Timbaland: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
Cyberbot II (talk | contribs) Rescuing 1 sources and tagging 0 as dead. #IABot |
||
Line 119: | Line 119: | ||
In September 2009, Timbaland announced that ''[[Shock Value II]]'' will be released on November 23, in Europe and November 24, in North America. However, it was pushed back to December 8, preceded by the first single which features a new recording artist named [[Deborah Epstein|SoShy]] entitled "[[Morning After Dark]]". New featured guest appearances on the album include [[DJ Felli Fel]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[JoJo (singer)|JoJo]], [[Brandy Norwood|Bran'Nu]], [[Drake (entertainer)|Drake]], [[Chad Kroeger]], [[Sebastian (rapper)|Sebastian]], [[Miley Cyrus]], [[Nelly Furtado]], [[Katy Perry]], [[Esthero]], [[The Fray]], [[Jet (band)|Jet]], [[Daughtry (band)|Daughtry]], [[OneRepublic]], [[Keri Hilson]], Attitude and [[D.O.E.]]. Ultimately [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[Jonas Brothers]], [[Rihanna]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Jay Z]], [[Beyoncé Knowles|Beyoncé]], [[Kanye West]], [[Linkin Park]], [[The All-American Rejects]], [[Paramore]], [[Gucci Mane]], [[T-Pain]], [[T.I.]] and [[Akon]] never appeared on ''Shock Value II''. ''Shock Value II'' is infamous for its use of over-the-top vocal effects.{{Cn|date=June 2016}} Despite charting low, Timbaland has had three top forty singles to date.{{When|date=June 2016}} |
In September 2009, Timbaland announced that ''[[Shock Value II]]'' will be released on November 23, in Europe and November 24, in North America. However, it was pushed back to December 8, preceded by the first single which features a new recording artist named [[Deborah Epstein|SoShy]] entitled "[[Morning After Dark]]". New featured guest appearances on the album include [[DJ Felli Fel]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[JoJo (singer)|JoJo]], [[Brandy Norwood|Bran'Nu]], [[Drake (entertainer)|Drake]], [[Chad Kroeger]], [[Sebastian (rapper)|Sebastian]], [[Miley Cyrus]], [[Nelly Furtado]], [[Katy Perry]], [[Esthero]], [[The Fray]], [[Jet (band)|Jet]], [[Daughtry (band)|Daughtry]], [[OneRepublic]], [[Keri Hilson]], Attitude and [[D.O.E.]]. Ultimately [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[Jonas Brothers]], [[Rihanna]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Jay Z]], [[Beyoncé Knowles|Beyoncé]], [[Kanye West]], [[Linkin Park]], [[The All-American Rejects]], [[Paramore]], [[Gucci Mane]], [[T-Pain]], [[T.I.]] and [[Akon]] never appeared on ''Shock Value II''. ''Shock Value II'' is infamous for its use of over-the-top vocal effects.{{Cn|date=June 2016}} Despite charting low, Timbaland has had three top forty singles to date.{{When|date=June 2016}} |
||
"[[Morning After Dark]]" featuring SoShy and Nelly Furtado is the lead single from Timbaland's third studio album. The song was written by Tim Mosley, Jerome Harmon, Deborah Epstein, Michelle Bell, Keri Hilson, Nelly Furtado, James Washington, John Maultsby and produced by Timbaland and Jroc. The single premiered on October 16, 2009, on [[Ryan Seacrest]]'s [[KIIS-FM]] radio show, [[On Air with Ryan Seacrest (radio)|On-Air with Ryan Seacrest]] with Timbaland describing it as the kick-off song from the project.<ref name="rapup1">{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/15/timbaland-to-debut-new-single-friday/ |title=Timbaland to Debut New Single Friday |publisher=rap-up.com |accessdate=14 October 2009}}</ref><ref name="amazon">{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002T8KML8 |title=Morning After Dark (Featuring SoShy): Timbaland: MP3 Downloads |publisher=amazon.com |accessdate=23 October 2009}}</ref> Following her performance, the song was sent for radio adds on May 25. The song peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. With this success, the song became Sparks' fifth consecutive top 20 hit and third nonconsecutive top 10 hit. On May 24, Sparks headed to Europe to begin promotion for the single."[[Say Something (Timbaland song)|Say Something]]" featuring Canadian rapper [[Drake (entertainer)|Drake]] was released to US iTunes on November 3, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=338395431&s=143441 |title=Say Something (feat. Drake) – Single by Timbaland – Download Say Something (feat. Drake) – Single on iTunes |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |date=3 November 2009 |accessdate=11 November 2009}}</ref> It was officially sent to U.S. radio on 5 January 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_usa_singles.htm |title=Radio1 – Forthcoming USA Singles |publisher=Radio1.gr |date= |accessdate=28 December 2009}}</ref> It is the album's second single and reached number 23 on the Hot 100, making it the second most successful single on the album.{{citation needed|date=July 2014}} "[[Carry Out]]" featuring [[Justin Timberlake]] is the third single from the album but was initially only released in the U.S. It was sent to US radio on December 1, 2009.<ref name="radio2">{{cite web|url=http://www.radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_usa_singles.htm |title=New Releases – US Forthcoming Singles |publisher=Radio1.gr |date= |accessdate=3 December 2009}}</ref> It is the most successful single on the album, peaking at number 11 on the ''[[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]''.{{citation needed|date=July 2014}} The music video premiered on February 18, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/18/video-timbaland-f-justin-timberlake-carry-out/ |title=Video: Timbaland f/ Justin Timberlake – ‘Carry Out’ |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=18 February 2010 |accessdate=5 March 2010}}</ref> It was released as the third UK single on 26 April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|author=Praxis Media |url=http://radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_uk_singles.htm |title=Radio1 Rodos Greece ::: UK Forthcoming Singles ::: Charts, DJ Promos, Dance, Lyrics, Free Mp3 Samples Downloads |publisher=Radio1.gr |date= |accessdate=5 March 2010}}</ref> "[[If We Ever Meet Again]]" featuring [[Katy Perry]] is the album's fourth single. The music video premiered on January 18, 2010. In the UK, it was released February 15, 2010. |
"[[Morning After Dark]]" featuring SoShy and Nelly Furtado is the lead single from Timbaland's third studio album. The song was written by Tim Mosley, Jerome Harmon, Deborah Epstein, Michelle Bell, Keri Hilson, Nelly Furtado, James Washington, John Maultsby and produced by Timbaland and Jroc. The single premiered on October 16, 2009, on [[Ryan Seacrest]]'s [[KIIS-FM]] radio show, [[On Air with Ryan Seacrest (radio)|On-Air with Ryan Seacrest]] with Timbaland describing it as the kick-off song from the project.<ref name="rapup1">{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/15/timbaland-to-debut-new-single-friday/ |title=Timbaland to Debut New Single Friday |publisher=rap-up.com |accessdate=14 October 2009}}</ref><ref name="amazon">{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002T8KML8 |title=Morning After Dark (Featuring SoShy): Timbaland: MP3 Downloads |publisher=amazon.com |accessdate=23 October 2009}}</ref> Following her performance, the song was sent for radio adds on May 25. The song peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. With this success, the song became Sparks' fifth consecutive top 20 hit and third nonconsecutive top 10 hit. On May 24, Sparks headed to Europe to begin promotion for the single."[[Say Something (Timbaland song)|Say Something]]" featuring Canadian rapper [[Drake (entertainer)|Drake]] was released to US iTunes on November 3, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=338395431&s=143441 |title=Say Something (feat. Drake) – Single by Timbaland – Download Say Something (feat. Drake) – Single on iTunes |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |date=3 November 2009 |accessdate=11 November 2009}}</ref> It was officially sent to U.S. radio on 5 January 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_usa_singles.htm |title=Radio1 – Forthcoming USA Singles |publisher=Radio1.gr |date= |accessdate=28 December 2009}}</ref> It is the album's second single and reached number 23 on the Hot 100, making it the second most successful single on the album.{{citation needed|date=July 2014}} "[[Carry Out]]" featuring [[Justin Timberlake]] is the third single from the album but was initially only released in the U.S. It was sent to US radio on December 1, 2009.<ref name="radio2">{{cite web|url=http://www.radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_usa_singles.htm |title=New Releases – US Forthcoming Singles |publisher=Radio1.gr |date= |accessdate=3 December 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110615215027/http://www.radio1.gr:80/music/forthcoming_usa_singles.htm |archivedate=15 June 2011 }}</ref> It is the most successful single on the album, peaking at number 11 on the ''[[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]''.{{citation needed|date=July 2014}} The music video premiered on February 18, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/18/video-timbaland-f-justin-timberlake-carry-out/ |title=Video: Timbaland f/ Justin Timberlake – ‘Carry Out’ |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=18 February 2010 |accessdate=5 March 2010}}</ref> It was released as the third UK single on 26 April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|author=Praxis Media |url=http://radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_uk_singles.htm |title=Radio1 Rodos Greece ::: UK Forthcoming Singles ::: Charts, DJ Promos, Dance, Lyrics, Free Mp3 Samples Downloads |publisher=Radio1.gr |date= |accessdate=5 March 2010}}</ref> "[[If We Ever Meet Again]]" featuring [[Katy Perry]] is the album's fourth single. The music video premiered on January 18, 2010. In the UK, it was released February 15, 2010. |
||
Timbaland produced [[Chris Cornell]]'s 2009 album ''[[Scream (Chris Cornell album)|Scream]]''. [[Shakira]] was asked to record vocals on the song "[[Give It Up to Me (Shakira song)|Give It Up to Me]]" to be included on Timbaland's forthcoming album but it was placed on her third studio album ''[[She Wolf (album)|She Wolf]]'' and released as the second US single instead.<ref name=shakirasong>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a182465/new-shakira-song-ahoy.html |title=Music – The Sound – New Shakira song ahoy! |publisher=Digital Spy |date= |accessdate=21 October 2009}}</ref> One of the songs Timbaland had produced for Beyoncé's 2008 album ''[[I Am... Sasha Fierce]]'' was reworked by Keri Hilson and Jay Z for ''Shock Value II'' but not included.<ref name=Rumors>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/22/new-music-timbaland-f-jay-z-keri-hilson-rumors/ |title=Rumors |publisher=rap-up.com |date= |accessdate=22 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetimbalandbuzz.com/2009/10/keri-hilson-feat-jay-z-rumors.html |title=Keri Hilson feat. Jay-Z – "Rumors" [UPDATE-2] |publisher=The Timbaland Buzz |date=23 October 2009 |accessdate=29 October 2009}}</ref> He was a guest host of [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]'s [[WWE Raw|Raw]] on December 28, 2009.<ref name="WV1228host">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1260314825.php|title=Timbaland to host Raw on 28 Dec.|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=8 December 2009|accessdate=26 December 2009}}</ref> Timbaland appeared on the 25 March 2010 episode (titled "Blowback") of ''[[FlashForward]]'' as an evidence agent. His songs "Morning After Dark" and "Symphony" appear on the video game ''Def Jam: Underground.'' |
Timbaland produced [[Chris Cornell]]'s 2009 album ''[[Scream (Chris Cornell album)|Scream]]''. [[Shakira]] was asked to record vocals on the song "[[Give It Up to Me (Shakira song)|Give It Up to Me]]" to be included on Timbaland's forthcoming album but it was placed on her third studio album ''[[She Wolf (album)|She Wolf]]'' and released as the second US single instead.<ref name=shakirasong>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a182465/new-shakira-song-ahoy.html |title=Music – The Sound – New Shakira song ahoy! |publisher=Digital Spy |date= |accessdate=21 October 2009}}</ref> One of the songs Timbaland had produced for Beyoncé's 2008 album ''[[I Am... Sasha Fierce]]'' was reworked by Keri Hilson and Jay Z for ''Shock Value II'' but not included.<ref name=Rumors>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/22/new-music-timbaland-f-jay-z-keri-hilson-rumors/ |title=Rumors |publisher=rap-up.com |date= |accessdate=22 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetimbalandbuzz.com/2009/10/keri-hilson-feat-jay-z-rumors.html |title=Keri Hilson feat. Jay-Z – "Rumors" [UPDATE-2] |publisher=The Timbaland Buzz |date=23 October 2009 |accessdate=29 October 2009}}</ref> He was a guest host of [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]'s [[WWE Raw|Raw]] on December 28, 2009.<ref name="WV1228host">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1260314825.php|title=Timbaland to host Raw on 28 Dec.|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=8 December 2009|accessdate=26 December 2009}}</ref> Timbaland appeared on the 25 March 2010 episode (titled "Blowback") of ''[[FlashForward]]'' as an evidence agent. His songs "Morning After Dark" and "Symphony" appear on the video game ''Def Jam: Underground.'' |
Revision as of 23:46, 1 July 2016
Timbaland | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Timothy Zachery Mosley |
Also known as |
|
Born | Norfolk, Virginia, United States | March 10, 1972
Genres | |
Occupations |
|
Instruments |
|
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels | |
Website | www |
Timothy Zachery "Timbaland" Mosley (born March 10, 1972)[1] is an American record producer, singer, songwriter, rapper and DJ.[2] Timbaland's first full credit production work was in 1996 on Ginuwine...the Bachelor for R&B singer Ginuwine. After further work on Aaliyah's 1996 album One in a Million and Missy Elliott's 1997 album Supa Dupa Fly, Timbaland became a prominent producer for R&B and hip hop artists. As a rapper he initially released several albums with fellow rapper Magoo, followed by his debut solo album Tim's Bio in 1998.
In 2002, Timbaland produced the hit single "Cry Me a River" for Justin Timberlake, going on to produce most of Timberlake's subsequent LPs such as FutureSex/LoveSounds and The 20/20 Experience and their respective hit singles. A Timbaland-owned imprint label, Mosley Music Group, featured artists such as Nelly Furtado, whose Timbaland-produced album Loose (2006) was a commercial and critical success. In 2007, Timbaland released a solo album, Shock Value, which was followed by Shock Value II in 2009.
Aside from the aforementioned artists, Timbaland's production credits from the 2000s forward include work with Jay Z, Nas, Ludacris, Bubba Sparxxx, Madonna, Rihanna, OneRepublic, Brandy, Drake, Rick Ross and others. As a songwriter he has written as of 2014, 85 UK hits and 99 hits Stateside.[3]
Early life
Timothy Zachery Mosley was born on March 10, 1972 in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of Latrice, who ran a homeless shelter, and Garland Mosley, an Amtrak employee.[1][4] He graduated from Salem High School of Virginia Beach, Virginia.[2][5] During his time as a DJ, he was known as "DJ Tim"[6] or "DJ Timmy Tim".[1] His brother, Sebastian, is reportedly around nine years younger.[7] While attending high school, Timbaland began a long-term collaboration with rapper Melvin Barcliff, who performed under the name of Magoo. The teenage Mosley also joined the production ensemble S.B.I. (which stood for 'Surrounded By Idiots') which also featured Neptunes producer Pharrell.[1] Mosley was also high school friends with Terrence and Gene Thorton, who would go on to be known as Pusha T and Malice of the rap group Clipse.[8] In 1986, when Timbaland was 14 years old, he was accidentally shot by a co-worker[9] at the local Red Lobster restaurant and was partially paralyzed for nine months. During this time, he began to learn how to DJ using his left hand.[10]
Singer and rapper Missy Elliott heard his material and began working with him. She and her R&B group Sista auditioned for DeVante Swing, a producer and member of the successful R&B act Jodeci. DeVante signed Sista to his Swing Mob record label and Elliott brought Mosley and Barcliff along with her to New York, where Swing Mob was based. It was DeVante who renamed the young producer Timbaland, after the Timberland brand of construction boots.[citation needed] He and Magoo became part of SCI Zakys School stable of Swing Mob signees known as "Da Bassment" crew, joining artists such as R&B singer Ginuwine, male vocal group Playa (Smoke E. Digglera, Static Major and Digital Black), and the girl group Sugah.[1] 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 (unreleased) début LP 4 All the Sistas Around da World. Elliott began receiving recognition as a songwriter for artists such as R&B girl group 702 and MC Lyte. Due to Timbaland's connection with her, he was often contacted to produce remixes of her songs.[11]
Career
1994–2002: Focus on production work and Tim's Bio: Life from da Bassment
Timbaland began his producing career for R&B acts. In the mid-1990s, he produced a few songs for R&B acts such as Jodeci and Sista. In 1996, he made his mainstream breakthrough by producing the majority of both Aaliyah's second album One in a Million and Ginuwine's debut album Ginuwine...the Bachelor. This included the major hit singles "If Your Girl Only Knew" by Aaliyah and "Pony" by Ginuwine. While Timbaland was initially producing for R&B artists, his trademark sound was very much rooted in hip-hop with its fast-paced nature and clear drum breaks. He was taking a hip-hop sound and applying it to R&B, and in this way his sound was instrumental in blurring the distinction between hip-hop and R&B production.[12] In 1997, he fully produced Supa Dupa Fly, the debut album of Missy Elliott, who had been a childhood friend of Mosley. In this album Timbaland continued with his now trademark electronic production style, but since Missy frequently rapped the music was considered hip-hop. Also in 1997, he released his first album with his partner Magoo, Welcome to Our World, also a hip-hop album. In the late 1990s, his hip-hop production sound would become very influential and common as he produced for many high profile hip-hop artists including Jay-Z, Nas, and The LOX. In 1999, he scored a major hit with Jay Z and rap group UGK with the hit "Big Pimpin'". He also fully produced Missy's second album in 1999, Da Real World. Still Timbaland in this period produced primarily for R&B artists. He continued to produce for Ginuwine and Aaliyah, as well as contributing significantly to albums by Xscape, Nicole, Playa, and Total. He remixed Usher's major hit "You Make Me Wanna". In the early 2000s Timbaland produced songs including Ludacris' "Roll Out (My Business)",[13] Jay-Z's "Hola' Hovito",[14] Petey Pablo's "Raise Up",[15] and Beck's cover of David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" during this period.[16] He also contributed three songs, all eventually released as singles, to Aaliyah’s self-titled third album, the exotic lead single "We Need a Resolution" (featuring himself rapping a verse), "More than a Woman", and the ballad "I Care 4 U".[17] He also makes an appearance in Aaliyah's single "Try Again", which he also produced and co-wrote.
Timbaland & Magoo’s second album together was slated for release in November 2000. Indecent Proposal was to feature appearances by Beck, Aaliyah, as well as new Timbaland protégés—some from his new Beat Club Records imprint--Ms. Jade, Kiley Dean, Sebastian (Timbaland's brother), Petey Pablo, and Tweet (who was a member of Sugah during the Swing Mob days). The album was delayed for an entire year, finally released in November 2001. It was a commercial disappointment. Beck’s vocals for the track "I Am Music" were not included on the last version, which instead featured Timbaland singing along Steve "Static" Garrett of Playa and Aaliyah.[18] The first release on Beat Club was the début album by Bubba Sparxxx in September 2001, Dark Days, Bright Nights.[19] The loss of Aaliyah deeply affected Timbaland. In a phone call to the MTV show Total Request Live, Timbaland said:
She was like blood, and I lost blood. Me and her together had this chemistry. I kinda lost half of my creativity to her. It's hard for me to talk to the fans now. Beyond the music, she was a brilliant person, the [most special] person I ever met.[20]
— Timbaland, MTV
2003–05: Production work for pop recording artists
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!.[21] He also produced tracks for artists such as Lil' Kim ("The Jump Off") and southern rapper Pastor Troy during this period.[22] Collaborating with fellow producer Scott Storch, Timbaland also worked on a number of tracks on former *NSYNC lead singer Justin Timberlake’s solo debut, Justified, including the song "Cry Me a River".[23]
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.[24] In 2004 Timbaland produced singles for LL Cool J, Xzibit, Fatman Scoop, and Jay Z, and he produced the bulk of Brandy’s fourth album, Afrodisiac.[25] Timbaland co-wrote two tracks (Exodus '04 and Let Me Give You My Love) and produced three tracks of the American-Japanese Pop star Hikaru Utada’s debut English album, Exodus.[26] He continued working on tracks for Tweet and for Elliott’s sixth album, The Cookbook: "Joy (feat. Mike Jones)", and "Partytime"[27] and continued to expand his reach with production for The Game and Jennifer Lopez ("He'll Be Back" from her fourth studio album, Rebirth).[28]
2006–07: Loose, Future/Sounds and Shock Value
Timbaland started a new label, Mosley Music Group along with old friend and legendary Australian music producer John Servedio, also known as his stage name 'ServidSounds' who helped Timbaland bring in some talent from his former Beat Club Records label.[29][30] On the new label were Nelly Furtado, Keri Hilson, and rapper D.O.E..[31] In 2006 he produced Justin Timberlake's second solo studio album FutureSex/LoveSounds. His vocals feature on the songs "SexyBack", "Sexy Ladies", "Chop Me Up", "What Goes Around... Comes Around" and on the prelude to "My Love" entitled "Let Me Talk to You." Timbaland provided vocals on several singles: The Pussycat Dolls's "Wait a Minute", Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous", "Ice Box" by Omarion and Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack". In an interview published in August 2006 in the UK[32] Timbaland revealed he was working on a new LP by Jay Z and that he had worked on tracks with Coldplay’s Chris Martin.[33]
Timbaland worked on seven songs for Björk’s 2007 album, Volta, including "Earth Intruders", "Hope", and "Innocence"[34] and he later worked on tracks for the new Duran Duran album, Red Carpet Massacre, including one featuring his frequent collaborator Justin Timberlake.[35] Later in the year, Timbaland produced songs for Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's LP, Strength & Loyalty[36] and the song "Ayo Technology" on 50 Cent’s album Curtis.[37] Timbaland also produced most of the tracks on Ashlee Simpson's third CD, Bittersweet World, including the song "Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)".[38] On April 3, 2007, Timbaland released a collaboration album featuring artists including 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Nelly Furtado, Missy Elliott, and others called Timbaland Presents Shock Value. A rivalry flared up between Timbaland and record producer Scott Storch in early 2007. The tension initially started on the single "Give It to Me", when Timbaland anonymously backlashed Storch: "I'm a real producer and you['re] just the piano man". In an interview, Timbaland confirmed that he was talking about Storch. The dispute partly stemmed from controversy regarding writing credits for Timberlake's "Cry Me a River".[39]
