What are you gonna produce today, Timbaland? "Whatever I feel like doing! Gosh!"
Super-duper beat producer Tim Mosley makes hits for anyone with $275,000 to spare, which means he's worked with everyone from Britney to Snoop. Timbaland is responsible for some of the bounciest beats in hip-hop history, including Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin," Jadakiss' "They Ain't Ready," and Cee-lo's "I'll Be Around."
Though Timbaland could work with any rapper he wants, he tends to prefer to work with R&B singers. If it wasn't for his sexy production on Genuwine's "Pony," millions of horny junior high school kids would be left without a beat for their awkward, freaky dancing. Despite his six-figure price tag, Timbaland really does it for the nookie. His best beats were made for a slew of sexy, svelte black girls with beautiful voices. And then there's Missy Elliot, too.
A-Side
Aaliyah - "If Your Girl Only Knew"
Aaliyah was Timbaland's first muse. Here Aaliyah relishes her role as home-wrecker, taunting the unsuspecting girlfriend of her most recent sexual conquest. When listening to any of Timbaland's beats, wait for the breakdown near the end, when he cuts away the fat and leaves nothing but the phat.
Missy Elliot - "4 My People" (ft. Eve)
Timbaland and Missy go together like Ella and Louis. Over the years Timbaland has bequeathed more hit beats to Missy Elliot than anyone else. Though popular culture tends to prefer skinny girls, Timbaland always knew Missy had soul to spare, regardless of whether she has to shop at Lane Bryant. "4 My People" is an uncharacteristically rapid club beat for the dynamic duo with a spitfire verse from Eve.
Ashanti - "Only U"
Timbaland crafts an enormous beat out of a distorted electric guitar echoing through a sports arena. Play it loud and wait for the breakdown at the end.
B-Side
Tweet - "Oops (Oh My)"
Accidents happen. Oops, I slipped in the snow. Oops, I spilled my milk. Oops, my skirt fell down and my shirt came off too. Enough with the excuses, Tweet. You hardly seem to mind your "accidental" nudity: "I was looking so good, I couldn't reject myself. I was feeling so good I had to touch myself." Missy Elliot jumps into the masturbation fantasy: "I was eyein' my thighs, butter pecan brown." That's Missy Elliot for you, always thinking about food.
Aaliyah - "Are You That Somebody?"
Is that a frickin' baby wailing in the background? Is Timbaland making random clickity sounds with his mouth? Back when this song came out, it was a strange concoction, but in retrospect, it's just classic Tim.
Alicia Keys - "Heartburn"
Timbaland's beats are generally instantly recognizable, with stuttering synths and a heavy bounce, but this one's different, sounding more like a theme song to 1970s blaxpoitation film.
Spring Break
