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.
Morning After Dark (Fea. Nelly Furtado
timbaLand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm glad you're my maker
My Loyalty lies in your hands, you're my breath taker
Your body, your kiss is in unknown demand
So take command, go Timbo
I be the same when it all goes up
I be the same when it all goes down
I be the last one closin' it out
Don't know if I'll give you a shot yet
Lil Mama I'm peepin' your style
Do I think you're dope enough, yup
One way of findin' it out
The way you came at me, boo
Don't care, not afraid I'm like Wild
Really want it from head to toe
Question if she gon let it out
Anyway the hour glass go
I don't worry anyhow
Why don't we see where it go
Let's figure it out
When the cats come out the vamps come out to playy yeahh
In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
In the morning after
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy yeahh
In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
In the morning after Dark
Owww, oooohhh owww
Come on SoShy
I got a little secret for ya
I never sleep when comes the night
But every time I snap my fingers
I switch back into the light
My moon belong to your sun
Your fire is burning my mind
Is it love or is it lust
Something that I just can't describe (ah)
Am I the one and only (ah)
Cause you're the only one (ah)
It felt so long and lonely (ah)
Waiting for you to come
It's lookin' bright and early
I'm willing to close my eyes
This is the unusual story
Timbo and SoShy
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy yeahh
In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
In the morning after
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy yeahh
In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
In the morning after dark
Heyy, heyy, (ay) heyy, timbo!
You talk about takin' it slow
I'm talkin' about takin' it wild
Don't wanna be too up front no
Baby you know it's my style
I'm talkin' about lightin' it up
You talkin' about dimmin' it down
Don't think about lettin' it go
But I've never seen no king that bows
Yes I'm the one and only
You know I see right through ya
I get it your magnetic
So you draw me right to ya
Maybe I give you a shot yup
Maybe you deserve the crown
Won't give you a treasure map yet
Cause you'll figure it out
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy yeahh
In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
In the morning after
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy yeahh
In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
In the morning after dark
Dark dark dark dark dark
In the morning after dark
Dark dark dark dark dark
In the morning after dark
Please don't leave me girl
In the morning after dark
Please don't leave me girl
(Please don't leave me girl)
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy
Play play
The dawn is here be on your way
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy
Play play play
The dawn is here be on your way (way way way way)
The song "Morning After Dark" by Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado and SoShy is about obsession and lust. The opening lines of the song pay tribute to Timbaland as a great music maker, with the lyrics saying "Hello Mr. Mosley, I'm glad you're my maker. My loyalty lies in your hands, you're my breath taker." The following lines indicate that the loyalty that the singer offers to Timbaland is perhaps more about obsession and control, as they describe Timbaland's body and kiss as being in "unknown demand" and demand the maker to "take command." In the later verses, the lyrics shift focus to a relationship between two people, with both parties questioning whether they should be giving the other person a shot. This feeling of uncertainty is juxtaposed with the desire between the two people, who seem to be drawn to each other despite not knowing if they should be taking things further.
