Timothy Zachery Mosley, known professionally as Timbaland, is an American musician, record producer, DJ, rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive.
He has received widespread acclaim for his innovative production work and distinctive “stuttering” rhythmic style. In 2007, Entertainment Weekly stated that “just about every current pop trend can be traced back to him — from sultry, urban-edged R&B songstresses … to the art of incorporating avant-garde sounds into No. 1 hits.” Timbaland’s first full credit production work was in 1996 on Ginuwine…the Bachelor for R&B singer Ginuwine.
Further work on Aaliyah’s second studio album One in a Million (1996) and Missy Elliott’s debut studio album Supa Dupa Fly (1997) made him 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 and wet on to produce most of Timberlake’s subsequent LPs, such as FutureSex/LoveSounds and The 20/20 Experience along with their respective hit singles.