Who is Timbaland? The name has graced just about every hit song you’ve ever heard in the past few years. He’s worked with everyone from Björk to Jamie Foxx. His rolodex of contacts is larger than his exaggerated rap ego, yet his fame lies in song credits and shout-outs. Pinning him down is a task in itself (trust us), but trying to define him in a simple noun is next to impossible.
Producer? Rapper? Businessman? The consensus would yell producer, although a recent fling with movie-making threatens to add another string to his bow. In fairness, Mr Tim Mosely (aka Timbaland) would probably tell you he is the producer. The bravado wouldn’t be misplaced either. Apart from maybe Michael Jackson-era Quincy Jones, there can be few of his profession who have achieved his standing.
Born in the US state of Virginia, initial DJ pseudonyms of DJ Timmy Tim and (our favourite) DJ Tiny Tim were allegedly discarded in favour of Timbaland, so-named because of a predilection for the Timberland construction boots which were popular in the ’80s rap scene. He made his name first with late R’n’B singer Aaliyah at the tail end of the ’90s and later with former high school buddy Missy Elliot, perfecting the lurching, skittish beats that would become his trademark. Charged with reinventing Nelly Furtado (what price for an Abu Dhabi reunion?), he turned svengali and replaced her pixie smile with ‘Maneater’ claws, and then went on to helm the best bits of Justin Timberlake’s solo career.
Accusations of plagiarism dogged him in 2007 – the curse of the inveterate sampler – although these were largely confined to some signature ringtones he released. For the last 10 years, Timbaland has been ubiquitous – the puppet-master of the record industry – yet fewer know him as an artist in his own right. So what can we expect to see?
Mosley’s magpie instincts are no more restrained in his ‘solo’ work than in his other collaborations. Previous album Shock Value name-checks just about every artist in the past century, from emo-flounderers Fallout Boy to 50 Cent and Elton John (we really hope ‘Fiddy’ and Elton met). Appearances by former comrades Missy Elliot and Justin Timberlake only added to the throng. The result was an erratic, largely bombastic tribute to himself. ‘I’m number one, you’re number s**t’ he barks on one track. It smacks of a man who has scaled the heights and can do whatever he wants. Shock Value had its moments and there is little doubt that Timbaland is a confident fellow – in his line of business it helps. But when not camouflaged in the reflected glow of the super famous, how does he fair?
No matter your opinion, Timbaland’s stage presence is unquestioned. Mosley’s alter ego has a personality big enough to fill the emirate, let alone the corniche. Rumours also abound that, with all the big names descending on the city this month (Mosley’s worked with both Beyoncé and Furtado), the potential for an on-stage collaboration on the corniche or on Yas Island proves a tempting prospect. He remains a powerful draw in himself, though, particularly for the rap-loving UAE. If ever there was a part of Western culture which the emirates took to its heart, it’s the brash, bling-loving ethos of rap.
With a new album released next month, said to feature the likes of Shakira, Lady GaGa and Kings of Leon, Timbaland is up to his old tricks behind the mixing table. But, for just one night on the corniche, there is little doubt which Mosley we’ll see. The one, the only Timbaland. A man who promises to make you ‘bounce like yo’ ass had the hiccups’. Well, it’s about darn time. Timbaland, Corniche stage, October 30, 11.45pm-1am.
