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: "โIn seventh grade I met Chad. Thatโs 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 wasnโt a part of the group, so I was in The Neptunes and in Surrounded By Idiots at the same time.โ 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.
Know Bout Me
Timbaland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Niggas like Walt Disney around this bitch
You're in the presence of the real
Can't fathom where I'm at, baby, pop another pill
In a whole another relm
If you want to make a movie let me know
It's a whole another film
What you know about Tim
Top down, the Aventador, 4 AM
On the sunset strip
Trying to get high at the sunset, baby don't trip
Hollywood lights, Miami nights
I'm on a motherfucking binge
Just might go and buy a Benz
Or trade a car for your friends
Oh yeah, we playing with them M's
Ridin' down Collins with my entourage following
Just left SoHo headed to the Go-Go
Lap dance for the girls
Let her put her hands on the curves
You ain't about that life, you scurred
Ah, baby, you scurred like skrrt to the crib
What you know about the kid
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
I just got back home, 40 days on vacation
No one killing the game, shit is all for the taking
What the fuck did I stutter? Am I being mistaken?
I'm a s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-star in the makin'
Who you said was the man? What the fuck is a deal
Really do it the best, I'm DJ Khaled for real
Got my thumb on the pulse, got impeccable timin'
If they forgot about my worth, I got a check to remind 'em
Got some things on the wrist, Cartier with the diamonds
If this was 10 years ago nigga would've went diamond
I been singing and rapping I make a killin' in both
If I had to choose a Jackson man I'm feelin' like Bo
Fresh down to the socks, team look like the Raiders
I don't take this shit for granted, I'd like to thank my creator
I'm coming b-b-b-b-b-b-b-back on you haters
I'm 'bout to put this bitch on her back and get back to you later
Man, whats up
Ridin' down Collins with my entourage following
Just left SoHo headed to the Go-Go
Lap dance for the girls
Let her put her hands on the curves
You ain't about that life, you scurred
Ah, baby, you scurred like skrrt to the crib
What you know about the kid
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
We a, problem
We a, problem
Imagine straight from work to the plane, ain't no baggage claim
Don't need to change your clothes, girl, or your last name
Motherfuckers want to act like I'm cocky
If you want to be a star, girl you need a co-star
Got some bitches we can call up, babe
Now they want to know who you are and how you got there
Girl, I can try to care, oh, get you out of here
You and all this gold on me
On a plane going home, not as you want
What you motherfuckers know about me?
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
The song "Know About Me" by Timbaland featuring Drake and Jay Z is an ode to the lavish lifestyle of the rich and famous. The opening lyrics speak to the art of selling the dream, and how some people are like Walt Disney in their ability to create a fantastical world to sell to people. The next line talks about being in the presence of the real, and how the experience is something that cannot be fathomed unless one pops another pill. Timbaland then goes on to describe his world as being in a whole other realm, and invites those who want to make a movie to come along for the ride.
The chorus repeats the hook "What you know bout me" over and over again, to emphasize the elitism of the lifestyle that Timbaland, Drake, and Jay Z are singing about. The second verse talks about how they just got back from a 40-day vacation, and how the game is for the taking. Drake talks about his accomplishments, and how he would have gone diamond if this were ten years ago. He also talks about being skilled at both rapping and singing, and how his team looks like the Raiders. Finally, he thanks his creator and promises to come back bigger and better.
The song is meant to be a flex by Timbaland, Drake, and Jay Z, and it showcases their wealth, power, and influence, as well as their ability to make hit songs. The repetition of the hook emphasizes the idea that if one is not part of their world, they know nothing. The song was released in 2013 and was part of Timbaland's fourth studio album.
Line by Line Meaning
We gotta sell these bitches the dream, my nigga
We need to convince people of a grand vision that they can buy into, my friend.
Niggas like Walt Disney around this bitch
We are like imaginative and creative storytellers around here.
You're in the presence of the real
You are in the company of authentic and genuine people.
Can't fathom where I'm at, baby, pop another pill
You cannot even imagine the level of success I am at, so take another drug to escape reality.
In a whole another relm
Existing in a completely different and unique world.
If you want to make a movie let me know
If you have a desire to produce a film, I can assist you.
It's a whole another film
It will be a completely new and different movie.
I suggest you get your dress for the Golden Globes
You should prepare yourself for glamorous events like the Golden Globes.
What you know about Tim
What do you know of Timbaland and his immense talent?
Top down, the Aventador, 4 AM
Driving fast and wild through the city in a Lamborghini Aventador with the roof down at an early hour of the morning.
On the sunset strip
Cruising down the famous Sunset Strip in Hollywood.
Trying to get high at the sunset, baby don't trip
Attempting to get high while watching the sunset, don't be concerned.
Hollywood lights, Miami nights
Basking under the illuminating lights of Hollywood and Miamiโs electrifying nightlife.
I'm on a motherfucking binge
I am indulging in a wild, excessive period of hedonism.
Just might go and buy a Benz
I could possibly choose to purchase a Benz vehicle soon.
Or trade a car for your friends
Or I might exchange one of my old cars for a new set of friends.
Oh yeah, we playing with them M's
Oh yes, we are playing with a lot of money ('M' referring to millions).
Ridin' down Collins with my entourage following
Driving down Collins Avenue with my group of friends following behind me.
Just left SoHo headed to the Go-Go
Just departed from SoHo and now heading to the Go-Go club.
Lap dance for the girls
Receiving a private dance from a stripper.
Let her put her hands on the curves
Allowing the stripper to touch my body curves.
You ain't about that life, you scurred
You are not brave enough to live this wild lifestyle, you are scared.
Ah, baby, you scurred like skrrt to the crib
Oh, sweetheart, you are as scared as a car screeching back into the garage.
What you know about the kid
What do you know about me and my upbringing?
What you know bout me, what you know bout me
What do you exactly know about me?
Not a muthafuckin thing, not a muthafuckin thing
You do not know a damn thing.
I just got back home, 40 days on vacation
I have just returned home after spending 40 days on a vacation.
No one killing the game, shit is all for the taking
No one is outperforming me in the music industry, everything is up for grabs.
What the fuck did I stutter? Am I being mistaken?
Why the hell do you think I am repeating myself? Am I being misunderstood?
I'm a s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-star in the makin'
I am a stuttering-star in the making.
Who you said was the man? What the fuck is a deal
Who was it that you claimed to be the dominant figure? What is the problem?
Really do it the best, I'm DJ Khaled for real
I am truly the best at what I do, like DJ Khaled.
Got my thumb on the pulse, got impeccable timin'
I have a strong sense of timing and understanding of what is currently popular in music.
If they forgot about my worth, I got a check to remind 'em
If they have forgotten my immense value, I have a check to remind them of my importance.
Got some things on the wrist, Cartier with the diamonds
I am wearing some expensive items on my wrist, like a Cartier watch with diamonds.
If this was 10 years ago nigga would've went diamond
If this song was released 10 years ago, it would have sold 10 million copies.
I been singing and rapping I make a killin' in both
I have been able to have a successful career in both singing and rapping, making a lot of money from both.
If I had to choose a Jackson man I'm feelin' like Bo
If I had to select one of the Jackson family members, I would feel like Bo, which is short for Michael Jackson's brother Randy Jackson.
Fresh down to the socks, team look like the Raiders
I am dressed to impress, down to my socks and my crew looks like members of the Oakland Raiders football team.
I don't take this shit for granted, I'd like to thank my creator
I do not assume my success will always be there, so I thank God for it.
I'm coming b-b-b-b-b-b-b-back on you haters
I am making a strong comeback against the people who hate on me.
I'm 'bout to put this bitch on her back and get back to you later
I am going to have sex with this girl and will deal with you later.
Man, whats up
Hey, what is going on?
We a, problem
We are a force to be reckoned with.
Imagine straight from work to the plane, ain't no baggage claim
Just imagine going straight from work to the plane without having to wait for your bags at baggage claim.
Don't need to change your clothes, girl, or your last name
You do not have to change anything, not even your clothes or name, to be noticed by me.
Motherfuckers want to act like I'm cocky
People want to accuse me of being arrogant without reason.
If you want to be a star, girl you need a co-star
If you want to be famous, you need someone to share the spotlight with.
Got some bitches we can call up, babe
I have some women that we can call and hang out with.
Now they want to know who you are and how you got there
People are curious about you and how you managed to be in my presence.
Girl, I can try to care, oh, get you out of here
Dear girl, I can pretend to be interested in you or help you leave this place.
You and all this gold on me
You and all the attention that comes with being with me.
On a plane going home, not as you want
I am on a plane going home, but you are not coming with me as you hoped.
What you motherfuckers know about me?
What do people really know about me?
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aubrey Graham, Chris Godbey, James Edward Fauntleroy II, Jerome Harmon, Shawn Carter, Timothy Mosley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@N0tS0Funnyl0l
Tim.V
YOU DO KNOW THAT THIS WAS COMMENTED A MONTH AGO, RIGHT?
YOU DO KNOW THAT THE WORD "DO" GOES BEFORE "KNOW" AND "THAT" AFTER KNOW, RIGHT?
YOU DO KNOW THAT A COMMA GOES AFTER THE WORD "LOCK" IN YOUR SENTENCE, RIGHT?
YOU DO KNOW THAT I AM AWARE AND I WILL CHOOSE TO CONTINUE USING CAPS LOCK, RIGHT?
YOU DO KNOW THAT ME USING CAPS LOCK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU, RIGHT?
YOU DO KNOW THAT THIS IS THE INCORRECT WORDING OF PROPER ENGLISH IN THESE SENTENCES, RIGHT? THE CORRECT PHRASING SHOULD BE:
"DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE'S A CAPS LOCK BUTTON?" -- AND SO ON. BUT, WE ARE USING MODERN-DAY ENGLISH AND THIS GREAT LANGUAGE HAS WATERED DOWN TO IMPROPER SLANGS. SLANGS ISN'T EVEN A WORD. DID YOU KNOW THAT? BUT ACCORDING TO OUR MODERN SOCIETY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, IT NOW IS.
YOU KNOW THERE'S A BUTTON TO TURN ON CAPS LOCK RIGHT?
@Shrug
I just got back home, 40 days on vacation
No one killing the game, shit is all for the taking
What the fuck did I stutter? Am I being mistaken?
I'm a s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-star in the makin'
Who you said was the man? What the fuck is a deal
Really do it the best, I'm DJ Khaled for real
Got my thumb on the pulse, got impeccable timin'
If they forgot about my worth, I got a check to remind 'em
Got some things on the wrist, Cartier with the diamonds
If this was 10 years ago nigga would've went diamond
I been singing and rapping I make a killin' in both
If I had to choose a Jackson man I'm feelin' like Bo
Fresh down to the socks, team look like the Raiders
I don't take this shit for granted, I'd like to thank my creator
I'm coming b-b-b-b-b-b-b-back on you haters
I'm 'bout to put this bitch on her back and get back to you later
Man, whats up
mannnnnnnnn this verse
@nchamber9399
DRAKE murders his verse, how did this not get more radio play?
@suge3378
Cuz only Drakes pop songs when he sings get a lot of radio play.... That's why a lot of people don't know he got bars
@playirl
+Nehemiah Chambers drake is bi
@chaelmavik
+Nehemiah Chambers Kids only wanna listen to trap beats. This doesn't get the airplay because it isn't Mike Will, Lex Luger, or Metro.
@c2dajayy
Or DJ Mustard. Smh
@malachian8064
Suga Shane exactly!
@princetondropout
One of Drakeโs most underrated verses
@andrekentjr
Exactly put it on the album next time
@watchdiz91
That's like every drake verse ๐คฃ
@kimchiandquesofresco
Nah