
Sista and Timbaland & Magoo became part of Devante's stable of Swing Mob signees known as "Da Bassment" crew, joining artists and groups such as male singer Ginuwine, male vocal group Playa, and girl group Sugah. Timbaland did production work on a number of projects with Devante, including the 1995 Jodeci LP The Show, The After-Party, The Hotel, and Sista's debut LP, which was shevled and never saw release.
Timbaland was also friends with Pharrell Williams, and had dabbled in projects with him as S.B.I., or Surrounded By Idiots. Pharrell recalls in an interview: "“In seventh grade I met Chad. That’s twenty years ago by now. Like I said earlier, we started producing beats together. But then again, I also played with this famous group which consisted of Timbaland, Magoo, myself and some other guy. Chad wasn’t a part of the group, so I was in The Neptunes and in Surrounded By Idiots at the same time.” A few tracks produced by the group float around on the internet, the most distributed being "Big White Spaceship".
In 1995, most of Devante's acts broke their ties with the producer and went their own ways. Elliott, Timbaland, Magoo, Playa, and Ginuwine continued to collaborate, and began working on individual projects of their own. Elliott began receiving recognition as a songwriter and guest artist for artists such as 702 and MC Lyte, and Timbaland was sometimes assigned to produce remixes of Elliott-penned songs. One of these, the remix to 702's "Steelo" in 1996, became Timbaland's first important production credit.
Also in 1996, Ginuwine released his debut album, Ginuwine...the Bachelor, which was produced entirely by Timbaland. The album was both a commercial and critical success, and its first single, "Pony," was the first example of what would later become the signature Timbaland sound.
The track for "Pony," which Timbaland had created two years prior during the Swing Mob days, was characterized by a shifting, syncopated rhythm, similar to samba or jungle music, which used snare and kick hits on typically non-accented beats in the measure. Stuttering high-hats typical of southern bass music accompanied the basic drum sounds, which were, unusual for hip-hop and R&B of this period, severely gated to create short, strong sounds. This use of the "short snare" is in marked contrast to the "long snare" sound in New Wave music in the 1980s, which featured a heavily amplified, almost white noise snare drum put through reverb. Accompanying the unusual rhythm were melody lines created by playing odd sound effects (vocal effects and cartoon slide whistles) through a sampling keyboard. The other tracks on Ginuwine...the Bachelor also featured similar production and arrangements. On many of the tracks, Timbaland can be heard either rapping or providing ad-libs, similar to what both Elliott and Puff Daddy where doing at the time; Timbaland's deep voice was usually vocoded to give it an electronic sound.
While work was being completed on Ginuwine...the Bachelor, R&B artist Aaliyah contracted Timbaland and Missy Elliott to write and produce most of her second album, One In A Million. The tracks that were crafted for Aaliyah featured innovative arrangements similar to those on Ginuwine...the Bachelor. One In A Million went on to sell over two million copies, and made superstars out of not only Aaliyah, but Elliott and Timbaland as well.
Elliott and Timbaland became one of the most successful and prolific songwriting/production teams of the late-1990s. By the end of the decade, Timbaland's sound had been heard in records from artists such as SWV, Destiny's Child, Nicole Wray, Jay-Z, Nas. Most of his production work during this period was reserved for his original stable of collaborators: two Missy Elliott albums (Supa Dupa Fly and Da Real World), a second effort by Ginuwine (100% Ginuwine), and Playa's debut album (Cheers 2 U). Timbaland produced much (if not all) of the material on many of their albums during this period, and also made two albums of his own: one with Magoo, and one solo album. Timbaland's own raps, which were usually ghostwritten by Elliott, Magoo, or his younger brother Garland Mosley (AKA Sebastian), were almost always accompanied by other MCs, including his main collaborators and numerous guest artists.
Timbaland spawned a plethora of imitators, some of which went as far as to sample sections of his work to create similar-sounding tracks. The popularity of the "Timbaland sound" marked a shift in hip-hop music from rougher, sample-based tracks to simpler, more synthetic musical accompainiment (unlike many hip-hop producers, Timbaland rarely sampled older records; most of his tracks were crafted by him and his in-house band). Since Timbaland worked in both hip-hop and R&B and often combined elements of one in tracks for the other, his work aided the blending together of the two genres, which became less and less distinct during the first half of the 2000s.
Foreign, especially Asian, instrumentation is present through much of his early work (Xscape's "My Secret" remix, especially, with a rollicking sitar outro and Timbaland ad-libbing "Let's take a little trip...to India"), but was most successful and prevalent with Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" (1999), which borrowed directly from the song "Khosara" by Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi. Missy Elliott's 2001 hit single, "Get Ur Freak On" from her third album, Miss E...So Addictive, was also likewise a smash, using a speedy dhol drumline typical of Bhangra. His borrowing from these cultures has resulted in mixed reactions, with many critics embracing his musical adventurousness and eclecticism and more esoteric, purist factions reacting catiously, and sometimes negatively. In an interview with Missy Elliott in RayGun Magazine, he mentioned a diverse base of influences, from UK Drum 'N Bass to Garage.
Timbaland-produced songs such as Ludacris' "Roll Out (My Business)," Jay-Z's "Hola' Hovito," Petey Pablo's "Raise Up," and Beck's "Diamond Dogs" were recorded and released during this period, and he contributed to Limp Bizkit's 2001 remix album, New Old Songs. He also contributed three songs--all eventually released as singles--to Aaliyah's self-titled third album.
Timbaland & Magoo's second album together, Indecent Proposal, had been scheduled for release in November 2000, and was to feature appearances by Beck, Aaliyah, and new Timbaland proteges--some of whom were signed to his new Beat Club Records imprint--Ms. Jade, Sebastian, Petey Pablo, and Tweet (who was a member of Sugah during the Swing Mob days). The album was delayed until for an entire year, finally being released the following November, and was a commercial disappointment. Beck's vocals for the track "I Am Music" were not included on the final released version, which instead featured Timbaland singing alongside Static (Steven Garrett) of Playa and Aaliyah, who had been killed in a plane crash three months before the release of the album. The loss of Aaliyah deeply affected Timbaland, whose work was less omnipresent after 2001.
The first release on Beat Club was the debut album by Caucasian MC Bubba Sparxxx in October 2002, Dark Days, Bright Nights. Timbaland contributed three tracks to Tweet's debut album, Southern Hummingbird, and produced most of Missy Elliott's fourth and fifth LPs, Under Construction and This Is Not A Test! He also produced hit singles and album tracks for artists such as Li'l Kim ("The Jump Off") and Pastor Troy during this period. Collaborating with Scott Storch, Timbaland also produced a number of tracks on former *NSYNC lead singer Justin Timberlake's solo debut, Justified, including the hit single "Cry Me a River".
Late in 2003, Timbaland delivered the second Bubba Sparxxx album, Deliverance, and the third Timbaland & Magoo album, Under Construction, Part II. Both albums were released to little fanfare or acclaim even though Deliverance was praised by reviews and embraced by the internet community.
Timbaland continues to produce hit singles and albums for artists; in 2004 Timbaland-produced singles by LL Cool J, Xzibit, and Jay-Z became staples on urban radio, and he produced the bulk of Brandy's fourth album, Afrodisiac. New songs from artists such as Tweet and The Game are set for release in 2005.
2005 saw Timbaland producing a song on Tweet and The Game's albums ("Steer" and "Put You on The Game" respectively). He also produced 2 songs on Missy Elliott's 6th album (The Cookbook), "Joy" featuring Mike Jones and "Partytime."
Timbaland started his new label, Mosely Music Group, once again under Interscope. On the label are singers Nelly Furtado and Keri Hilson, and rapper D.O.E. Timbaland's parternship and mentorship of upcoming producer Nate "Danjahandz" Hills is evident in Timbaland's rejuvination in music.
Furtado looks to have her third album, Loose, released under MMG with in the first half of 2006 with Hilson's debut following shortly after. Timbaland is also slated to work with Justin Timberlake, Hilary Duff as well as albums by Jamie Foxx, JC Chasez, Busta Rhymes, Diddy, Ludacris, Chingy, Chilli of TLC, Tweet, and a lot more.
In 2006, Timbaland produced songs "Promiscuous" "My love" and "Sexyback" topped the charts for over fourteen weeks. In 2007, the tracks "Say It Right" and "What Goes Around" also topped the charts. The year 2007 also saw the release of his album "Timbaland presents Shock Value" which featured Fall Out Boy, The Hives, Elton John, Nicole Scherzinger, Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, Missy Elliot, Sebastian (his brother), Keri Hilson, Money, Attitude, and Jim Beanz.
Can You Feel It
Timbaland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can y'all feel this?
Can y'all feel this?
Can y'all feel this?
Ooh Snap, my head throbbin'
As I ride in my 3 4 8 mobbin'
Listen to the Buddha Brothers
Playin' my favorite jams
On 1 0 3 Jams
I got my man Big D, Big Rodney
In case somebody want to rob me
We going to Military Circle
Virginia's tight that's why they gotta keep a curfew
It's time to get something to eat
Oh snap, there's my man Kumbalee
And my girl Missy
Who she role wit? Who she be wit?
Who she role wit? Who she be wit?
Total, Da Brat, Lil' Kim, Lil Cease and Puffy
Can I get a ride?
Tonight, tonight
Can I get a ride?
Tonight, tonight
I can, I can feel it
(What?)
I can feel it
(Yeah, yeah)
I can, I can feel it
(What?)
I can feel it
(Yeah, yeah)
I can, I can feel it
(Can you feel me baby?)
I can feel it
(Yeah, yeah)
I can, I can feel it
(Can you feel me?)
I can feel it
I can, I can
Jimmy D turn my scale up
Give me that boom da boom whaer
It's time to change my style, my rhythm
My ism, my prism, my beat mannerism
Gee, where's my lack of fear?
My five-thousand and one gear
Missy baby you oughtta hear
Like next year, your album bigger there each day
It rolls like a queen size water bed, uh
The people in the label's chillin'
As Timbaland is making a big killin'
What? Uh What? Uh
Of money baby, check it out
I can feel it
(What?)
I can feel it
(I can feel it)
I can, I can feel it
(Can you feel it?)
I can feel it
(Throw your hands up)
I can, I can, I can feel it
(Timbaland and Magoo)
I can feel it
I can, I can feel it
I can feel it
I can, I can
(Check)
Oooh, I'm on my last verse
As you can see I did not curse
I'm trying to make it radio friendly, uh
So people in America can hear me, uh
To all beautiful boys and girls
White, diamonds and pearls, no jerry curls, uh
I hope you buy our tape
Please don't hesitate, don't hesitate, what?
I can feel it
(What?)
I can feel it
(Say what?)
I can, I can feel it
I can feel it
I can, I can, I can feel it
(Can you feel it groovin' on through?)
I can feel it
(Let the feeling get next to you)
I can, I can feel it
(Can you feel it groovin' on through?)
I can feel it
(Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Can you feel it?)
I can, I can, I can feel it
(Can you feel it groovin' on through?)
I can feel it
(Let the feeling get next to you)
I can, I can feel it
(Can you feel it groovin' on through?)
I can feel it
(Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Can you feel it?)
I can, I can
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
(What? Say what?)
Let the feeling get next to you
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
(Say what?))
Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Can you feel it?
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
(Say what?)
Let the feeling get next to you
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
?
Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Can you feel it?
(I'm out)
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
Let the feeling get next to you
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Can you feel it?
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
Let the feeling get next to you
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Can you feel it?
"Can You Feel It" is a song by Timbaland and Magoo, released in 1998 under their debut album "Welcome to Our World". The song is a tribute to Virginia Beach, where both artists came from. The song sees Timbaland and Magoo riding around the streets of Military Circle, and they describe the places and people they see on their drive.
