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.
Get on the Bus
Timbaland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey baby, how you
Why your face lookin' all sad and blue
Don't you like the Navigator truck that I brought you
Why you tryin' to act a fool
Don't try to say you seen me talking to your girlfriends
Ask Tonya and Shirl then
Don't try to accuse me of silly stuff that I'm doing on thestreets
You gotta remember, without you, there's no me
I'm just an average man
Tryin' to make it in this cold world
So tell me baby, why you trippin', girl
I don't wanna fuss with you
So I'm gonna sit out on the couch
Don't try to talk to me
Cause boy I am locking you out
I don't wanna hear a thing
Nothing you got to say
You should think twice
About the way you've been talking to me
Chorus
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause there is no more us
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause
[LeToya]
Ain't got no words for you
So you can stop callin' my friends
Tellin' them it wasn't your fault
And why I ain't letting you in
Too many times before
I let you back in my life
But this is a new day
And this won't go down tonight
Chorus
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause there is no more us
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause there is no more us
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm
[Timbaland]
Introduced you to Dolce and Garbana
Advance you from the dirt bikes to Hondas
Took you from that terrible stress
Now you telling me that I am a bother
What kind of mess is that
To tell a man who put you on his team
That's just like killing a dream
(No no baby) That's how it seems
I worked hard to build up what I have for you
I pray to God, that there's not another man between me and you
So just tell me
There's no need to lie folk
While you sittin' with your eyes closed
Do you wanna talk, aight yo
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Chorus
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause there is no more us
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause there is no more us
Better catch a cab
Or get on the bus
I ain't got no time for
Talking all that junk
Gonna pack my stuff
Is this what you want
I don't really care
Cause there is no more us
The lyrics to Timbaland's "Get on the Bus" are centered around a lover's quarrel. Timbaland raps about his girlfriend's accusation that he is cheating on her, but he denies the claims and tries to convince her to work through their problems. LeToya, the featured vocalist, then chimes in with her own perspective, expressing her frustration with the situation and her unwillingness to forgive easily. The chorus then repeats the sentiment that there is no more "us" and the lover should "catch a cab or get on the bus."
The song's themes of infidelity and broken relationships are common in hip-hop and R&B, but Timbaland's delivery and production make it stand out. The beat is danceable and upbeat, almost paradoxical to the lyrics' dark themes. The repetition of the chorus adds to the song's catchiness and memorability. The song's lyrics could be interpreted as a reflection of societal expectations of men to have multiple partners, but the overall tone is one of regret.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey baby, how you
Timbaland is asking his partner how she is feeling or doing.
Why your face lookin' all sad and blue
Timbaland is inquisitive about why his partner looks unhappy and downcast.
Don't you like the Navigator truck that I brought you
Timbaland is trying to ascertain if his partner is dissatisfied with the car he bought for her or something else.
Why you tryin' to act a fool
Timbaland is wondering why his partner is behaving foolishly or irrationally.
Don't try to say you seen me talking to your girlfriends
Timbaland is denying the allegations that he was chatty with his partner's friends and wants evidence to counter it.
Ask Tonya and Shirl then
Timbaland is suggesting that his partner inquire from Tonya and Shirl if he was talking to them about anything because they were present/relevant at that time.
Gimme a place and time when
Timbaland is asking for a specific location and time when his alleged conversation with his partner's girlfriends occurred.
Don't try to accuse me of silly stuff that I'm doing on the streets
Timbaland wants his partner to understand that she shouldn't make silly accusations about him cheating and flirting around when he's out and about.
You gotta remember, without you, there's no me
Timbaland wants to remind his partner that she is an essential part of his life and without her, he wouldn't be complete.
I'm just an average man
Timbaland is reminding his partner that he is not an extraordinary or perfect person but just a simple man.
Tryin' to make it in this cold world
Timbaland wants his partner to understand that he is attempting to make a living in this tough world, and she should support him.
So tell me baby, why you trippin', girl
Timbaland is asking his partner why she's overthinking and overreacting to the situation.
I don't wanna fuss with you
Timbaland wants to avoid fighting or arguing with his partner.
So I'm gonna sit out on the couch
Timbaland has decided to take a time-out by sitting on the couch instead of arguing.
Don't try to talk to me
Timbaland is warning his partner not to speak to him during this time-out.
Cause boy I am locking you out
Timbaland means that he is locking his partner out of the argument by not engaging with her.
I don't wanna hear a thing
Timbaland wants complete silence and doesn't want to hear anything his partner has to say.
Nothing you got to say
Timbaland wants his partner to understand that there is no point in saying anything to him right now.
You should think twice
Timbaland warns his partner that she should consider her words or actions carefully.
About the way you've been talking to me
Timbaland is asking his partner to reconsider how she's been talking to him, as it has provoked his need for a time-out.
Better catch a cab
Timbaland is suggesting that his partner gets a cab or a taxi to leave because he no longer wants to deal with her.
Or get on the bus
Timbaland is saying that his partner can leave by getting on a bus.
I ain't got no time for
Timbaland declares that he doesn't have any time or patience for his partner's behavior.
Talking all that junk
Timbaland is fed up with his partner's accusations and nonsense.
Gonna pack my stuff
Timbaland implies that he's going to leave his partner by packing his belongings.
Is this what you want
Timbaland is asking his partner if this is what she wants, which is for him to leave.
I don't really care
Timbaland implies that he is indifferent to what his partner wants in this situation.
Cause there is no more us
Timbaland suggests that their relationship is over and there can be no more 'us.'
Ain't got no words for you
LeToya is stating that she has no words for her partner.
So you can stop callin' my friends
LeToya wants her partner to stop calling her friends and pestering them.
Tellin' them it wasn't your fault
LeToya implies that her partner is trying to shirk responsibility for something.
And why I ain't letting you in
LeToya states that she has no intention of allowing her partner to come back into her life.
Too many times before
LeToya suggests that this has occurred too many times before and she's tired of it.
I let you back in my life
LeToya previously allowed her partner to come back into her life after a split or argument.
But this is a new day
LeToya implies that she's no longer willing to reconcile with her partner and wants to move on.
And this won't go down tonight
LeToya suggests that there will be no make-up or reconciliation meeting happening tonight, and their relationship is over.
Introduced you to Dolce and Garbana
Timbaland shows that he gave financial backing to his partner and introduced her to luxury fashion brands, such as Dolce and Gabana.
Advanced you from the dirt bikes to Hondas
Timbaland implies that he elevated his partner's lifestyle by moving her from riding dirt bikes to owning a Honda car.
Took you from that terrible stress
Timbaland helped take his partner from horrible stress and difficulties in her life.
Now you telling me that I am a bother
Timbaland feels hurt that his partner is now telling him that he's a nuisance or a bother in her life.
What kind of mess is that
Timbaland is questioning his partner's behavior and statements as a 'mess.'
To tell a man who put you on his team
Timbaland is pointing out that he's the one who helped his partner achieve the things she has, and it's not right that she's treating him the way she currently is.
That's just like killing a dream
Timbaland suggests that if his partner continues with this type of behavior, it will destroy what he has built with her.
(No no baby) That's how it seems
Timbaland is implying that this situation seems challenging and extreme, which can potentially ruin their relationship.
I worked hard to build up what I have for you
Timbaland is telling his partner that he worked hard to accomplish what he achieved for their relationship.
I pray to God, that there's not another man between me and you
Timbaland hopes that there is no other guy who is coming between him and his partner.
So just tell me
Timbaland wants his partner to be honest with him and tell him everything.
There's no need to lie folk
Timbaland is asking his partner not to lie to him because it can further damage their relationship.
While you sittin' with your eyes closed
Timbaland is pointing out that his partner is avoiding eye contact with him to avoid telling him the truth.
Do you wanna talk, aight yo
Timbaland asks his partner if she wants to talk about it so they can fix their problems.
Writer(s): Missy Elliott, Timothy Mosley
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Raddstar
One of Destiny's Child most underrated songs
@michaelbull4344
Facts
@missd7995
Yeeeep!!!
@deenadream
Agreed
@Model_Roe
I love Timbaland!!!!!!!!!
@DoggmaticProductions
True. But it's more of a Timbo song than a DC song. Nicole or 702 could have done the same job on this. It's practically Beep Me 911 or Make It Hot.
@darrylskylar8757
All four of them are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!
@Lynn9466.
The harmonies in this song are so beautiful.
@gocpng4699
That's 90s R&B For Ya
@phillygoat8370
Damn it was a great time to be alive in the late 90s