Timbaland

Missy Elliott And Timbaland To Drop Solo LPs In June

07 Feb 2012 13:36:06 EST

'We want to do it as a movement,' Timbo tells MTV News of releasing new material at the same time.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ricky Louis

Timbaland
Photo: MTV News

Timbaland and Missy Elliott make a perfect musical match. Though it's been a while since we've seen the two in full swing, the Virginia duo will join forces once again in a very big way later this year.

"Me and Missy are both coming with our albums at the same time, and it will be in June," Timbo told MTV News in his Miami home February 3. It's been three years since Timbaland released Shock Value II and seven years since Missy dropped The Cookbook. If all goes according to plan, fans won't have to wait much longer. "Right now, we're preparing to get both our videos, our first singles, shot kinda at the same time," Tim said. "We want to do it as a movement and spontaneously." Last June, Missy revealed to People magazine she had been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease. Initially, it was speculated that Missy's health was the cause of the huge gap in her discography, though Elliott later issued a statement dismissing that notion. The "Get Ur Freak On" rapper has been putting in plenty of work behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer for Keyshia Cole, Monica and Jazmine Sullivan. She even hooked up with Timbo on Demi Lovato's "All Night Long" from the pop singer's 2011 Unbroken album. Missy is also a guest vocalist on J. Cole's next single, "Nobody's Perfect," and is expected to appear in the song's upcoming video. It all seems like an exciting build to a triumphant return for both artists. "I just don't want to move too ahead of her and she don't want to move too ahead of me," Timbaland said. "So we're both doing it at the same time." What do you think of Timbaland and Missy's plan to drop their new albums at the same time? Tell us in the comments!

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Super Bowl 46: Timbaland Picks Patriots For Win

05 Feb 2012 09:48:47 EST

Hitmaker produced a song dedicated to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski ahead of tonight's Big Game against Big Blue.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ricky Louis

Photo: Jason Campbell/MTV

The biggest sporting event of the year is just a few hours away, and in the moments leading up to Super Bowl XLVI, everyone seems to be picking a side. Multiplatinum producer Timbaland, who's looking for the New England Patriots to defeat the New York Giants on Sunday night (February 5), decided to make a song about it. "I just did it almost to be playing around, just to do it," Timbaland told MTV News on Friday from his home in Miami. "It turned out bigger than what I thought."

The song, which is dedicated to Patriots tight end Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski was uploaded to YouTube last week with the football star's name as its title. The track was produced by Virginia native Tim and Wizz Dumb, but it's newcomer Brasco who rhymes on the energetic tune. "They're yelling, 'Touchdown, touchdown, 87, 87," he raps, referring to Gronk's number. Gronkowski has 90 catches and 17 touchdowns this season but after suffering a high-ankle sprain, #87 is listed as questionable and may not play in the Super Bowl, though multiple sources tell ESPN that Gronkowski is doing better and is expected to play. Whether or not Gronk plays, Timbaland is rooting for New England. "I've always been a Tom Brady fan," he said of the Pats' quarterback and biggest star. "I've always liked the Patriots, how they move, how the coach coaches, how the players — you don't hear too much about their business in the media." The last time these two teams faced off for the championship was in 2008's Super Bowl XLII, and the Giants came out on top. So for New England and their faithful following, Sunday's big game is a chance at redemption. "It's like a fight. You get one up, the Giants got one up so, of course, the Patriots gotta win," Timbaland said. "If the Patriots win, it'll be a tie. ... Hopefully, they'll win. I think they're ready." Who are you rooting for in Super Bowl XLVI? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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Heavy D's Death Hits Nicki Minaj, Usher, More Celebs

08 Nov 2011 20:45:33 EST

'Truly gone too soon,' Usher tweets Tuesday.
By James Dinh

Heavy D arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images

Hip-hop lost a rap icon when Heavy D died Tuesday afternoon (November 8) at age 44, and the music industry is clearly mourning the loss. A string of stars, including Usher, Timbaland and Nicki Minaj, have shared their memories of the late MC on Twitter.

Usher offered his sympathy to the family of the Jamaican-born rap heavyweight, tweeting, "This is too heavy, I can't believe it. HEAVY D was just here. Truly gone too soon. My heart and support goes out to his family. R.I.P HEAVY." Mega-producer Timbaland couldn't even process the announcement, writing, "I'm at a loss for words rip heavy d." After re-tweeting the late-MC's last message ("BE INSPIRED"), hip-hop's Harajuku Barbie also weighed in on the news. "We'll never forget you babe! #hiphopelite #RIPHeavyD," Nicki wrote. From one raptress to the next, Missy Elliott shared her thoughts: "U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we've shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav..." Ciara described the MC as "a really nice man. Sending my condolences to him and his family!" DJ Drama and Nick Cannon reflected on the icon's impact. "Heavy D 'Who's The Man' was one of my 1st pieces of vinyl when I first started djayin," DJ Drama wrote. "Def 1 of the first 5 records I spent $ on. RIP." Cannon said he had "just talked" to Heavy D, adding, "He was just encouraging me about life." "RIP TO A REAL HIP HOP LEGEND HEAVY D!" Nas chimed in. Juelz Santana recalled the rapper/actor's recent BET Hip Hop Awards performance. "RIP Heavy D. He was a Hip Hop Legend," he shared. "Crazy how sh-- happens. I was late 2 da BET Awards & Heavy D's Performance was 1 of da only 2 I got 2 see. Blessed 4 dat opportunity. RIP." Boyz II Men, who shared the '90s spotlight with the MC, sent condolences to his family, writing, "UGH...heavy d..always cool as hell with us..just a sick feeling....praying for his little daughter and family." Share your memories of Heavy D on Facebook.

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Demi Lovato 'Stoked' About Missy Elliott, Timbaland Collabo

31 Aug 2011 16:07:12 EDT

Unbroken track with legendary duo is a jam about 'staying up all night long,' Demi tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena

Demi Lovato
Photo: MTV News

LOS ANGELES — Demi Lovato is ready to launch the next phase of her music career. She dropped her moving ballad "Skyscraper" earlier this summer and now fans are ready to hear what else the singer has up her sleeve when she releases her album Unbroken in September.

While the album will feature a number of collabos with artists like Jason Derülo, Iyaz and Dev, one track in particular, "All Night Long," features two of urban radio's biggest '90s superstars, Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Last week, Lovato spoke to MTV News and told us that working with the legendary duo, who helped shape the careers of singers like Aaliyah, couldn't have been more of a dream come true. "I was so stoked when I went into the studio. I was working with Timbaland, and Missy was there, and she was like, she heard one of the songs and she asked if she could rap on it," Lovato recalled about their July recording session. "And I was like, 'Of course, that's not even a question.' And she did, and she killed it." According to Lovato, the party track is pretty much the polar opposite of "Skyscraper," showing off a whole new side of the 19-year-old. "The song that Missy and I did together, Timbaland's actually on it, too, and it's fun," she said. "It's about staying up all night long and singing it to the boy that you like, and it's flirty and fun and it's not too grown-up, but it's grown-up enough." Lovato has already started making the rounds to promote the upcoming album, including a fan meet-and-greet in Los Angeles last week and a performance at Perez Hilton's pre-VMA party. She went on to present Best Collaboration at the VMAs on Sunday night. Next month, Lovato will play two shows, one each in New York and one in Los Angeles. Are you looking forward to Demi's album? Tell us in the comments!

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Wu-Tang Clan's RZA Jumps Into Headphones Biz

14 Jul 2011 13:16:33 EDT

'It's a fashion statement,' Wu-producer tells MTV News of his Chambers by RZA line.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Adam Murphy

RZA
Photo: Charles Eshelman/ FilmMagic

All the cool rappers are doing it. From Dr. Dre to Ludacris to 50 Cent and now Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, A-list hip-hop stars are cashing in on the headphone craze. Teaming up with street-clothing brand WeSC, the Wu producer will be launching Chambers by RZA in the fall. MTV News sat down with the RZArector last week while he was out in Berlin for the Bread & Butter Supershow and discussed his latest endeavor.

The producer/rapper is known for his discerning ear, intricate beats and expert mixes, so fans should expect the headsets to be on point, sonically. "I wanted to make one that was going to be cool, dope, that's going to be fly to wear, as well sound good, as well as practical in use, and that's when we came with Chambers by RZA," he explained. Functionality was key, so there are quite a few features that the RZA says set his headphones apart from others on the market. One unique feature, in particular, is the battery-powered noise-canceling function. "I wanted to make sure that when the noise-cancellation batteries run out, the headphones still work. I hate when the batteries run out and the headphones don't work," RZA said. "What's the use of paying a couple hundred bucks for headphones that's dependent on $5 batteries? It don't make sense. So these headphones, when the batteries run out, you still can use it as a regular headphone." Another key feature is the headphones' ability to link to other ear buds, allowing multiple people to listen to the same device simultaneously. "We made ours as to now you can plug right in; you can connect headphone-to-headphone-to-headphone," he said. "You and your girlfriend could be chillin' on the train maybe, she can have her iPod, and guess what? You're both hearing the same song, enjoying each other's company." The Chambers by RZA also light up while the music is playing, creating a kind of light show. And in addition to the flashing lights, the Shaolin representative wanted to make his line fashionable, even taking into account his Wu-Tang bandmates during the design process. "I wear Timberlands, black Timberlands a lot, right? So I needed an all-black pair of headphones," he said. "Raekwon, he likes wearing Air Force 1s — him and Method Man wear Air Force 1s. Almost every Wu-Tang Show, [Rae] got on a pair of Nikes, so I thought about headphones that would match his Nikes." Combining functionality with fashion is what RZA hopes will make his line of headphones stand out from the competition. "That's what I think it should be; it's a fashion statement," he added. "It's not only something that's useful — because they gotta be useful, of course — but to be useful and cool, you can't beat that." Would you buy Chambers by RZA headphones? Let us know in the comments

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Timbaland Reaches Out To Demi Lovato For A Collaboration

11 Jan 2011 13:34:54 EST

Hitmaker records a video message for the Disney starlet and shares a snippet of a song he's created for her.
By James Dinh

Demi Lovato (file)
Photo: Jason LaVeris/ FilmMagic

From Madonna to Keri Hilson, Timbaland's collaborations have spanned many genres. And while he's not hurting for longtime friends to work with (Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado), he's always looking for new talent. Next on the producer's collabo wish list? Demi Lovato. In a video message posted on YouTube, Timbo shares his thoughts about the Disney starlet, who is still checked into a treatment center for "emotional and physical issues." "Demi, I'm so ... I'm sitting here looking. Man, I'm just like, 'Wow.' You are amazing, girl," he gushed. "I'm kind of funny. I'm very hard to please, and I'm just not an easy person to please, so I'm very impressed. I'm very impressed. I got to hear you sing some of your songs, and I'm like, 'Wow.' " Timbaland was so amazed with Lovato's talents that he's already created a track for the singer/actress. The super-producer played a clip of an acoustic ballad, admitting that he has yet to add his signature touch. "I'm going to play a song that we did just for you," he said. "It ain't finished. It don't have my stamp of knockness to it yet. I'm playing a song just for you, only for you. Are you ready? It goes something like this. I wrote this for you." "You said you would take care of me/ We would always be living good/ And you said you get big one day, but you wouldn't get Hollywood/ Then opportunity called your name and you said that you didn't feel the same way I felt for you," a female vocalist sings on the demo. While a team-up with the producer hasn't been confirmed, Demi's camp has said that the teen sensation will hit the road later this year to promote a new album. Who else do you wish Timbo would collaborate with? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Timbaland Denies Reports That He Contemplated Suicide

25 Aug 2010 14:54:45 EDT

'Only thing I did was take a drive and figure out how I'm gonna handle it,' rapper says about his actions after being robbed.
By Shaheem Reid

Timbaland
Photo: Theo Ward/ Getty Images

Timbaland says that there is no way he was thinking about committing suicide. The super-producer called in to Ryan Seacrest's radio show this morning and denied the TMZ report that he was contemplating suicide after a $2 million watch was stolen from his Malibu house. "People steal from me all the time," Tim told Seacrest. "Something did happen. That wasn't a watch. It was something else." Tim also said that he suspected somebody close to him had stolen from him and he left his home to think. "Only thing I did was take a drive and figure out how I'm gonna handle it," he explained. "I wasn't talking, so I guess people got worried. I tell people if my mom ain't calling or my brothers or my best friend, ain't nothing to talk about. ... Now why would I commit suicide? I could buy what was stolen." The Malibu/ Lost Hills Sheriff's Station weighed in on the subject. Police say they had received a call from "distraught family members," and according to a police report, "His wife, mother, mother-in-law and other friends had been trying to find him but that proved unsuccessful so they called for the assistance of the Sheriff's Department." A missing persons report was apparently filled out yesterday. A police helicopter located Tim a short while later and the hitmaker returned home, the report also says. Tim did leave his crib later and spent all night in a recording studio. The platinum king told Seacrest he had just come out of the lab, where he was finishing up Keri Hilson's new album. He said fans can expect a couple of singles from it in the next couple of days. "I just got back from the studio," Tim said. "I don't know if a person who's going to commit suicide would be in the studio."

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Jay-Z Is Hip-Hop's Cash King, According To Forbes

17 Aug 2010 12:52:36 EDT

Mogul earned $63 million over the last 12 months, according to business magazine.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Jay-Z performs in concert (file)
Photo: WireImage

For the third time in four years, Jay-Z has been crowned the "Hip-Hop Cash King" by Forbes. The Brooklyn lyricist topped the business magazine's annual ranking of high-rolling hip-hop stars by earning $63 million over the past 12 months, thanks to business ventures like a high-grossing tour, real estate investments and the successful Broadway production "Fela!" Jay-Z's income more than doubled the total brought home by 2010 runner-up Diddy, who clocked in at #2 on the list with $30 million earned thanks to endorsement deals and roles in films like "Get Him to the Greek." Akon came in third, earning $21 million from endorsement deals and his signing of Lady Gaga to his Interscope-backed label KonLive. Lil Wayne landed at the #4 spot with $20 million in earnings, most of which came through touring; the rapper's tours last year, I Am Music and America's Most Wanted, were the biggest hip-hop outings of 2009. Dr. Dre came in at #5, earning $17 million through a combination of album royalties from his past projects, executive producing a pair of Eminem releases and income from his headphone line Beats by Dre. Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, Pharrell and Kanye West rounded out the top 10. Jay-Z has topped the Forbes list every year since its 2007 inception with one exception; in 2008, 50 Cent came in at #1 when the magazine estimated his income at more than $150 million. The G-Unit boss came in at a distant #14 this year, and he was tied with his mentor Eminem; both multi-platinum superstars raked in $8 million. Drake was among those making their debut on the list, ranking #11.

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'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Producers Discuss Their 'Dirty South' Selections

24 May 2010 21:53:00 EDT

Some have criticized the 2010 honorees for who was included or omitted.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Fab 5 Freddy and Nelson George
Photo: VH1

The executive producers of "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" have responded to various Southern rap pioneers who have criticized the production for its 2010 selections, which include Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, Rap-A-Lot Records founder J Prince, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew, Master P and Outkast producers Organized Noise. "We try to pick people from different eras, whether it was closer to the beginning or from the late '80s into the '90s," Fab Five Freddy said of the process, which has drawn criticism from Suave House Records founder Tony Draper and rappers Scarface and Uncle Luke. "And people that carved out specific lanes and styles in the music." The onetime "Yo! MTV Raps" host and writer Nelson George, who have overseen each show since its inception, admitted that every show will have detractors. "I don't know if you do anything with hip-hop and not have people speak up," George said in an interview posted on VH1.com. George said that for every person upset with the process, there are just as many people satisfied, noting that fans of Timbaland or Rap-A-Lot Records will see their favorites. "Depending on where your point of view is [coming from], the show works," he said. "They say all politics are local, all hip-hop is too. People want their place represented." Draper has voiced his displeasure in several interviews, saying the process is flawed if only one act or person that represents each facet of Southern hip-hop is selected. Luke felt he alone should be recognized for his endeavors, not the 2 Live Crew collective with whom he worked only on a limited basis. Scarface lashed out over what he perceived was an oversight since his group, the Geto Boys, were omitted, although the influential rappers were signed to Rap-A-Lot. George suggested fans celebrate the moment and those that will actually be feted, a diverse group that they sought to honor the region's successes. Fab Five Freddy defended himself and his production partner, both native New Yorkers, overseeing a show that honors "The Dirty South." The two were also criticized for their lack of credentials below the Mason-Dixon Line, however, Freddy dismissed that particular barb and UGK's Bun B also defended the production. "With 'Yo! MTV' and with my curious nature, I got an opportunity to go to these other places where these new forms or new artists where emerging," Freddy said. "So many people have gone with me to Liberty City in Miami to see what the 2 Live Crew was really about, to go to the 5th Ward in Texas to see the Geto Boys and, of course, most people's favorite show, the ride on the flatbed truck through Compton with N.W.A. I got to share those experiences with a lot of other people to show it's not just about us in [New York], it's cats in Philly and other places that are making viable music with a unique culture. 'Hip Hop Honors' is still trying to do that thing. Let's take people places and really show them and help them understand where it comes from and give props to the people that paved the way." Are you excited to watch "VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South"? Let us know in the comments!

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'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Puts Spotlight On 'Dirty South' Pioneers

19 May 2010 18:28:50 EDT

Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, 2 Live Crew and more will be honored at the show, airing June 7.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Photo: MTV News

Rick Ross, Gucci Mane and recently ousted "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Chad Ochocinco will be among the performers and presenters at this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" festivities, recognizing "The Dirty South." The show is set to be taped June 3 at Manhattan's Hammerstein Ballroom and air Monday, June 7, at 9 p.m. on VH1. For the first time since the production's inception, a new host will take the reins, as "Hot Tub Time Machine" star Craig Robinson steps into Tracy Morgan's unlaced Adidas shell-top sneakers. Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, Rap-A-Lot Records founder J Prince, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew, Master P and Outkast producers Organize Noise will be this year's honorees. This is the second year in a row "Hip Hop Honors" centers on a theme; last year, Def Jam Records was honored. The production also returns to Hammerstein Ballroom after a one-year absence. Last year's taping occurred at the BAM Theater in Brooklyn, New York. A slew of performers and presenters were announced Wednesday (May 19), including Bun B, Paul Wall, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull, Kid Rock, Taraji P. Henson, Trick Daddy, Mystikal, Plies, Slim Thug, David Banner, Danny Glover, Eddie Griffin and NFL star Terrell Owens, among others. In past years, Snoop Dogg and the Wu-Tang Clan were feted, as were icons ranging from Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One and Run-DMC. Four years ago, the ladies took center stage during the show, as Lil' Kim and MC Lyte rallied their female counterparts, including Remy Ma and Da Brat, for a memorable performance. Are you excited by this year's "Hip Hop Honors" lineup? Let us know in the comments!

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