The song is started with the repetitive questioning of "Can y'all feel this?" with a heavy bassline in the background. Timbaland then talks about his throbbing head, riding in his 348, and listening to his favorite radio station 103 Jams, where he hears Buddha Brothers. The rapper then describes his location, Military Circle, and mentions his friends Big D, Big Rodney, and Kumbalee. Magoo, then talks about his lack of fear and style change. The song ends with Timbaland addressing his fans and asking them to buy the song.
The song has a smooth flow of rhymes and a catchy bassline. It's a tribute to their hometown, and it also reflects the culture of Virginia Beach. The artists describe the nightlife, streets, radio stations, and the people they grew up with.
Line by Line Meaning
Can y'all feel this?
Asking the audience if they can feel the energy and excitement in the music
Ooh Snap, my head throbbin'
Expressing physical discomfort due to a headache
As I ride in my 3 4 8 mobbin'
Riding in a car with the windows down, feeling cool and confident
Listen to the Buddha Brothers
Referring to a group of DJs who play music that is popular and enjoyable
6 to 10 there ain't no other
Referring to the time slot on the radio when the Buddha Brothers play their music
Playin' my favorite jams
Listening to music that is personal and enjoyable
On 1 0 3 Jams
Referring to a radio station that plays popular music
I got my man Big D, Big Rodney
Having friends as companions in case of potential danger
In case somebody want to rob me
Being cautious and prepared for any possible threat
We going to Military Circle
Going to a specific location in Virginia
Virginia's tight that's why they gotta keep a curfew
Commenting on the strict laws and regulations in place in Virginia
It's time to get something to eat
The group is getting hungry and needs to find food
Oh snap, there's my man Kumbalee
Finding a friend and being excited about it
And my girl Missy
Referring to a female companion
Who she role wit? Who she be wit?
Asking about Missy's social circle
Total, Da Brat, Lil' Kim, Lil Cease and Puffy
Listing a group of popular musicians
Can I get a ride? Tonight, tonight
Asking for a ride to a destination for the evening
I can, I can feel it (What?)
Feeling the energy and excitement from the music
I can feel it (Yeah, yeah)
Experiencing a sensation of joy and elation
Jimmy D turn my scale up
Asking for the sound engineering to make the music louder and more powerful
Give me that boom da boom whaer
Asking for a specific sound effect in the music
It's time to change my style, my rhythm
Wanting to switch up the sound and feel of the music
My ism, my prism, my beat mannerism
Referring to distinct qualities of the artist's musical style
Gee, where's my lack of fear?
Wondering why the artist is feeling uncharacteristically nervous
My five-thousand and one gear
Having many different skills and abilities to bring to the table
Missy baby you oughtta hear
Directing a comment towards Missy, indicating she should be paying attention
Like next year, your album bigger there each day
Commenting on Missy's growing popularity and success
It rolls like a queen size water bed, uh
Describing the smooth and comfortable sound of the music
The people in the label's chillin'
Acknowledging the people involved in the production and promotion of the music
As Timbaland is making a big killin'
Highlighting the financial success of Timbaland's work
What? Uh What? Uh
Exclaiming in excitement
Of money baby, check it out
Emphasizing the financial profits being made by the artist
To all beautiful boys and girls
Addressing the audience in a friendly and inclusive manner
White, diamonds and pearls, no jerry curls, uh
Describing different types of people and how they choose to present themselves
I hope you buy our tape
Encouraging listeners to purchase the artist's music
Please don't hesitate, don't hesitate, what?
Urging the audience to act without hesitation or delay
Can you feel it groovin' on through?
Asking the audience if they can feel the music's energy and power
Let the feeling get next to you
Encouraging listeners to embrace the music's positive energy and influence
Can you feel it?
Asking the audience to participate and engage with the music
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Anthem Entertainment, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ESTHERO, TIMOTHY MOSELY, GARLAND MOSLEY, TIM CLAYTON, LESLIE HARMON, JAMES DAVID WASHINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind