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 (Feat. Nelly Furtadu
timbaLand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I be the same when it all goes up
I be the same when it all goes down
Not the first one, open it up
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
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
(Chorus)
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
Owww, Oooohhh Owww
Come on SoShy
[SoShy]
I got a little secret for ya
I never sleep when comes the night
But everytime I smack 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
(Chorus)
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
Go Nelly!
[Nelly Furtado]
I like some REM but
I don't like sleepin alone
So come and pick me up as
soon as you put down the phone
I wanna get into trouble
Later you'll carry me home
I wanna go undercover
I just wanna ride on your bone
Yes I'm the one and only, but I'm not the only one
So let's work overtime
on this shift stay up with the sun
Maybe we can start a riot
Maybe we can bomb this town
Maybe I'll be your vampire
We can figure it out!
(Chorus)
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 ft. So Shy & Nelly Furtado is a high-energy pop song with an electric beat that captures the excitements of the night. The song expresses the desire to enjoy the night to the fullest and live in the moment. In the first verse, Timbaland talks about his disposition towards life's ups and downs, claiming to remain the same regardless of circumstance. He admires the confidence and style of a lady but is unsure if she's the one for him, but he's willing to explore the possibilities. SoShy picks up the second verse, describing her love for the night, which she refers to as her secret. She's drawn to her lover's fire and wonders if it's love or lust, a feeling she struggles to describe. Nelly Furtado takes the third verse, admitting her love for a good night's rest but also appreciates the company. She's ready to break out of her shell and experience the night in all its glory. The chorus repeats the theme of staying up all night and enjoying the moments before dawn arrives.
Overall, the song speaks to the desire to live in the moment and enjoy the night's pleasures, evoking a sense of freedom and excitement. It encourages people to let go of their worries and indulge themselves in the joys of the night.
Line by Line Meaning
I be the same when it all goes up
I maintain consistency regardless of the situation
I be the same when it all goes down
I stay the same whether things are good or bad
Not the first one, open it up
I may not be the first to try new things, but I am willing to take risks
I be the last one closin it out
I am determined and committed in finishing what I started
Don’t know if I’ll give you a shot yet
I am undecided whether to give you a chance or not
Lil Mama I’m peepin your style
I am observing and taking note of your style
Do I think you’re dope enough, yup
I think you're cool enough for me to consider giving you a chance
One way of findin it out
The only way to know for sure is to try it out
The way you came at me, boo
The approach you used with me, my dear
Don’t care, not afraid I’m like Wild
I am not afraid and I do not care because I am wild
Really want it from head to toe
I desire you in every aspect
Question if she gon let it out
I am uncertain if she will express her true feelings
Anyway the hour glass go
Regardless of how time passes
I don’t worry anyhow
I am not concerned regardless
Why don’t we see where it go
Let's see where this takes us
When the cats come out the bats come out to playy Yeahh
People tend to come out and play when it's dark outside
In the morning after
After a night of fun and excitement
The dawn is here, be gone be on your wayy Yeahh
It's time to leave and move on
Owww, Oooohhh Owww
Sounds of enjoyment and pleasure
I got a little secret for ya
I have something to tell you that nobody else knows
I never sleep when comes the night
I stay awake during the night
But everytime I smack my fingers
Whenever I snap my fingers
I switch back into the light
I return to the daylight and awakeness
My moon belong to your sun
We belong together
Your fire is burning my mind
I can't stop thinking about you
Is it love or is it lust
I am unsure whether this is love or just physical attraction
Something that I just can’t describe (ah)
It's a feeling that I can't put into words
Am I the one and only (ah)
Do I have your undivided attention and affection?
Cause you’re the only one (ah)
Because you're the only one for me
It felt so long and lonely (ah)
I have been longing for someone like you for a long time
Waiting for you to come…
I have been eagerly waiting for you
It’s lookin bright and early
It's early in the morning and the day is looking good
I’m willing to close my eyes
I trust you enough to let my guard down
This is the unusual story
Our story is unique and special
Timbo and SoShy
We are Timbaland and SoShy
I like some REM but
I enjoy listening to REM's music but
I don't like sleepin alone
I don't want to sleep by myself
So come and pick me up as
So come and get me
soon as you put down the phone
As soon as you hang up the phone
I wanna get into trouble
I want to have some fun and do something daring
Later you'll carry me home
Afterwards, you can take me home
I wanna go undercover
I want to be secretive and mysterious
I just wanna ride on your bone
I just want to be close to you
Yes I'm the one and only, but I'm not the only one
I am unique and special, but there are others like me
So let's work overtime
Let's put in extra effort
on this shift stay up with the sun
Stay awake until the sun comes up
Maybe we can start a riot
Maybe we can cause some chaos and have fun
Maybe we can bomb this town
Maybe we can have a wild and exciting time in this town
Maybe I'll be your vampire
Maybe I will be your seductive and mysterious companion
We can figure it out!
We can come up with a plan and make it work!
Dark dark dark dark dark
Darkness
Please don’t leave me girl
Please don't leave me
Play play..
Playful
way way way way…
Repetitive
Contributed by Tyler M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.