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In the two-plus years since Timbaland and
Aaliyah dropped the hit "If You’re Girl Only Knew"
from her platinum album, "One In A Million," R&B
and hip-hop heads have been feigning the sound that Timbaland
concocts. Timbaland uses any and everything to bring forth his
vision of a dope beat. Ginuwine’s hit, "Pony,"
contained a sampled burp, and the giggling baby in Aaliyah’s
"Are You That Somebody?" are examples of his entertaining
production mastery.
Now at the next level, Timbaland has released
his own CD entitled "Tim’s Bio: From The Motion Picture:
Life From Da Bassment." More than just an album with phat
beats, "Tim’s Bio…" validates his talents
as an innovative producer, and introduces some new artists as
well. For his first solo CD, Timbaland includes his all-star
family of Missy Elliott, Magoo, Lil’ Man, Ginuwine and Aaliyah.
He doesn’t depart from his successful sound of uncluttered
beats and unusual sound samples. "Get It On," is the
approiately titled first track. I could not figure out what the
sampled sound was, but it works with the lyrical flow of newcomer
Bassey, and the background "um huh’s" of Timbaland.
On "What Cha’ Know About This," Timbaland introduces
his latest innovation. Midway through this tight track he flips
the beat, making it even tighter, while new talents Mocha and
Baby Blue flow the boastful lyrics.
"Tim’s Bio…" has something
for everyone, including the quiet storm grooves. "Talking
On The Phone" features the powerful vocals of Kelly Price,
and "3:30 In The Morning" displays the sweet soul voice
of unknown singer Virginia Williams. Timbaland’s debut CD
has a medley of sounds and styles, but the slow jam, "Birthday,"
in my opinion is the best track, and will soon be a very requested
song - as was "Anniversary" for Tone, Toni, Tony. If
you can’t get your grind on to this seductive beat, "you
got problems."
The knock against Timbaland has been that
his beats sound the same, and for the most part that is true.
But, it's the elements within that differentiates each song.
A definite recommend. |
