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.
Time
timbaLand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Timbaland]
Ah - see'mon, ah
You would not believe - see'mon, ah
What's goin down right now - see'mon, ah
Holla!! see'mon ah
You would not believe - see'mon, ah
What's about to go down right now - see'mon, ah
Guess who's back it's your favorite man
Thomas Crown, a.k.a. (freaky) Timbaland
I keep 'em twelve deep in the full motion van
Mamis betta not speak unless I say they can
Hon - whatchu know about this guy?
I've been hittin girls back since "Cooley High"
Groovy right, whatch'all girls doin tonight?
Bumble bee let's hum right on this flight
[Ms. Jade]
Hum on a flight? Nigga you 'fraid of heights
Ms. Jade have you whinin by the end of the night
Try and try and have 'em sick when I board the jet
Dough from bets, fuck around and saw off they necks
You heard me black? Squeaky-ass Cadillacs
I owe you one, you fuck around and owe me back
Got Franklin on the mind, shit I ain't gon' front
I'm a number one sinner, what-wha-wha-what?
[Chorus: Timbaland]
Life, is, what you make it
I got plenty big faces.. to spend on you-oooh-ooh
Life, is, what you make it
I got plenty big faces.. to spend on you, in time
[Magoo]
I'll be yo' penicillin, keepin my jimmy chillin
What more can I say? Top billin
Niggaz got the feelin I'm wack and I fell off
Said bird is the word is Charmin and Mag's off?
Don't why'all see I ain't new to this game?
Got hoes in each town want to swoon me for fame
But I get 'em for they cash, smokin up all they hash
Treat 'em like garbage, leavin 'em in the trash
[Ms. Jade]
Mag I wreckon you right, but it's my fuckin night
X-5, bing truck, high as a kite
Powder be white, Ms. Jade, powerful bite
Pet niggaz make they asses ride the back of my bike
Pay for nuts and want for nada, I ain't bluffin
See me in the back of the club, steadily puffin
In time you will buy me this and that
Meanwhile motherfucker betta holla back
[Chorus]
[Mad Skillz]
Uh, see'mon ma, I seen you starin when I hit the door
You ain't gotta front boo, I know that shit ain't yours
I'm like Big out the Maximas and Acuras
Trust me sweets butt-cheeks I be smackin UP!
.. and that shit's fo'sho'
What I really want to say is, "Getcha coat, let's go"
You seen the whips outside, the fly one's mine
I'm with Tim and Mag, don't lie, take your time
[Ms. Jade]
Lie for what? Never been that type of chick
Rubber band around the wrist, be the type to grip
and flip the script, send your ass home all limp
Motherfucker you ain't know? I'm a female pimp
King Kong trips, ridin all the latest whips
With a Corona in the holder I'm the latest bitch
Yup - you could call me the greatest wench
Yup - when you fuck with the greatest clique
[Chorus - repeat 2X]
The song "Time" by Timbaland is a bebop hip-hop masterpiece that features Timbaland himself, along with Ms. Jade, Magoo, and Mad Skillz. The lyrics are rapped in a rhythmical flow and speak about the lavish lifestyle of the artists, and their ability to spend money on anything they want. The song starts with Timbaland saying that he is just playing with the listener, and that they would not believe what is going down right now. Ms. Jade then jumps in and talks about how she can have men sick when she boards the jet, and Magoo comes in to say that he has been in the game for a long time and has hoes in each town who swoon for him. The chorus, which is sung by Timbaland himself, speaks about how life is what you make it, and how he has big faces to spend on the people he loves. Mad Skillz then raps about how he has got the flyest ride out of all of them and that they should leave, while Ms. Jade comes in to say that she is a female pimp and the greatest wench.
The song is a classic Timbaland composition, full of playful rhymes, hard-hitting bass, and a classic 90s hip-hop vibe. The lyrics are full of braggadocio and self-aggrandizement, which fits perfectly with the tone and mood of the song. The artists rap in their signature styles, which can be identified by their strong voices and unique flows. The beat is produced by Timbaland himself and features a beautiful piano riff that adds to the jazzy and bebop feel of the song. The song is a great example of how Timbaland has brought different music genres and styles together to create something new and fresh.
Line by Line Meaning
C'mon girl, I was just playin with you
Don't take what I said too seriously or personal. It was just a joke.
Ah - see'mon, ah
Get excited or fired up for what's about to come.
You would not believe - see'mon, ah
What I have to say or what is about to happen is going to surprise you.
What's goin down right now - see'mon, ah
Pay attention to what's happening in the present moment.
Holla!! see'mon ah
Get hyped and make some noise.