2008: Focus on other projects
Timbaland helped produce many albums for various artists in 2008, including Madonna's Hard Candy,[40] Ashlee Simpson's Bittersweet World, Keri Hilson's In A Perfect World, Flo Rida's Mail On Sunday, Letoya Luckett's Lady Love, Lindsay Lohan's Spirit in the Dark, Chris Cornell's Scream, JoJo's All I Want Is Everything, Nicole Scherzinger's Her Name is Nicole, Missy Elliott's Block Party, Matt Pokora's MP3, Keithian's Dirrty Pop, The Pussycat Dolls's Doll Domination, Busta Rhymes's B.O.M.B, Lisa Maffia's Miss Boss, Teairra Mari's Pressed For Time,[41] Jennifer Hudson's début album, Dima Bilan's Believe, Samantha Jade's My Name Is Samantha Jade, New Kids on the Block's The Block, and Keshia Chanté's Night & Day. Timbaland produced the Russian entry the Eurovision Song Contest 2008, Believe by Dima Bilan, which was co-written by Bilan and Jim Beanz. The song then won the contest when it was held in Belgrade, Serbia in May 2008. In February 2008 the first 'Fashion against AIDS' collection -an initiative of 'Designers against AIDS'[42] and sold in H&M stores in 28 countries- was launched, for which Timbaland designed a T-shirt print, posed for the campaign and spoke out in a video, to help raise HIV/AIDS awareness among urban youth and to advocate safe sex. On February 8, 2008, it was announced that Timbaland would be releasing an album exclusively for Verizon Wireless's V CAST cell phone service and was designated its very first "Mobile Producer in Residence." Timbaland was to be joined by Mosley Music Group/Zone 4 singer/songwriter Keri Hilson to begin work on the mobile album’s first track aboard the fully equipped Mobile Recording Studio.[citation needed] The only track to surface so far[when?] is Garry Barry Larry Harry "Get It Girl". In Timbaland's first effort within the video game industry, he worked with Rockstar Games to produce Beaterator, a music mixing game for the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Network, and iOS released in the September 2009.[43]
2009–10: Shock Value II and burglary case
Timbaland spoke to MTV's Shaheem Reid back in July 2008 to confirm that he was working on the follow-up to his platinum selling Shock Value.[44] At the time he confirmed that he had one track with Madonna which although recorded for her album Hard Candy it had not been used and could end up on this album instead.[44] He was insistent that he would also collaborate with Jordin Sparks, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and T.I.[44] However, none of these collaborations (except Miley Cyrus) made it to the final tracklist. He also said that alongside T-Pain who would definitely appear, he hoped to get Jay-Z on board,[44] although he ultimately failed to do so. Timbaland began working on the sequel to Shock Value in July 2008.[45] In March 2009, he filed a lawsuit against his label, Blackground Records, alleging that they attempted to blackball him after he decided to move from music performance into production.[46]
In September 2009, Timbaland announced that Shock Value II will be released on November 23, in Europe and November 24, in North America. However, it was pushed back to December 8, preceded by the first single which features a new recording artist named SoShy entitled "Morning After Dark". New featured guest appearances on the album include DJ Felli Fel, Justin Timberlake, JoJo, Bran'Nu, Drake, Chad Kroeger, Sebastian, Miley Cyrus, Nelly Furtado, Katy Perry, Esthero, The Fray, Jet, Daughtry, OneRepublic, Keri Hilson, Attitude and D.O.E.. Ultimately Madonna, Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Usher, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Linkin Park, The All-American Rejects, Paramore, Gucci Mane, T-Pain, T.I. and Akon never appeared on Shock Value II. Shock Value II is infamous for its use of over-the-top vocal effects.[citation needed] Despite charting low, Timbaland has had three top forty singles to date.[when?]
"Morning After Dark" featuring SoShy and Nelly Furtado is the lead single from Timbaland's third studio album. The song was written by Tim Mosley, Jerome Harmon, Deborah Epstein, Michelle Bell, Keri Hilson, Nelly Furtado, James Washington, John Maultsby and produced by Timbaland and Jroc. The single premiered on October 16, 2009, on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest with Timbaland describing it as the kick-off song from the project.[47][48] Following her performance, the song was sent for radio adds on May 25. The song peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. With this success, the song became Sparks' fifth consecutive top 20 hit and third nonconsecutive top 10 hit. On May 24, Sparks headed to Europe to begin promotion for the single."Say Something" featuring Canadian rapper Drake was released to US iTunes on November 3, 2009.[49] It was officially sent to U.S. radio on 5 January 2010.[50] It is the album's second single and reached number 23 on the Hot 100, making it the second most successful single on the album.[citation needed] "Carry Out" featuring Justin Timberlake is the third single from the album but was initially only released in the U.S. It was sent to US radio on December 1, 2009.[51] It is the most successful single on the album, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.[citation needed] The music video premiered on February 18, 2010.[52] It was released as the third UK single on 26 April 2010.[53] "If We Ever Meet Again" featuring Katy Perry is the album's fourth single. The music video premiered on January 18, 2010. In the UK, it was released February 15, 2010.
Timbaland produced Chris Cornell's 2009 album Scream. Shakira was asked to record vocals on the song "Give It Up to Me" to be included on Timbaland's forthcoming album but it was placed on her third studio album She Wolf and released as the second US single instead.[54] One of the songs Timbaland had produced for Beyoncé's 2008 album I Am... Sasha Fierce was reworked by Keri Hilson and Jay Z for Shock Value II but not included.[55][56] He was a guest host of WWE's Raw on December 28, 2009.[57] Timbaland appeared on the 25 March 2010 episode (titled "Blowback") of FlashForward as an evidence agent. His songs "Morning After Dark" and "Symphony" appear on the video game Def Jam: Underground.
In April 2010, a feud arose between the producer and R&B singer Ginuwine, after Timbaland failed to make an appearance at the singer's music video shoot of "Get Involved".[58][59] Later in April, Timbaland released a new single featuring T-Pain and Billy Blue titled "Talk That". In June 2010, when questioned by RWD magazine about the UK music scene he made the bold claim to be the inspiration for the dub-step music scene. “The UK scene... they’re always telling me that I started it. You have Dub-bass...”. When questioned further about it he went on to say: "It’s funny cos they went back to some of my old music that really created that sound and just, instead of going fast, they went slow with more bass."[60] In August 2010, a "possible suicide attempt" APB was put out for Timbaland after his home was burgled. When his family were unable to contact him, they called 911 and a manhunt began. Police eventually found his car and brought him back home, where paramedics examined him, before declaring he was not a threat to himself. When questioned, Timbaland said he only took a drive to think about the burglary, as he thought the possible thief could have been someone close whom he trusted.[61]
2010–present: Textbook Timbo and recent activities
In 2010, Timbaland split with longtime label Blackground Records, but stayed with Interscope Records. Later in the year, Timbaland was featured on the deluxe edition of Chris Brown's album, F.A.M.E., producing the songs "Paper, Scissors, Rock" (feat. Big Sean) and the Japan-only bonus track, "Talk Ya Ear Off". Timbaland was also featured on David Guetta's LP, Nothing But the Beat, on "I Just Wanna F." with Dev and Afrojack. Timbaland also worked with teen star Demi Lovato; he produced and had a small feature in her song "All Night Long" on Lovato's Unbroken album. In November 2010, Timbaland announced that he would be releasing a new song every Thursday, called Timbo Thursdays; a copy of the initiative shown by artists such as Kanye West (via G.O.O.D. Fridays), and Swizz Beatz (via Monster Mondays). In an interview[citation needed] with Rap-Up.com Timbaland stated, “So, my brother told me Kanye is puttin' out a new song every Friday called G.O.O.D. Fridays, Swizz got Mondays, I don't know if they are on Twitter but can you hit them up, and tell them reserve that Thursday for Timbo the king baby. We’ll call it Timbo Thursday, cool?”
On January 13, 2011, Timbaland began his Timbaland Thursdays free music initiative, with the first song released being "Take Ur Clothes Off", featuring Missy Elliott.[62] Keri Hilson revealed that the songs that Timbaland was releasing through the initiative come deep from within his vast back catalogue, so there was a good chance that she would be featured on at least one of the records.[63] In early 2011, he stopped the weekly free music as he spent time in South Africa,[64] and wanted to help produce tracks for his brother, Sebastian.[64] The first official single from Shock Value III, "Pass at Me" featuring Cuban rapper Pitbull, with uncredited production by French DJ David Guetta, was released on September 13, 2011, after having been previously used to promote a book titled Culo. The album's second single, "Break Ya Back" featuring American singer Dev, was released on April 17, 2012. For the fourth installment in the Step Up franchise, Step Up Revolution, Timbaland released a track called "Hands In the Air", which features American singer Ne-Yo.
On January 30, 2013, Timbaland signed to Jay-Z's label Roc Nation.[65] Later that year, Timbaland would serve as the main producer of Justin Timberlake's recent LP, The 20/20 Experience, including the album's singles: "Suit & Tie" and "Mirrors". Timbaland also produced Beyoncé's song "Grown Woman" which was featured in her Pepsi commercial and 2013 tour, The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour,[66] and the song "I Don't Have To Sleep to Dream" on Cher's 2013 album Closer to the Truth.
In August 2013, Timbaland revealed that he was working on a project featuring unreleased material by Michael Jackson, with a lead single called "Love Never Felt So Good".[67]
On September 24, 2013, Timbaland collaborated with T.I. for his new co-produced Indonesian artist, AGNEZ MO, in her song titled Coke Bottle. The premiere launch event of the single became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter.[68][69]
On November 15, 2013, Timbaland revealed his new single for his fourth album, Opera Noir, called "Know Bout Me" featuring Drake, Jay-Z, and James Fauntleroy. By 2014, it was originally announced that both Timbaland and Missy Elliott would be an essential component per production of Kat Dahlia's debut album, My Garden, however neither of the duo's contributions saw the light of day.[70] On January 7, 2015, Timbaland received production credit for his involvement with the musical score of Lee Daniels and Danny Strong's television project Empire, which premiered on FOX. Constructively, Timbaland and his team, including Jim Beanz, Raphael Saadiq, and others, compose the series' songs based on material given to them by the show's writing team per each episode.[71]
In February 2016, Timbaland regrouped with Missy Elliott once more to produce the track "Somebody Else Will" for longtime associate Tweet, taken from her third studio album Charlene.[72]
Plagiarism accusations
In January 2007, several news sources reported that Timbaland was alleged to have plagiarized several elements (both motifs and samples) in the song "Do It" on the 2006 album Loose by Nelly Furtado without giving credit or compensation.[73][74][75] The song itself was released as the fifth North American single from Loose in July 2007.
Timbaland's legal troubles continued. In lieu of a copyright lawsuit over the song "Throw It on Me" from his Shock Value album, Timbaland and David Cortopassi, the composer of "Spazz", a song originally recorded by The Elastik Band and released by ATCO/Atlantic and EMI, reached a settlement agreement in July 2009.[76][77][78] The terms of the settlement remained undisclosed at the time.[76] "Spazz", noted as being "one of the most tasteless records ever made", was initially banned by radio stations and even pulled mid-stream while on air when first released in 1967,[76] with the DJ even apologizing to his listeners for playing the record.[79]
In January 2014, the Swiss newspaper Basler Zeitung revealed another plagiarism case concerning the track "Versus" by Jay-Z, which was produced by Timbaland. The track's instrumental is very similar to, if not directly sampled from "On the Way" by Swiss musician Bruno Spoerri.[80] According to Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger, the plagiarism case was settled by March 2015. Jay Z and Timbaland were to pay 50% from the song's revenue to Spoerri as royalties for the music, with Jay-Z retaining 50% for the lyrics.[81]
Discography
- Solo albums
- Tim's Bio: Life from da Bassment (1998)
- Shock Value (2007)
- Shock Value II (2009)
- Opera Noir (2016)
- Timbaland & Magoo albums
- Welcome to Our World (1997)
- Indecent Proposal (2001)
- Under Construction, Part II (2003)
Awards and nominations
References
- ^ a b c d e "Timbaland". timbalandmusic. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ a b Birchmeier, Jason. "Timbaland – Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
- ^ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LOAW274#reader_B00LOAW274
- ^ http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2007-Pu-Z/Timbaland.html
- ^ "Timbaland's visit includes grant for Beach school". The Virginian-Pilot. 30 May 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (16 February 2007). "My Block: Virginia". MTV News. Retrieved 4 April 2008.
- ^ "Timbaland's little brother, Sebastian, has his own hit". HamptonRoads.com. ("Timbaland is 38; Sebastian declines to give his age but is likely around 29.")
- ^ "XXLmag.com". XXLmag.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "A History of Rappers Getting Shot and Surviving" 28 January 2013
- ^ Ethan Brown (23 March 2007). "Everyone Wants Timbaland". Entertainment Weekly.
He made ends meet with a series of menial jobs, including washing dishes at a Red Lobster, until late one night he wound up on the wrong end of a gun. The bullet passed through Tim's neck and lodged in his right shoulder (fragments remain to this day). For nine months, Tim was paralyzed on his right side, forcing him to learn to DJ with his left hand.
Tim rarely talks about the shooting, and is, in fact, quite critical of gangsta rappers who boast of their war wounds. I'm not a rapper," he says dismissively. I'm not talking about my scars or my battles. Still, the shooting did help him form a bond with 50 Cent. I'll tell you this, Tim says. If you get shot and you survive, you feel like you're an Incredible Hulk. Them bullets don't hurt when they go in. But then they got that burnin', that acid burn. Goddamn! It feels like a stove burning your blood. You feel like any minute you gonna be dyin'. - ^ "Tim's Brio". The Village Voice. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ Birchmeier, Jason. "Timbaland". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
- ^ "LUDACRIS HITS THE SILLY SUMMIT". New York Daily News. 7 October 2003. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Jay-Z and Timbaland, Together Again". Village Voice. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "Petey Pablo, The Black Robert De Niro?". MTV. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "Timbaland Film Vying For Sundance Grand Jury Prize". MTV. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "Aaliyah Finds 'Resolution' With New Single, Video". MTV. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "Timbaland To Release Aaliyah / Beck Duet". MTV. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ "Timbaland Launches Label". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 20 December 2007. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Timbaland, P. Diddy, Other Artists React To Aaliyah's Death". MTV. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ "This Is Not A Test!". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
- ^ Daly, Sean (19 March 2003). "Lil' Kim, Delivering The Goods". The Washington Post.
- ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (11 September 2006). "Critic's Choice: New CD's". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
- ^ "Bubba Sparxxx : Deliverance". NME. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ Johnson, Kevin C. (15 July 2004). "Brandy evolves to "Afrodisiac"". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
- ^ Daly, Sean. "Leaving the Girl Behind". The Washington Post. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ "EW review: Elliott's 'Cookbook' overdone". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "'Rebirth' at its best when J. Lo keeps it on dance floor". MSNBC. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "Super sonic". The Star. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (8 March 2007). "'I Had To Speak Up': Scott Storch Responds To Timbaland's Jabs". MTV News. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
- ^ Jones, Steve (20 February 2008). "They write the songs — and they're singing them, too". USA Today. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ Batey, Angus (8 August 2006). "'I'm up here. Everyone else is down there'". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ "Timbaland to work with Coldplay". NME. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ "Björk Borrows Timbaland on New Album, SXSW Gets Guilt-Free, Radiohead Concerned About World, Making Record". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 6 April 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ Adams, Cameron (6 December 2007). "Duran Duran at work with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland". Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
- ^ "FAST TRACKS; Harmony? Good to the Bone". Los Angeles Times. 21 January 2007.
- ^ "Timbaland Talks About His And Justin Timberlake's 'Hot' Collabo With Madonna". MTV. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
- ^ "Ashlee Simpson Reveals Christmas Gifts For Fans (New Album Title) And Pete Wentz (Shh!)". MTV. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (9 March 2007). "'I Had To Speak Up': Scott Storch Responds To Timbaland's Jabs – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ "Brandy Records with Timbaland, New Video". Rap-Up.com. 21 October 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ "Teairra Mari Back With New Interscope Project".
- ^ "Designers Against Aids". Designers Against Aids. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ Truta, Filip (14 March 2007). "PSP – Music Sequencer from Rockstar and Timbaland: Beaterator". Softpedia. Retrieved 8 April 2008.
- ^ a b c d Reid, Shaheem (24 July 2008). "Timbaland Working Up Shock Value 2 With Rihanna, Beyonce, Jonas Brothers". Mtv.com. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (23 July 2008). "Timbaland Working Up Shock Value 2 With Rihanna, Beyonce, Jonas Brothers". MTV News. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
- ^ "Timbaland Claims Blackground Label Tried To Blackball Him". idiomag. 25 March 2009. Retrieved 1 April 2009.
- ^ "Timbaland to Debut New Single Friday". rap-up.com. Retrieved 14 October 2009.
- ^ "Morning After Dark (Featuring SoShy): Timbaland: MP3 Downloads". amazon.com. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
- ^ "Say Something (feat. Drake) – Single by Timbaland – Download Say Something (feat. Drake) – Single on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 3 November 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2009.
- ^ "Radio1 – Forthcoming USA Singles". Radio1.gr. Retrieved 28 December 2009.
- ^ "New Releases – US Forthcoming Singles". Radio1.gr. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 3 December 2009.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Video: Timbaland f/ Justin Timberlake – 'Carry Out'". Rap-Up.com. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
- ^ Praxis Media. "Radio1 Rodos Greece ::: UK Forthcoming Singles ::: Charts, DJ Promos, Dance, Lyrics, Free Mp3 Samples Downloads". Radio1.gr. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
- ^ "Music – The Sound – New Shakira song ahoy!". Digital Spy. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
- ^ "Rumors". rap-up.com. Retrieved 22 October 2009.
- ^ "Keri Hilson feat. Jay-Z – "Rumors" [UPDATE-2]". The Timbaland Buzz. 23 October 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ^ Martin, Adam (8 December 2009). "Timbaland to host Raw on 28 Dec". Retrieved 26 December 2009.
- ^ "Beef Brewing Between Former Friends Ginuwine & Timbaland? //". Gossiponthis.com. 14 April 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ "2010 Ginuwine Talks About Beef With Timbaland – Radio Interview". YouTube. 15 April 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ "NEWS : JUST IN – Timbaland: I Created Dubstep". RWD Mag News. 8 June 2010. Retrieved 26 June 2010.
- ^ "Timbaland – Cops APB: 'Possible Suicide Attempt'". TMZ. 25 August 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ "New Music: Timbaland x Missy Elliott – 'Take Ur Clothes Off'". Rap-Up.com. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
- ^ "Keri Hilson Gets Super Bowl Sexy". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
- ^ a b "Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (30 January 2013). "Timbaland signs to Jay-Z's Roc Nation". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- ^ Makarechi, Kia (4 April 2013). "'Grown Woman,' Beyoncé's Timbaland-Produced Single Gets Release Date". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
- ^ Guardian music. "New Michael Jackson music to be produced by Timbaland | Music". theguardian.com. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
- ^ "Oh No They Didn't! - AGNEZ MO Premieres Bop "Coke Bottle" on US Radio + Gets Celeb Support + Appears on Rupaul Drives". Ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com. 26 September 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
- ^ "Rilis "Coke Bottle", Agnes Monica Rajai WorldWide Trending Topic - Hai Online - Musik, sekolah, lifestyle anak muda Indonesia" (in Indonesian). Hai Online. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
- ^ "Kat Dahlia works with Missy Elliot for debut album 'My Garden'". hamadamania.com. 19 July 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ Jurgensen, John (27 January 2015). "Meet Jim Beanz, Who Helped Build a Music 'Empire'". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
- ^ Kellman, Andy. "Charlene - Tweet > Overview". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
- ^ "Is Timbaland a Thief?". Rolling Stone. 18 January 2007. Archived from the original on 17 April 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
- ^ Onko Nellyn hitti Suomesta? (Finnish)
- ^ Yhdysvaltalaistuottaja pölli suomalaismuusikolta (Finnish)
- ^ a b c Winslow, Mike (24 May 2010). "Timbaland Settles 'Spazz' Lawsuit For Undisclosed Amount". AllHipHop News.
- ^ Fontaine, Smokey (24 May 2010). "Timbaland Settles 'Spazz' Lawsuit For Undisclosed Amount". The Urban Dailey.
- ^ Copsey, Robert (25 May 2010). "Timbaland settles copywright lawsuit". Digital Spy.
- ^ "From The Archives". CMJ New Music Monthly. April 2007.
- ^ Klenger, Fabienne (27 January 2014). "Jay-Z kupfert von Basler Jazzmusiker ab". Basler Zeitung.
- ^ http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/pop-und-jazz/Jay-Z-muss-Spoerri-entloehnen/story/20944469
External links
- Use dmy dates from August 2010
- Timbaland
- 1972 births
- African-American Christians
- African-American male singers
- African-American male rappers
- African-American record producers
- American dance musicians
- American DJs
- American hip hop record producers
- American multi-instrumentalists
- American shooting survivors
- East Coast hip hop musicians
- Grammy Award winners
- American hip hop DJs
- People from Norfolk, Virginia
- People from Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Rappers from Virginia
- Swing Mob artists
- Living people
- Pop rappers