The chorus of the song, "When the cats come out the bats come out to play, yeah. In the morning after, the dawn is here, be gone be on your way, yeah" suggests that this relationship happens underneath the cover of night and that both people feel a sense of urgency as morning approaches. The use of animal imagery ties in with the primal nature of the attraction between the two people. The chorus is sung by Nelly Furtado and SoShy and is filled with an eerie vibe that repeats throughout the song to create an ominous atmosphere. All in all, "Morning After Dark" is a song that explores the way that people navigate the space between desire and consequence.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello Mr. Mosley
I acknowledge Timbaland as my creator
I'm glad you're my maker
I am grateful that Timbaland is my creator
My Loyalty lies in your hands, you're my breath taker
I am devoted to Timbaland and in awe of his skills
Your body, your kiss is in unknown demand
People crave Timbaland's physical touch and affection
So take command, go Timbo
I trust Timbaland and give him control
I be the same when it all goes up
I am consistent even in success
I be the same when it all goes down
I am consistent even in failure
Not the first one, open it up
I am not in a rush, take the time to get to know me
I be the last one closin' it out
I will stick around until the end
Don't know if I'll give you a shot yet
I am unsure if I am interested in a relationship
Lil Mama I'm peepin' your style
I am observing your behavior and attitude
Do I think you're dope enough, yup
I think you're cool and interesting
One way of findin' it out
I will see if we're compatible by spending time together
The way you came at me, boo
I appreciated your approach when you first talked to me
Don't care, not afraid I'm like Wild
I am fearless and unafraid of risks
Really want it from head to toe
I am interested in the whole package
Question if she gon let it out
I am curious if the other person is willing to be open with me
Anyway the hour glass go
Regardless of what happens with time
I don't worry anyhow
I am not stressing about it
Why don't we see where it go
Let's see where this leads
Let's figure it out
We will work through this together
When the cats come out the vamps come out to playy yeahh
People become more lively and energetic at night
In the morning after The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
We need to leave when the morning comes
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy yeahh
People become more lively and energetic at night
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
We need to leave when the morning comes
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy yeahh
People become more lively and energetic at night
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy yeahh
We need to leave when the morning comes
Owww, oooohhh owww
Sounds of exclamation and pleasure
Come on SoShy
Encouragement to start singing
I got a little secret for ya
I have something to tell you
I never sleep when comes the night
I don't sleep at night
But every time I snap my fingers
I can easily switch between moods and feelings
I switch back into the light
I return to a good mood or positive mindset
My moon belong to your sun
Our personalities and behaviors complement each other
Your fire is burning my mind
I am captivated and intrigued by the other person
Is it love or is it lust
I am unsure if my feelings are driven by love or physical attraction
Something that I just can't describe (ah)
It's difficult for me to put my feelings into words
Am I the one and only (ah)
Am I the only person the other is interested in?
Cause you're the only one (ah)
The other person is special and unique to me
It felt so long and lonely (ah)
I've waited a while to find someone like this
Waiting for you to come
I was patiently waiting for the right person to come into my life
It's lookin' bright and early
The future is looking good so far
I'm willing to close my eyes
I am open to taking risks
This is the unusual story
Our relationship is unique
You talk about takin' it slow
The other person is cautious and wants to take things slowly
I'm talkin' about takin' it wild
I am more spontaneous and adventurous
Don't wanna be too up front no
I don't want to come on too strong
Baby you know it's my style
Being bold and upfront is my personality
I'm talkin' about lightin' it up
I want to have fun and be lively
You talkin' about dimmin' it down
The other person wants to be more reserved and calm
Don't think about lettin' it go
I don't want to give up on this relationship
But I've never seen no king that bows
I am strong and won't easily submit to authority
Yes I'm the one and only
I am unique and special
You know I see right through ya
I understand the other person well
I get it your magnetic
The other person is attractive and captivating
So you draw me right to ya
I am drawn to the other person
Maybe I give you a shot yup
I am willing to try a relationship with the other person
Maybe you deserve the crown
The other person is worthy of my admiration and respect
Won't give you a treasure map yet
I'm not going to reveal everything about myself just yet
Cause you'll figure it out
I trust the other person to understand me over time
Please don't leave me girl
I don't want the other person to go
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy
People become more lively and energetic at night
Play play
Let's have fun
The dawn is here be on your way
We need to leave when the morning comes
The dawn is here be gone be on your wayy yeahh
We need to leave when the morning comes
Sounds of exclamation and pleasure
Expressing enjoyment and excitement
Encouragement to start singing
Motivating the other person to start singing
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NELLY FURTADO, JAMES DAVID WASHINGTON, MICHAEL BELL, J. WASHINGTON, TIMOTHY MOSLEY, JEROME HARMON, KERRY HILSON, D EPSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind