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.
If We Ever Meet Again
Timbaland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say, did you come alone or did you bring all your friends?
Say, whats your name, what you drinking
I think I know what you're thinking
Baby what's your sign, tell me yours I'll tell you mine
Say, whats somebody like you doing in a place like this
One, two, three, come one
Won't let you get away, said, if we ever meet again
This free fall's, got me so
Kiss me all night, don't ever let me go
I'll never be the same
If we ever meet again
Say if we ever meet again
Do you come here much? I swear I've seen your face before
Hope you don't see me blush, but I can't help but want you more, more
Baby tell me what's your story
I ain't shy, don't you worry
I'm flirting with my eyes, wanna leave with you tonight
So do you come here much, I gotta see your face some more, some more
Cause baby I
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
Won't let you get away, said, if we ever meet again
This free fall's, got me so
Kiss me all night, don't ever let me go
I'll never be the same
If we ever meet again
If we ever meet again
I'll have so much more to say (if we ever meet again)
If we ever meet again
I won't let you go away (said if we ever meet again)
If we ever meet again
I'll have so much more to say (say if we ever meet again)
If we ever ever meet again
I won't let you go away
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
Won't let you get away, said, if we ever meet again
This free fall's, got me so
Kiss me all night, don't ever let me go
I'll never be the same
If we ever meet again
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
Won't let you get away, said, if we ever meet again
This free fall's, got me so
Kiss me all night, don't ever let me go
I'll never be the same
If we ever meet again
The song "If We Ever Meet Again" by Timbaland featuring Katy Perry tells the story of two people who are instantly attracted to each other upon meeting at a nightclub. The lyrics express the intrigue and fascination that the characters have for each other, with lines like "What's somebody like you, doing in a place like this?" and "Do you come here much? I swear I've seen your face before." The song plays on the idea of taking a chance and seizing the moment, with the chorus repeating the sentiment that "I'll never be the same if we ever meet again."
The song's lyrics suggest a kind of magical connection between the two characters, with the possibility of a future filled with exciting possibilities. The lyrics also suggest that the two characters are willing to take risks, indicated by the lines "I'm flirting with my eyes, wanna leave with you tonight" and "Kiss me all night, don't ever let me go." The song's up-tempo beat and catchy melody further emphasize its upbeat message of taking risks and grabbing onto opportunities.
Line by Line Meaning
What's somebody like you, doing in a place like this?
I am surprised to see someone like you here. Why are you here?
Say, did you come alone or did you bring all your friends?
Are you here by yourself or with a group?
Say, what's your name, what you drinking
Can you tell me your name and what is in your glass?
I think I know what you're thinking
I believe I know what you are thinking
Baby what's your sign, tell me yours I'll tell you mine
Can you tell me your horoscope sign? I'll share mine with you
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
My life will forever change if we ever meet again
Won't let you get away, said, if we ever meet again
I won't let you leave, if we have another chance to meet
This free fall's, got me so
I am deeply falling for you
Kiss me all night, don't ever let me go
Please kiss me all night long and never let me go from your arms
Do you come here much? I swear I've seen your face before
Do you frequent this place? I feel like I have seen your face here before
Hope you don't see me blush, but I can't help but want you more, more
I am trying to hide my blushing, but I can't resist wanting you more and more
Baby tell me what's your story
Can you share your life story with me?
I ain't shy, don't you worry
I am not shy, so don't worry about being open with me
I'm flirting with my eyes, wanna leave with you tonight
I am flirting with you through my gaze, and I want to leave with you tonight
Cause baby I
Because my feelings for you
If we ever meet again
In the event that we encounter each other in the future
I'll have so much more to say (if we ever meet again)
If we ever cross paths again, I will have a lot more to talk about
I won't let you go away (said if we ever meet again)
If we get another opportunity to meet, I won't let you leave
If we ever meet again
If we come across each other once again
I won't let you go away
I won't allow you to leave again
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
My life and self will transform if we have another chance encounter
Won't let you get away, said, if we ever meet again
I promise that I won't let you escape, if fate permits us to meet once more
This free fall's, got me so
I feel like I am falling so hard for you
Kiss me all night, don't ever let me go
Please keep kissing me all night and don't ever release me from your embrace
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
My life and personality will forever be altered if we have another opportunity to meet
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Anthem Entertainment, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: James David Washington, Michael Busbee, Timothy Mosley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TR-oq5ze
What's somebody like you doing in a place like this?
Say, did you come alone or did you bring all your friends?
Say, what's your name, what are you drinking?
I think I know what are you're thinking
Baby, what's your sign? Tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine
Say what's somebody like you doing in a place like this?
(come on!)
[Chorus:]
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
Won't let you get away say if we ever meet again
This free fall's got me so
Kiss me all night don't ever let me go
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
Oh, oh, say if we ever meet again
Do you come here much? I swear I've seen your face before
Hope you don't see me blush but I can't help, but want you more, more
Baby, tell me what's your story? I ain't shy, don’t you worry
I'm flirting with my eyes, wanna leave with you tonight
Do you come here much? I've gotta see your face some more
(some more 'cause, baby...)
[Chorus]
If we ever meet again
I'll have so much more to say
If we ever meet again
If we ever meet again, again
I won't let you go away
If we ever meet again
If we ever, ever meet again
I'll have so much more to say
If we ever meet again
If we ever, ever meet again
I won't let you go away
[Chorus 2x]
@TR-oq5ze
What's somebody like you doing in a place like this?
Say, did you come alone or did you bring all your friends?
Say, what's your name, what are you drinking?
I think I know what are you're thinking
Baby, what's your sign? Tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine
Say what's somebody like you doing in a place like this?
(come on!)
[Chorus:]
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
Won't let you get away say if we ever meet again
This free fall's got me so
Kiss me all night don't ever let me go
I'll never be the same, if we ever meet again
Oh, oh, say if we ever meet again
Do you come here much? I swear I've seen your face before
Hope you don't see me blush but I can't help, but want you more, more
Baby, tell me what's your story? I ain't shy, don’t you worry
I'm flirting with my eyes, wanna leave with you tonight
Do you come here much? I've gotta see your face some more
(some more 'cause, baby...)
[Chorus]
If we ever meet again
I'll have so much more to say
If we ever meet again
If we ever meet again, again
I won't let you go away
If we ever meet again
If we ever, ever meet again
I'll have so much more to say
If we ever meet again
If we ever, ever meet again
I won't let you go away
[Chorus 2x]
@18badman98
Those chords!!!
@sciencelearnremember
Yes, that is precisely why I am hooked on this song, rediscovered years later.
@PaulXShanica5
I love this song
@koaafaith8635
throwback
@user-sl4bz1ij2p
Here in 2024
@sciencelearnremember
Thank God it cuts out that bizarre ending.
@djjoe214
Damn I was like what happened to the end part?
@SamuelAttias-zp5rx
Everyone are Sleeping
@ablueberrya10
i heard this weeks ago in Spin 1038!