Guess who's back it's your favorite man
I'm back and ready to entertain and make music for my fans.
Thomas Crown, a.k.a. (freaky) Timbaland
An alternative name that I go by.
I keep 'em twelve deep in the full motion van
Travelling with a large group of people in a van that has full motion capabilities.
Mamis betta not speak unless I say they can
Women better not speak unless I give them permission to.
Hon - whatchu know about this guy?
What do you know about me?
I've been hittin girls back since "Cooley High"
I've been dating and hooking up with women since high school.
Groovy right, whatch'all girls doin tonight?
I'm trying to have a good time and see what the ladies are doing tonight.
Bumble bee let's hum right on this flight
Let's make music and enjoy ourselves while flying in a plane.
Hum on a flight? Nigga you 'fraid of heights
You're scared of heights, so let's not sing on the airplane.
Ms. Jade have you whinin by the end of the night
I'll have you making noise and feeling good by the end of the night.
Try and try and have 'em sick when I board the jet
I keep trying to make people sick with jealousy when I fly on a private jet.
Dough from bets, fuck around and saw off they necks
I won a lot of money from betting and someone might try to kill me for it.
You heard me black? Squeaky-ass Cadillacs
Do you understand what I'm saying? I drive old and noisy Cadillacs.
I owe you one, you fuck around and owe me back
I owe you a favor, but you might have to return it someday.
Got Franklin on the mind, shit I ain't gon' front
I'm thinking about money and being honest about it.
I'm a number one sinner, what-wha-wha-what?
I'm really bad, what are you going to do about it?
Life, is, what you make it
Your life is a reflection of the choices you make and the actions you take.
I got plenty big faces.. to spend on you-oooh-ooh
I have a lot of money to spend on you.
In time you will buy me this and that
Eventually, you will get me the things that I want.
Meanwhile motherfucker betta holla back
You better get back to me soon.
I'll be yo' penicillin, keepin my jimmy chillin
I'm a cure for your problems and keeping my condom handy just in case.
What more can I say? Top billin
What else can I say? I'm the main attraction and performer.
Niggaz got the feelin I'm wack and I fell off
People think that I'm not cool anymore and my music is not as good as it used to be.
Said bird is the word is Charmin and Mag's off?
Are they calling me soft or weak?
Don't why'all see I ain't new to this game?
Don't you realize that I have experience and knowledge in this industry?
Got hoes in each town want to swoon me for fame
I have many women in different cities who want to be with me for my fame.
But I get 'em for they cash, smokin up all they hash
I date them for their money and use their drugs.
Treat 'em like garbage, leavin 'em in the trash
I treat them badly and leave them behind.
Mag I wreckon you right, but it's my fuckin night
Magoo, you're correct, but tonight is about me and I'm taking control.
X-5, bing truck, high as a kite
I'm driving a BMW X-5, listening to DMX, and getting high.
Powder be white, Ms. Jade, powerful bite
I'm doing cocaine, Ms. Jade has a strong personality and influence.
Pet niggaz make they asses ride the back of my bike
I have men who do whatever I say and they ride on my motorcycle in the back.
Pay for nuts and want for nada, I ain't bluffin
I'm willing to pay for what I want and not willing to settle for nothing.
See me in the back of the club, steadily puffin
You'll find me in the back of the club smoking a cigarette.
Uh, see'mon ma, I seen you starin when I hit the door
Hey, girl, I noticed that you were looking at me when I came in.
You ain't gotta front boo, I know that shit ain't yours
Don't pretend that you have something that you really don't.
I'm with Tim and Mag, don't lie, take your time
I'm with Timbaland and Magoo, so there is no need to lie, take your time.
Lie for what? Never been that type of chick
Why would I lie? I've never been that type of person.
Rubber band around the wrist, be the type to grip
I have a rubber band around my wrist and I'm the type of person to take control.
and flip the script, send your ass home all limp
I'll change the plan and make you feel bad before you leave.
Motherfucker you ain't know? I'm a female pimp
Didn't you know that I'm a woman who controls and manipulates men?
King Kong trips, ridin all the latest whips
I'm going on big and luxurious trips and driving the most expensive cars.
With a Corona in the holder I'm the latest bitch
I'm drinking Corona beer and I'm the most fashionable and up-to-date woman.
Yup - you could call me the greatest wench
Yes, you could say that I'm the best and most successful woman.
Yup - when you fuck with the greatest clique
Yes, good things will happen when you work with the best group of people.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MELVIN BARCLIFF, S. N LEWIS, TIMOTHY N MOSLEY, CHEVON N YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind