Monday, December 31, 2007

New Attitude Mixtape



New Attitude Mixtape Key 2 Da Streets Vol. 2 - My State Of Mind out 1/8/08 with production by Hannon Lane and Timbaland. Order your copy now!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

"Outta My Head" Remix It! Entries

Here are the 17 remixes I got for our latest Remix It! project. Let me say thanks to all of you for taking the time to do the remixes. As always the support is appreciated and you all know how much I in return support all of the up and coming producers and beatmakers out there. We've definitely got some real bangers in this group so check them out. Take a few minutes and really listen to each one, give some constructive feedback, and offer kudos. Everyone worked really hard on them and I appreciate the effort. Remember you never know who's listening!

Remix It: Ashlee Simpson "Outta My Head"

My vote? Not sure yet :)

Friday, December 28, 2007

When Timbaland Interpolates

I miss the samples of the week just as much as all of you do so to keep in the same spirit but not step on anyone's toes (Sample War III, you ready Czar?) I decided to start a new series looking at Timbaland's interpolations rather than his samples. First up let's look at one I bet you all don't know.

The Jadakiss/Timbaland combination was always one of my favorites. The beat for The Lox's "Ride Or Die, Bitch" from their 2000 album We Are The Streets is dope especially the way the sample is flipped. I have to admit I liked it even more when I later found out Brian Kidd did the beat simply because of the conspiracy theory aspect. Then there was the dark and sinister "They Ain't Ready" from the Ruff Ryders 2001 album Ryde Or Die III (check your liner notes people, Brian Kidd did the Petey Pablo track "Dirrty" from the same album) which is one of my favorite Timbaland beats and also contains an interpolation which we'll get to another post. Jada and Bubba blended perfectly and that beat is just DARK and beautiful.

So with 2 great tracks under his belt you'd think Jadakiss couldn't lose with Timbo and his crew, but then there was that solo album Kiss Tha Game Goodbye and the not so shall we say favorable song "Nasty Girl" featuring Carl Thomas (sometimes called "Good Girl" which is the clean version) Some of you might disagree with me but I am not a fan of the track. The quality isn't the best and I just felt Tim didn't give Jada one of his better beats which Jada more than deserves. Here listen:



As it turns out Carl Thomas' chorus is an interpolation from the 1983 song by Milo called what else but "You're A Good Girl"

So there you have it everyone, the first of many interpolations we plan to bring you. As always, if any of you know any hit me up! Czar are you nervous? :)

Thursday, December 27, 2007

The making of Katharine McPhee

Here is a behind the scenes Electronic Press Kit for the making of American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee's self titled debut album. You'll see a brief in the background cameo by Danja as well as some shots of Marcella doing her thing on the engineering boards. Jim Beanz also gives us multiple glimpses of the vocal magic he is more than capable of. If you don't have DivX unfortunately you won't be able to view the video but you can always download the DivX player :)

Katharine McPhee behind the scenes

Thanks to Gii Sounds for the link.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Danja makes Bishop Lamont "So Sad"

I hope you all had a great holiday but it's time to get back to business and what better way than some new music. Bishop Lamont, signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath label, has been talking for quite sometime about his debut album yet it still hasn't materialized. Making sure to keep his name relevant while we wait, Lamont has just released his mixtape Pope Mobile and this VERY interesting track produced by Danja

Bishop Lamont f/ Chevy Jones "So Sad" produced by Danja Handz


Why so interesting you ask? The track sounds very Indian (though I could be wrong, perhaps Eastern European?) which Danja was yet to do but more so how often has Danja ever sampled? In my opinion this is a very different kind of track for him and I'm definitely feeling it. Actually I've heard rumors from different sources that Danja did Papoose's "That's A Good Look" with Tim so maybe this isn't the first time Danja has dipped into samples.

You all feeling this track? Big thanks to Trent for the track!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Happy Holidays!

From all of us here at The Chronicles we wish all of our readers from around the world a very Happy Holiday. We thank you for your contributions, interest, and support. We're constantly coming up with new ideas to make The Chronicles even better and I think you all will be very happy with what we come up for 2008.

In the holiday spirit I've extended the deadline for the Ashlee Simpson remixes so get those in to me as soon as you can. I will be posting them tomorrow.

Again Happy Holidays and enjoy your day today whether it's with family, friends, or just yourself. Here's to 2008!

-The Chronicles Team

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Samantha Jade "Eyes On Me"

Here are 2 live versions of Samantha Jade performing what has been reported to be her next single "Eyes On Me" produced by Timbaland, co-produced by my dude Jim Beanz, and written by Ryan Tedder of One Republic.

Video 1 (turn your volume way down!)


Video 2


Word is Jade was this close to shooting the official video for "Eyes On Me" replacing Britney Spears' video shoot for "Piece Of Me" since Spears refused to show up but once she found out about the possible replacement Spears decided to show up 12hours late.

You know I always prefer CD quality but until we have that what are your thoughts on the track?

Did you know? Beck & Timbaland



We all know about the Beck/Timbo collabo "Diamond Dogs" off the Moulin Rouge soundtrack which in my opinion was one of the first times Tim really showed that he could work with an artist outside of the Hip Hop/R&B genre and it make a dope track. In addition to the final version which included Timbaland, Beck also made another version of the track without Tim. Beck said "The one I did on my own is sort of 'Al Jolson at the rave tent.' With Kurt Weill playing the pump organ." When the two hit the studio, Tim has unfamiliar with the original David Bowie version so Beck played it for him on the piano. Despite Beck's excitement, Tim was still unconvinced of the song's potential but as the 2 started to work the song gained momentum.

The initial reason why the 2 artists collaborated was out of mutual respect (as is usually the case for most of Tim's "outside" productions) "I met Beck at [a taping of the TV show, 'Jimmy And Doug's] Farmclub.com'," Timbaland remembered. "Jay-Z said Beck wanted to meet me, and I came up there with Jay and I hooked up with him there." A few months later, during the first week of September, 2000, Beck went into the studio with Timbaland to work on "Diamond Dogs."

Beck recalled the session: "We got in the studio and we were just foolin' around. Tim wanted it to sound darker. I think we kind of turned it into a completely different song; we just kept the lyrics. There's a coolness in our version that it doesn't release. It just builds and it never lets go. Always holding something back, you know. It doesn't have the big payoff. Which is something I like about Tim's music, that it's always holding something back. It hints at more than it's giving. That minimalism, I really respect, 'cause I tend to go way over the top, and try to do too many things at once, and cram too much in one space."

The chemistry was more than obvious as Beck worked with Tim again on his Indecent Proposal album for the Aaliyah laced track "I Am Music." In the end, more than likely due to the passing of Aaliyah, the version with Beck was not put on the album and is still locked in the vaults of Timmy T. Yet there's more, Tim and Beck also worked on yet another untitled track that has also never seen the light of day. There had been rumors that the track would show up on Beck's latest album The Information but did not. Even the Deluxe Edition Re-Release of Beck's 1996 classic Odelay, coming out January 29th featuring unreleased and rare remixes, will be without Timbaland.

Maybe one day we'll hear it but until then keep adding to that unreleased list!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Video: Ashlee Simpson "Outta My Head"

From her just titled Bittersweet World album:



I thought Timbaland was supposed to be in the video? I guess he's even get cut out of videos these days.

Thoughts on the video? Props to Daniel.

Soul Diggaz strike a deal with Mosley Music Group

I can remember 5 years ago when I bought Missy's This Is Not A Test album and while reading the liner notes cover to cover, as I do with any CD I buy, I noticed a few things. Of course there were the names to be expected like Timbaland, Missy, and Jimmy D, a few familiar names such as Nisan Stewart and Craig Brockman, but it was the new names that interested me like Demo, Marcella (yep she was on even back then), and the Soul Diggaz. As I continued to study liner notes from other CDs, I began to notice that the Soul Diggaz weren't just some one track wonders rather they had steadily been on the grind making a name for themselves.

With co-production credits for Missy's "This Is Our Last Time", "Hurt Somethin'", the Ashlee Simpson Missy featured remix for "L.O.V.E" and Missy's Madonna duet Gap commercial, it was obvious there was a some sort of connection. Upon digging further, I found out the Soul Diggaz have been around a lot longer than I thought. Starting out in 1996 with the artist Nonchalant, they quickly scored a track off of Pras' solo album and later signed as in-house producers for Mary J Blige's MJB Entertainment. The brothers K-Mack and Bless eventually hooked up with Corte Ellis, Missy Elliott's cousin, and added the songwriter to the now trio. With the buzz building, a bidding war soon ensued between Diddy and Missy and based on her talent, drive, and rising star power, the group went with Missy and just that quickly they were in the studio with Madonna.

Having produced on soundtracks like Honey, Big Momma's House 2, and The Fighting Temptations, as well as producing hit records for Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Monica, and Notorious B.I.G, the Soul Diggaz have established themselves as a fast rising production force to be reckon with. Corte Ellis has also been working on his solo album on the Soul Diggaz imprint in addition to writing for a variety of stars including Katherine McPhee and most recently with Danja and Britney Spears for her Blackout album.

Allhiphop sat down with Soul Diggaz to discuss their new deal with MMG, their journey through the music game, and what we can expect in the future from the trio. Check it out:

****AllHipHop.com: What can we hear on the radio right now that Soul Diggaz has done?

K-Mack: We just signed a huge deal with Mosley Music and Interscope, it’s a long time venture. We co-produced “Let It Go” with Keyshia Cole featuring ‘Lil Kim and Missy Elliot; we did a song for B5 called “Hydrolic” featuring Bow Wow; Cheri Dennis “Portrait of Love” featuring Yung Joc and we have a song on Bow Wow and Omarion’s album Face Off called “Jump Off.”

AllHipHop.com: I know that ya’ll work closely with Puffy. Do you think that your working relationship would be as strong if you would have originally signed with him instead of with Missy?

K-Mack We still have a great relationship with Puff. We was just in the studio with him a few weeks ago. We have a few things we’re working on with him now. He specifically called us up because he likes our sound and our formula. We’re actually going to Miami for seven days to work on Danity Kane’s new project and with the guy group from Making The Band. We are also working with a solo artists he signed named Donnie (from Making the Band) he signed. It’s a respect factor, even though we didn’t choose to work with him at that given time he respected our decision. He was going through a lot. ****

Be sure to check out the full interview as well as their myspace page. Pay particular attention to the new group called Izza Kizzas working with both the Soul Diggaz and Timbaland. Don't sleep on these guys as I guarantee you will be hearing a lot more from them in the near future!

Tops of 2007

Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and Nelly Furtado all show up on 2007's top songs and tours listed by Billboard. Take a look:

Highest grossing tours
1. The Police $212 million
2. Genesis $129 million
3. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland $126.8 million with 1.6 million attending worldwide

Top R&B/Hiphop song based on performance on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100
1. Beyonce 11 charted titles
2. Robin Thicke 3 charted titles
3. Jay Z 12 charted titles
14. Justin Timberlake 7 charted titles

Top R&B/Hiphop song based on performance on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100
1. Akon 12 charted titles
2. Fergie 7 charted titles
3. Justin Timberlake 7 charted titles
11. Timbaland 8 charted titles
13. Nelly Furtado 6 charted titles

Now let's see what Tim does in 2008...

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Timbaland shoots "Scream" video today

Timbaland, Keri Hilson, and Nicole Scherzinger shot the video for "Scream" today. No details as of yet the concept for the video but we will keep you posted. The song has already been released to radio stations as of December 11th and for those keeping track there is a shorter Radio Edit version of the track out there which I assume, as with most Radio Edits, will be the same as the Video Version. The video will officially premiere on Janurary 15th.

Timbaland has had all 3 of his singles top the Billboard Hot 100 charts, will this be his 4th in a row?

Also on an exlcusive tip don't be suprised if a remix of "Scream" appears with 1 or 2guests on it. Nothing is for sure but there have been talks of something being put together.

Tim talks Madonna, Keri Hilson talks her start

As we reported Tim has been touring around the country for various
Jingle Ball shows and recently did an interview with Z100. We dropped
the Madonna/Timbo track now listen to Tim confirm "4 Minutes To Save The World" will be her first single come 1st quarter of 2008.

Also check out the interview with Keri talking about her start in music (1st placement at 17? Damn!)

Timbaland & Keri Hilson on Z100

Thanks to the anonymous who sent these my way.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Timbaland plays new Madonna track

At last night's Jingle Ball in Philedelphia, Timbaland played a new Madonna track he helmed called "4 Minutes To Save The World" featuring Justin Timberlake. Seems as though Madonna wasn't too happy with Timbo's decision so we'll have to wait and see what happens. Here is a very low quality clip:



Thoughts on the song? I have a feeling Hannon Lane was also involved in the track but I can't say for sure yet. Props to Trent on the link.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Remix It: Ashlee Simpson"Outta My Head(Ay Ya Ya)"

Alright my friends we haven't done a remix contest in a long time so let's get into one for this week. It seems everyone has been split on the new Ashlee Simpson joint "Outta My Head" so with that said let's see what you all can do with it. Here's the accapella, put your own beat to it, and send it to me by next week Sunday. I'll post all the remixes up for everyone to hear and we'll take a vote to determine a winner. Let's see what you can do with it:

"Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)"

Who's in?

Thursday, December 13, 2007

BossPlayya Presents: Missy's SUPA DUPA FLY timstrumentals

Last, but far from being the least of Missy's albums is her solo debut, SUPA DUPA FLY, released the summer of 1997.

Miss E had been gradually building her rprofile with guest spots here and there on New Edition remixes, with SWV, Gina Thompson and others. Anticipation for her debut was sky high...and for a Timbo fiend, I remember rushin to the stores the day this dropped.

Lead single was THE RAIN w/ that inescapable Ann Peebles sample. Eventhough it's one of my least favorite joints on an album full of bangers, the audience and critics ate it up, the Hype Williams directed video definitely helped too!

Hype Williams went even crazier on video #2. For some reason, this one ain't hit it as big but it was great to see Missy, Da Brat and Timbo runnin around this MEGA-MAN inspired world. SOCK IT 2 ME was built around that sample that Czar posted..remember who it was? I love this song to this day.

Single number 3 was the criminally slept on BEEP ME 911, that mighta been ahed of it's time and too 'experimental' for mainstream r&b tastes at the time.
Sidenote, do some of y'all miss Missy, the singer? I prefer her over Missy the MC.
Hype Williams took a break from shooting Missy, but the video still kept it nuts w/ Missy, Tim & Mag livin in Barbie's world, much better thatn that Swedish group Aqua ever did it.
The more hip-hop flavored remix was serviced to 'urban' radio stations and to mixtape dj's.

Finally, not really on SUPA DUPA FLY, and not really a single off this album either cause it came out in 98 as a single for the soundtrack to the movie CAN'T HARDLY WAIT...was HIT EM WIT DA HEE remix. I've gone on record about this crazy track before. One of my fave timstrus.
"sometimes i feel like doin a beat...sometimes i dont...." Only Timbaland.
The Rain timstru
Sock It 2 Me timstru
Beep me 911 timstru
Beep Me 911 remix timstru
Hit Em Wit Da Hee remix timstru
Yeah I know I've posted a couple of those before but I'm doin the album here and aint wanna leave any tracks off. So the reposts are for those who werent around the first time.

Also, scroll down to the UNDER CONSTRUCTION post for GOSSIP FOLKS timstru provided By Tom aka DEVOURED..props!

Unsolved Mystery #3: Timbaland or Hannon Lane?

We never have looked at Petey Pablo's Same Eyez On Me on The Chronicles, so what better way than to see if we can solve a mystery.

Mystery:
Did Timbaland or Hannon Lane produce any tracks off of Petey Pablo's Same Eyez On Me album?

Facts:
- MTV confirmed that Timbaland (and Magoo) would be working on the album.

- Of the 18 tracks on the album, we'll look at 2 for evidence. The first is "In A Minute" which uses very similar distinctive synths as the unreleased Attitude track "It's Alright It's Ok" confirmed to be produced by Hannon Lane. (Also check Lil' Jon's "Lean Back" Remix for another identical sound)

Petey Pablo "In A Minute"

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Attitude F/ Bubba Sparxxx "It's Alright It's Ok" (remember this track was purposely leaked in this quality)

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- "What'cha Gonna Do" uses the same Indian voice sample "juda" as the Rajé Shwari song "Masala" confirmed to be produced by Hannon Lane.

Petey Pablo "What'cha Gonna Do"

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Can you solve the mystery?

Did You Know? Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, & Timbo

There was talk of a Timbaland/Rick Ross collaboration back on Ross' first album yet the album came and went and still no Timbo. Yet that wasn't the only time the two worked together. As it turns out there was supposed to be a track on Snoop's Blue Carpet Treatment featuring Ross and produced by none other than Timbo. Read More:

****Ross can also be heard on the remix of Young Jock's "It's Goin' Down," on "Some Real Shit," the first single from Daz's new album, and the remix of LeToya Luckett's R&B hit "Torn." He'll also be featured on an as-yet-untitled, Timbaland-produced cut from Snoop Dogg's new album, and on new albums by Too Short and Lil Wayne and Baby. Ross is in negotiations with P. Diddy to become the newest member of the Bad Boy Records rap-group Boyz N Da Hood, and his Miami clique, the Carol City Cartel, is planning a debut album. Ross also has loose plans to collaborate with some of his favorite MCs -- either on one of his albums or one of theirs.****

Full Article

Will Tim make the cut for Ross' next album Trilla? We'll have to wait and see but in the meantime add another track to our Unreleased list.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Ashlee shoots video "Outta My Head" (Updated)



The music video for Ashlee Simpson's "Outta My Head(Ay Ya Ya)" was shot yesterday. She describes the video as "one of my favorite artists is Salvador Dali. You'll see a little bit of that surrealism in it. There's a bit of 'Being John Malkovich' in there too. It's a little out there." The single will be released on iTunes and other digital outlets this Tuesday. No official title of the album has been given which is looking to be released sometime in March.

Simpson describes her Timbaland helmed album, "There's definitely influences here and there from it, but it's definitely not a full-on '80s record. I've never gone into a room and worked with somebody who puts a beat on and you start going. It felt like somewhere to go with the record where I'd never been."

Update: MTV has also revealed extensive details about the video and Timbaland's cameo appearance. It sounds interesting:

****In the video, Ashlee hears voices — though they aren't in her head; they're the voices of her family, record executives, fans, haters and the media. The opinion overload is driving her crazy, so, according to the video's treatment, she seeks counseling. But her therapist, played by the song's producer, Timbaland, hasn't mastered the art of listening. He interrupts her in a strange drone that makes him sound like the teacher from Charlie Brown cartoons.

From there, things just get worse. As the song's beat kicks in, the therapist's office walls melt, and Ashlee finds herself in the middle of a surrealistic landscape, with clouds moving in reverse, melting clocks going backward and a giant Rubik's cube trying to solve itself in the sky. Timbo, now looking like Sigmund Freud, asks, "Am I getting on your nerves?" A chattering mob — including media members with cameras and tape recorders for heads — is closing in, so Ashlee runs away, only to stumble on the massive head of a statue, which looks a lot like her. The head opens its eyes and sings, "What, is that all you got to say? What, what, you're rubbing me the wrong way."****

Also take a listen to the HQ version of the track featuring Timbaland himself


Now that we have the HQ has everyone's thoughts on the track changed? I have to admit I think the track is a lot catchier than before yet I still miss the old Tim. I'd take a thousand "One In A Million"s for any of his "pop" songs. Thanks to SafeHandz for the track.

Timbaland gets covered (Part I)

As much as we all appreciate Timbaland and the music he creates what about other musicians? Sure plenty of them have already worked with Tim and many more are on deck but what about those who are just plain fans? What's the best form of flattery in a musicians eyes? A cover of their favorite music of course and that's exactly what some bands have done. Here are just a few of many bands who covered Timbaland all of which you would never even expect to necessarily be fans. Listen:

The Eels "Get Your Freak On"

Bloc Party "Say It Right"

The Gossip "Are You That Somebody"

Thoughts? If you know any more hit me up.

Throwback: Beat Club gains momentum

The year is 2002 and Timbo and Missy have just been nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B song for "Get Ur Freak On", talks of the what would have been a monumental collabo between Dr Dre and Timmy have started, and Beat Club is still getting it's feet wet in the industry game. Check out what Timbaland had to say to CNN 6 years ago:

****Timbaland's latest protege is Ms. Jade, an edgy rapper whose song "Ching Ching Ching" features Furtado. Ms. Jade's debut album, "Girl Interrupted," is due out in the spring.

"It's just basically me introducing myself to the rap game and me spittin' roll over Tim's beats," she said.

She credits Timbaland with developing a style of rap beyond her roots in Philadelphia. "None of the songs on the album are the same, and I learned that from Tim," she said. "I learned how to flow on his beats, and I learned to get into the beat more than I did."****

Full Article

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Video: Simple Plan "When I'm Gone"

Co-produced by Danja:




I'm still not a fan of this track.

Timbaland top 10 best seller on iTunes

Both Timbaland's Shock Value album and song "The Way I Are" are on the top 10 lists for the best selling album and best selling single of 2007 according to iTunes, the third-largest music retailer in the U.S. Here are the lists according to Apple:

The best-selling albums of the year:

1. Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long
2. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
3. Kanye West - Graduation
4. Daughtry - Daughtry
5. Colbie Caillat - Coco
6. Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight
7. Various artists - "High School Musical 2" soundtrack
8. Timbaland - Timbaland Presents: Shock Value
9. John Mayer - Continuum
10. Various artists - "Hairspray" soundtrack

The best-selling songs of the year:

1. Fergie - "Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)"
2. Gwen Stefani - "The Sweet Escape"
3. Plain White T's - "Hey There Delilah"
4. Avril Lavigne - "Girlfriend"
5. Fergie - "Glamorous"
6. Kanye West - "Stronger"
7. Maroon 5 - "Makes Me Wonder"
8. Akon - "Don't Matter"
9. Timbaland (featuring Keri Hilson & D.O.E.) - "The Way I Are"
10. Shop Boyz - "Party Like a Rock Star"

Mary J Blige "Skycap" now a bonus cut

Ever since the leak of Mary's new album Growing Pains people have been asking, "where is the Timbo/Clutch joint 'Skycap'?" Not to worry 'Skycap' will be a bonus cut on the UK Edition of the album. Here is that tracklisting:

1. Work That
2. Grown Woman
3. Just Fine
4. Feel Like A Woman
5. Stay Down
6. Talk To Me
7. Shake Down
8. Till The Morning
9. Nowhere Fast
10. Roses
11. Fade Away
12. What Love Is
13. Work In Progress (Growing Pains)
14. Hurt Again
15. Smoke
16. Come To Me (PEACE)
17. Mirror
18. Sleep Walkin'
19. Sky Cap

As soon as we get this track you all will be the first to hear it.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Behind the scenes of Red Carpet Massacre

See Duran Duran, Danja, Jimmy D, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland work their magic for the making of Red Carpet Massacre:



Thanks to Alex for the link.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Backstage with Timbaland

I'm not going to lie, I've always thought "what would I say/do when I meet Timbaland?" Would I say what a big fan I was, would I stay quiet, would I tell him about my collection of rare Timbo tracks and dork out? Well Tuesday night I was put to the test as I got backstage passes not only to meet Timbo, but D.O.E, Keri Hilson, Sebastian, Freestyle Steve, One Republic and the whole crew at a radio show here in Seattle, WA.

2 people went that night to meet Timbaland and the crew: J Boogie the writer for The Chronicles who thought of a million questions to ask everyone and who brought an iPod full of alternate version and snippet Timbo tracks to see if I could impress the man ha! And Josh the Timbaland fan who was trying to not to freak out that I was meeting not only an idol, but someone I have been listening to all of my adult life.

I'll tell you what J Boogie got from the experience:

D.O.E: He's working hard on the new album. Instead of choosing nothing but big time producers for the project which means more money but more importantly more time wasted on getting everyone's schedule in line, D.O.E has been using a lot of up and coming producers looking to create a different sound than what people may expect from him. Don't think though that he won't have Tim and Danja on the album as he plans on getting studio time with them as well.

Keri Hilson: Almost completely finished the debut album. Timbo, Polow, Antonio Dickson, The Dream, and Tricky Stewart will all be on it. Of course me being me, I asked about Brian Kidd and unfortunately it doesn't look like he will be on the album. I forgot to confirm the 1st single DOH!

Sebastian: He too has been working hard on his album, getting in the studio mainly with Hannon Lane (YEAH!) and looking to do work with Timbo of course. Again I asked about Brian Kidd (what can I say I'm a fan) and he mentioned that possibility may just happen.

Freestyle Steve: Now Steve pointed out to me that I didn't have link to his myspace page on The Chronicles and here he is Timbaland's DJ oops! I quickly added him the next day and am thinking about putting together a series of Live with Freestyle videos here on The Chronicles. In the meantime he's got a little project he's working on that I'll let be a surprise but I will say expect to learn a lot more about Freestyle here very soon.

One Republic: Ryan Tedder is one talented dude point blank. Tim and One Republic did their track "Apologize" during the show and EVERYONE was singing it word for word. Then after the track was finished, Tim grabs and the mic and says "ya'll want One Republic to do their 2nd single?" Screams of "yeaaah!" bellowed but the interesting thing was Ryan and the band looked thrown off. They were looking at each other, rushing around, when I realized: they weren't planning on doing the song, Tim just put them on the spot. Well Ryan decided to do it totally accapella, grabbed the mic, and just started singing their 2nd single "Stop and Stare" and who do you think joined in? Timbo of course who came in with the beat box and right there on the spot magic was created.

Timbaland: To be truthful I didn't get a chance to talk to Timbo. He was busy that night and I decided that perhaps in a different environment I would be able to ask him why he created 6 versions of "We At It Again" and if the alternate version of "Try Again" was planned :)

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All in all you couldn't ask for a better fan experience. The entire crew were incredibly humble, cool, funny, and more than welcoming. They all gave me new energy to continue to do The Chronicles and spread the word on good music. I have to give HUGE props to my man D.O.E was coming through and treating me like family. It was a night I will never forget....

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Shock Value's 4th single is........ "Scream"

"The shock of Timbaland Presents: Shock Value has turned to awe after spinning off three consecutive No 1 hits. Set to be the fourth is "Scream" featuring Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger. "Scream" follows "Give It To Me" featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, which topped Billboard's Hot 100 chart (sales of 248,000 digital downloads catapulted the track from No 42 in one week, making it the third biggest rise to No 1 in the chart's history); "The Way I Are" featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E., which hit No 1 on the Pop 100 chart and remains Top 20 on the Hot 100 (issue date December 8); and "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic, currently No 1 Pop 100 and No 2 Hot 100.

The shock has reached around the world too. In late November, Timbaland joined The Beatles, Madonna, and ABBA as the only artists to simultaneously hold the No 1 and No 2 positions on the Australian singles chart, with "Apologize" and "The Way I Are," respectively. In 1985, Madonna was the last artist to achieve that landmark. "Apologize" also annihilated by nearly 25% the previous record for the number of downloads in one week. Timbaland Presents: Shock Value has already reached platinum in Australia and Canada, and is nearing platinum in the U.S.

Furtado, OneRepublic, Hilson, and D.O.E. are labelmates on super-producer Timbaland's Mosley Music Group label via Interscope Records. OneRepublic's debut album, Dreaming Out Loud, which includes the original version of "Apologize," was released on November 20."

-Interscope

Not a fan of this track at all and honestly I don't think it's going to be a hit BUT let's hope Timbo, Keri, and Nicole make me eat my words.

Timbaland gets 5 Grammy nominations

The awards nominations keep coming in for Timbaland in 2007 including the most important award show of them all: the Grammy's. Tim is nominated a total of 5 times, including 1 for his own song "Give It To Me" as well as Producer of Year. Here are the related nominations:

Record Of The Year
• "Irreplaceable" Beyoncé
• "The Pretender" Foo Fighters
• "Umbrella" Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
• "What Goes Around…Comes Around" Justin Timberlake
Nate (Danja) Hills, Timbaland & Justin Timberlake, producers; Jimmy Douglass & Timbaland, engineers/mixers
• "Rehab" Amy Winehouse

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
• "Candyman" Christina Aguilera
• "1234" Feist
• "Big Girls Don't Cry" Fergie
• "Say It Right" Nelly Furtado
• "Rehab" Amy Winehouse

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
• "Everything" Michael Bublé
• "Belief" John Mayer
• "Dance Tonight" Paul McCartney
• "Amazing" Seal
• "What Goes Around...Comes Around" Justin Timberlake

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
• "Steppin' Out" Tony Bennett & Christina Aguilera
• "Beautiful Liar" Beyoncé & Shakira
• "Gone Gone Gone" (Done Moved On) Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
• "The Sweet Escape" Gwen Stefani & Akon
• "Give It To Me" Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake

Best Dance Recording
• "Do It Again" The Chemical Brothers
• "D.A.N.C.E." Justice
• "Love Today" Mika
• "Don't Stop The Music" Rihanna
• "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows" Justin Timberlake
Nate (Danja) Hills, Timbaland & Justin Timberlake, producers; Jimmy Douglass & Timbaland, mixers

Best Rap Song
• Ayo Technology
Nate (Danja) Hills, Curtis Jackson, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake,
songwriters
• Big Things Poppin' (Do It)
• Can't Tell Me Nothing
• Crank That (Soulja Boy)
• Good Life

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
• Howard Benson
• Joe Chiccarelli
• Mike Elizondo
• Mark Ronson
• Timbaland

Tim's music has dominated this year so let's hope it receives the accolades it deserves!

D.O.E takes you behind the scenes with Keri Hilson

D.O.E comes through again with a behind the scenes look at Keri Hilson's show from a few months ago. Take a look:

Part 1:


Part 2:

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

"AYO Technology" Remix



Just so we're all CRYSTAL clear this track advertised as a "Timbaland Remix" is 100%NOT Timbaland. Usually we don't bother even wasting our time trying to disprove all the fake and mislabeled "Timbaland" tracks but this "album" defnitely has all the makings of a legitimate project but in the end the truth is always exposed. Spread the word...

The track is in question is produced by M Rell (nice job my friend!) who posted his remix on Youtube over 3 months ago. Thanks to the anonymous poster in our comment section for the info!

Timbaland nominated again

This year's NRJ Awards nominees have been announced with Tim up for multiple nominations, which are:

International Male Artist of the Year
Akon
James Blunt
Juanes
Justin Timberlake
Timbaland

International Song of the year
James Blunt: “1973″
Mika: “Relax,” Take it Easy
Rihanna: “Do not Stop the Music”
Sean Kingston: “Beautiful Girls
Timbaland: “The Way I Are”

Video of the Year
50 Cent / Justin Timberlake: “Ayo Technology
Calogero: “Apple C”
Fatal Bazooka: “Speak to my hand”
Justice: ‘DANCE’
Mika: “Relax,” Take it Easy

Don't forget to vote for Timbo!



Tuesday, December 4, 2007

BossPlayya Presents: Missy's UNDER CONSTRUCTION timstrus

This week, I'm goin w/ Missy's best selling album to date, her 4th.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION took it back to the 'Old School' and marked the beginning of Timbo's 'throwback' era. Beats like Brandy's TURN IT UP, Bubba Sparxxx's DISAPPEAR,Skillz' OFF THE WALL and Tim's own COP THAT SHIT all got their start with this album.

The first single WORK IT was so leftfield when it dropped, that before the video and credits became available...Tim fans left & right were left guessin if it was really Tim on the beat. Tim's fans had a mixed initial reaction to it, including myself, but radio embraced it. Now, everybody accepts it as a classic joint in a long list of classics. Reminiscent of how Tim fans felt when SEXYBACK dropped.

The next smash hit off this project was GOSSIP FOLKS featuring Ludacris. Here's where I apologize, I coulda sworn I have this Timstru but I been searchin for it like crazy and somehow it's missin...so if any kind Timbo fan has the track, send it our way.
The video for that track though, segued into the Ms Jade featuring FUNKY FRESH DRESSED...crazy track that I have included. I Can't see any other R&B Hip Hop producers at the time steppin out and makin' tracks like these.

Last, but definitely not least is the Missy/Jay-Z collab, BACK IN THE DAY. This was all set to be the next single, and as far as I know they even shot a video for it. It's a mystery whatever happened to it.

Work It timstru
Funky Fresh Dressed timstru
Back In The Day timstru
Gossip Folks timstru
EDIT!! Gossip Folks has been added courtesy of Tom aka DEVOURED

Monday, December 3, 2007

Got Skillz The Timbaland Collection

Once upon a time last year, my man Skillz, the artist formerly known as Mad Skillz, dropped a mixtape spitting over nothing but Timbo beats. Where did he get the beats? Of course dude got permission from Timbo as they have been working together since way back in the day. Was Skillz ever signed to Beat Club? Nope but I've heard he was "signed" (along with Twista and Luda) to Tim before Tim even had a label. What happened exactly remains a mystery but for now let's enjoy this dope mixtape:

1. P-cutta - Intro
2. Skillz - New Era ("Indian Carpet" beat)
3. Skillz feat. M.A.F. - One Two One Two ("Dangerous Mouths" beat
4. Skillz feat. Pretty Ugly - Make A Decision ("That's Him" beat)
5. Skillz feat. Timbaland - Roller Skate Music ("It's Your Night" beat)
6. Skillz - Speaks On Timbaland
7. Skillz - You Should Know ("Back In The Day" beat)
8. Skillz - Classic Phone Skit
9. Skillz - Da Official Shit Is Back ("I'll Be Around" beat)
10. Skillz - P.S.A. ("I Like Dem Girls Part II" beat)
11. Skillz feat. J.R. - Big Kidz ("Leavin'" beat)
12. Skillz - Lost His Mind ("The Potion" beat)
13. Skillz feat. Ahken - Getting Money ("Cop That Shit" beat)
14. Skillz feat. Timbaland - Together (new Timbo beat)
15. Skillz - Richtown ("Party People" beat)

Listen here:



UPDATED! Throwback: Timbaland & The Neptunes and the "White Flag" remix exsists!

I'm loving these Throwback posts showcasing all the great articles from back in the day about Timbaland and the crew. Here's a very informative article on 3 of the biggest names coming out of Virginia: Tim Mosley, Pharrell Williams, and Chad Hugo. The article talks about how they each got their start, crafting their distinctive sounds, and some friendly competition. Take a look:

****''That's one of my biggest classics,'' Timbaland told me as we sat and talked in the studio. ''That record didn't sound like nothing else on the radio. I made about seven classics that you can still play to this day and still rock in the club. And I tell Pharrell, 'When you do that, that's when you get your veteran stripes.' I think he's got about three -- that Nelly song, ''Hot in Herre,'' Mystikal's ''Shake It Fast'' and Jay-Z's ''Give It to Me.'' I'm not talking about records that are hits, but records that still get played for years and years,'' Timbaland continued. ''I like to make it complex because that way, it stays around longer, and you can always listen to it. 'Are You That Somebody?' is still playing, 'Try Again' is still playing. Gotdang 'Cry Me a River' is phenomenal, wipes 'em out. 'Pony' I still hear, 'One in a Million' I still hear; they play it all day down here on the radio, all day radio airplay, 'Get Ur Freak On,' 'I Can't Stand the Rain,' they play 'Love 2 Love U,' that's the all-time classic. I could start naming, boy. I got title belts, you understand?''****

Full Article

The best part of the article is the confirmation of the Timbaland remix of Dido's "White Flag." Many people have claimed they have the track yet it has never been proven to be the official Timbaland remix. The common remix people have uses the same beat from a remix of a Tamia track from years back. I always thought that though people said there was an official remix, it was just a rumor and no remix was ever made (the same as the Timbaland remixes for Torrey Carter's "Take That" and Lil Mo's "5 Minutes"). Yet this article confirms that there is a remix, the question now is was it ever released and if so where is it?

Hear listen for yourself:

Tamia f/ Talib Kweli "Officially MIssing You" Midi Mafia Remix


Apparent Dido "White Flag" Timbaland Remix


What do you think?

It only took 8 hours to create and finish "Are You That Somebody", simply amazing. Enjoy the article! Thanks Pete for the tracks.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Ashlee Simpson "Outta My Head"

Take a listen to Ashlee Simpson's first single:

"Outta My Head"

Alternate version without Timbaland:


Produced by Royal Court & Timbaland. What do you all think?

Did you know? D-12 & Timbo

There were to be many collaborations between various artists and Timbo some of which you might have heard about and some of which you have not. So why not take a look back at the collabos that could have and should have been. To start off with, here's one I had no idea about that was supposed to happen back in 2006 as reported by a German hip hop website (this is a rough translation):

****Eminem comes back with D-12 and his solo album. 2006 was not a good year for Eminem. The death of Proof, the divorce from his wife Kim and the bad reviews for his ambitious "Re-Up" project. After such a year, one could just let 2007 be another year that passes. Because the good Em is however a man of work, he plunges into the new year with twice the work and gives notice both of a new D-12, and a new solo-album on.

The "Natural Born Killers" titled D-12-Album will for the most part be produced by D-12 member Denaun Porter aka Kon Artis. It was really to be expected, but the list of other producers have some surprises at hand: Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Hi Tek, and even Britney Spears-producer JR Rotem. Not just the typical people who are associated with Shady which could be exciting. The guests on the mic are 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and Nate Dogg in the old Shady tradition. It's been announced the disk will drop in April, the first single is a type of comedy track which will be about the fans who were disappointed recently of Eminem and the publications out of its Shady-camp.

Unlike the D-12 album Em is giving very little information about his solo album. There is no month of release but the target is November.****

I will continually add these to the Unreleased Timbaland Productions List. Look for more "should of"s coming soon!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Who Flipped it better? Pete Rock Vs. Marley Marl Vs. Timbaland

I'm diggin' this series of posts as they show how different producers approach the same sample. 1 body of music 2 or in this case 3 different ears and styles. I think what a lot of producers may forget is it's not necessarily the sample itself that can make you a good producer, though don't get me wrong the right one can make a song a hit, but it's more so how you use the sample. We've all heard samples used in a unique, inventive way making us say "wow what was he thinking?!!" and we've all heard samples used that has made us say "damn what was he thinking..."

Timbaland is a master at sampling not only because of the samples he uses but how he uses them. He can make a dope track out of anything whether the sample is some obscure 1979 Bollywood track or a common baby laugh or hiccup. The focus should be not necessarily on how Tim gets his samples but what he does with them when he does get them. In the end it's all about where Tim puts and doesn't put the sample. Tim is a genius when it comes to space both positive and negative. He understands what works and what doesn't. Sure he doesn't get it right everytime but overall Tim can be considered one of the slickest samplers as you really have to dig sometimes to find those obscure guitar chords or frantic drum patterns.

Ok enough talk let's get down to business, back in 1998 Pete Rock released his first solo album sans CL Smooth called Soul Survivor. One of the tracks off the album is called "The Game". Take a listen, sound familiar? Maybe not at first listen but it should after taking a listen to the next song. 5 years later Tim & Magoo released their album Under Construction II along with a track arguably produced by Hannon Lane called "Naughty Eye". Now do you hear the sample?

Wait though there's one more....

Recently this past summer, KRS 1 dropped an album entitled Hip Hop Lives with a track called "Rising To The Top" produced by Marley Marl using the exact same sample.

So there you have it: 3 producers, one sample and so I'll leave you with the famous question: Who flipped it better? Bonus points as always to whoever can name the sample. It should be an easy one :)

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Vote for Nicole Scherzinger's next single

Nicole's official website is asking the fans to pick her next single. The choices are "Happily Ever After", "Puakenikeni", the Timbaland produced "Physical", and "Who's Gonna Love You" (this track has been mislabled on many sites as a Timbaland production when in fact it's Polow) As it stands now "Physical" is in 2nd place. How about we change that shall we?

Vote here!! (right hand side of the page)

Finally an HQ version of "Physical"! Sounds like it would have fit nicely on Shock Value. What ya'll think, another Timbo banger or ?

Danja & Jim Beanz chop it up with Cassie

Cassie has been a busy woman since her radio hit "Me & U" with guest appearances on Jay Z's American Gangster album, appearing in Kanye West's "Stronger", and modeling for Sean John. She is also been working on her 2nd album with the likes of Ryan Leslie, Diddy, Eric Hudson, Brian Cox, Danja and my homie Jim Beanz! Check her latest interview to read more:

****AHHA: Who have you been working with on this album, as far as producers or guest appearances?

Cassie: I have no guest appearances so far; I’m sure that will come once we finish up and finalize the track listing and things like that. As far as producers, I’ve got to work with Puffy which hasn’t happened before, which is really, really cool. He’s really been hands-on with this project. I worked with Ryan Leslie of course again, I worked with Kanye, I worked with Eric Hudson, Brian Cox. Literally I worked with a whole roster of talent. Last night I got the opportunity to work with a writer by the name of Jim Beanz, we had met before but had never really been familiarized properly.

I’m working with Danja and I was telling him, “You know that song ‘Perfect Lover’ on Britney’s album, I love it.” He was just like, “Oh cool,” and then I was telling Puffy that on his album I love “After Love” with Keri Hilson and I just found out yesterday that Jim Beanz wrote both of them. Those are two songs that I absolutely, completely love so I’m really excited to work with [Jim].****

Props to Big A for the news!

New Articles on D.O.E & Jim Beanz



Check out the latest issue of the online Tub Magazine which talks with both Jim Beanz and D.O.E about their latest and future projects.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

New but Old Playa

I have to admit I was pretty surprised when I found out that Playa has a myspace page. By the looks of it, it's been around for quite sometime but it wasn't until recently that I found it. The space gives links to each of trio's solo projects and affiliates and soon music videos as well as videos of various performances will also be posted. Of course this is Playa so immediately the first thing to look for is their music.

They have 2 familiar Playa tracks up, "Intro" and the classic "Birthday" as well as an unreleased, though readily available, Timbaland produced track "Neva 2 Late." Smoke E. self produced the track "Breaks Me Down" but the track to really pay attention to is "Wrong Side Of The Bed." Produced by Timbaland the track was initially done by Playa but was later redone by the 5-some Outsiderz4Life. This track appeared out of nowhere quite some time ago on the Outsiderz4Life myspace page but it was never known there was another version until now.

I HIGHLY recommend you bookmark the Playa page as there are planned updates coming in the next few months. Do I smell a full version of "Available" and "Gravy Train"? Let's hope so. Roderick you ready?!

The story of Ryan Teddar & One Republic



Crunk remix? Wow...

Rolling Stone also featured One Republic as their Artist To Watch and featured another one of the songs from their album called "Stop & Stare":

****It's taken OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder seven years and four record deals to finally capitalize on his big break. Back in 2000, Tedder won a Lance Bass-sponsored talent search, performing a self-penned, falsetto-laden pop song, "The Look," on MTV's TRL at the height of that show's popularity. A deal with Bass' label didn't amount to anything, but Timbaland happened to see the TRL performance, and he sought Tedder out. "He sounded like John Mayer, but better," says the producer, who had Tedder accompany him to studios around the world for two years and gave him a guest spot on the 2003 Bubba Sparxxx song "She Tried."****

Congrats as always to Ryan and the band for getting their much deserved shine!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Fat Joe & Danja

"I got Diddy," Joe laughed. "That might be the next single. I made Diddy sing my hook like he did on 'Last Night.' That joint is produced by Danja. That's that crossover-big smash-hit record."

Looks like everybody's hopping on the "crossover-big smash-hit record" Danja train now. "The Elephant in the Room" drops March 11th, 2008.

Source

Danja wants you!

Update: After doing some research this information is indeed factual. You can check out Thomas 'King T' Eaton's (the head of DanjaHandz Muzik) myspace blog which gives the same information as Danja's bulletin. So no excuses I expect all of you to get in on it!

Keeping the continued support for all our up and coming musicians, producers, and artists out there, The Chronicles is going to hit you up with as many opportunities to shine as possible within the Timbaland/MMG family. I hope you all are working on your Duran Duran "Night Runner" remixes and now Danja is presenting another opportunity to shine. Here is his recent bulletin from his myspace page:

****What's poppin people!!

I NEED FIRE!! to every producer out there i need heat and heat only!! im putting together the next street power project and i need you to send your top 5 hottest joints to me a.s.a.p!!

send to eaton2g@gmail.com
also all dj's submit mixtapes for upcoming projects to this same email.

i am lookin for a dj but u have to be CRAAZZY!

im lookin out for u!****

Here is a golden opportunity to get heard my friends, who's in?!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

BossPlayya presents: Missy's THIS IS NOT A TEST Timstrumentals

Comin in on the tailend of Thanksgiving, here's the Timstrus for the week.
So far I ran thru DA REAL WORLD, SO ADDICTIVE and THE COOKBOOK. Albums 2, 3 & 6. Jumping back in time a little, here is album #5, THIS IS NOT A TEST.

Though certified platinum, it was seen as a disappointment in the wake of the huge success of UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Timbaland, when interviewed about this record has gone on record w/ various different statements....

"I think Missy rushed into doin this one", he said...it did drop barely a year after UC.
He also said that she was mad picky on this one, turning down a large amount of tracks, or bein mad dissatisfied w/ a lot of the beats.
Finally tho, I think both Tim & Missy have said this, and it speaks on their 'trailblazing' reputation...They didnt want any of the beats to sound like they were usin conventional sounds that everybody else was on, or as overproduced as everyone else was makin their stuff.

Witness the sparse beats on this album, huge gaps here and there. And the crazy bleeps and clangs substituting the expeced drum sounds on joints like LET ME FIX MY WEAVE and WAKE UP.

OK...so we got 1st single PASS THAT DUTCH with that great sample Czar found for us. The video featured the amazing intro (which did sound like vintage Missy/Tim), and the second half of the video played WAKE UP.

The second video off this project, and last, was I'M REALLY HOT (nonsensical japanese speaking intro while the visuals were all chinese??!), this one was Missy on her uptempo clubby tip.

Finally we got my fave track on the cd, that John DOE has made a great song on too, KEEP IT MOVIN. And it features that whole 'slow down' effect that we've heard on PUT YOU ON THE GAME, DIRT OFF YOUR SHOULDER, JOY, and countless Danja songs.
Pass That Dutch timstru
I'm Really Hot timstru
Keep It Movin timstru
Wake Up timstru

***request! of the above four WAKE UP is the only track where it is not an oficial instru, one of them dreaded loops. I've heard that there is a proper timstru of this floatin around...vinyl, promo-cd, hit THE CHRONICLES up if anyone has this joint proper!!!***

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Word is: Petey Pablo & Timbaland

Word is Timbaland & Petey Pablo have completed at least one new track together for a new album by Petey. I'm sure it was done over the MTV VMA weekend since Petey performed in Timbo's hotel suite but I can't say for sure. No word what label Petey is one these days but let's hope whichever it is we get to hear as many tracks as possible from this great duo.

Be on the lookout too for Petey on this week's Unsolved Mystery.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Tidbits: Brian Kidd, Hannon Lane, & Jim Beanz

Sure we keep it Timbaland as much as possible but I've always liked to give some shine to the rest of the Timbo fam both past and present to make sure they're getting the props they deserve too.

By now we've heard the Britney album and have more than appreciated what Danja has brought to the table both released and unreleased but did you know Brian Kidd also did a track for her? The track is called

Kiss Me All Over


The track never made the album due to let's just say circumstances beyond Kidd's control. You can definitely hear those familiar Kidd drums and hand claps but what's interesting to me is the 8 Bitz style sample to it. You know I'm always looking for that extra something so I find myself wondering: did Kidd expose Timbaland to the chiptune style or other way around? You can bet I'm working on the Brian Kidd interview like crazy...

Did you remember Jha Jha from the Hannon Lane produced "What Cha Been Drankin' On?"? Well she recently sat down with allhiphop.com to talk about the trails or being a female in the game, leaving Dipset, and being a producer. She also talks about "her producer Hannon" Definitely a good read so check it out:

****AllHipHop.com: You mentioned you’re a songwriter and producer but it’s fairly rare to see female beatmakers. How’d you get your start?

Jha Jha: My producer, Hannon, who is signed to Timbaland’s company showed me a lot. I hear beats in my head so I’d get an idea for a beat and call him and we’d do the beat over the phone. So after a while he was like, “You need to get into producing because doing sh*t this way is hard.” So I went out and bought equipment and learned it. I had him teaching me and I’ve been producing tracks on my own for like three years now. I’ve always wanted to write and produce. I’m an entertainer; I’m not just a rapper. I want to be a superstar. I want to do everything like Jermaine Dupri, Diddy, Swizz Beats, all of them.****

And finally here's a slightly better live version, though not CDQ yet, of the Jim Beanz produced (not Timbaland) "Amnesia"
by Dima Bilan.



Beanz continues his vocal production dominance (listen to all those layers of vocals!) along with a sick beat. I look forward to hearing the Bilan album in its entirety.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Timbaland gets 5 with Madonna

Madonna Tribe has reported that not 1 not 3 but 5 Timbaland tracks will be on the new 13 track Madonna album. Here's what they had to say:

***MadonnaTribe has heard some exciting and exclusive news about Madonna's new album that we are happy to report for the very first time online. There are five final songs that are produced by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland and that had their final mixing at "Hit Studios Miami" last week.

From what we have been told there's a song called "4 minutes to save the world" and it's an upbeat and very catchy hip-hop Madonna/Justin Timberlake duet. Another song is called "Across The Sky". It has lots of acoustic guitars, the flow is very much like "The Power Of Goodbye" and sounds like a real hit. Madonna is hiting really high notes there while Justin Timberlake is on back vocals.

The third song is titled "Dance Tonight", a funky mid-tempo tune, yet another Madonna/Justin duet, think "Rock Your Body" by Justin with the claps and everything, this apparently has the same structure as well. "Even the devil wouldn't recognise you" is a fourth song. Amazing ballad, very "Cry Me A River" by Justin Timberlake in it's structure and Justin on back vocals on this one too. The fifth song is named "Miles Away" and we have been told this is the THE BEST of the whole bunch. A hit written all over it. Full of acoustic guitars, beautiful uptempo song ad Justin on back vocals again. The song structure may recall "Love Profusion", but it's much better.****

Now I doubt that Justin co-produced all 5 tracks but I'm sure he had a hand in each one in some capactiy. Be on the look out for Hannon Lane's name too as he was also in the Madonna sessions in London. Earlier Timbaland said he did 10 tracks for Madonna so if these 5 make the album, what aboutt he other 5? B Sides? Bonus tracks? Let's hope so!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Cheri Dennis & Timbaland Part II

We've heard the various news reports about the Cheri Dennis and Timbaland pairing and assumed it was the track "Wrapped Around Me" but it looks like despite rumors and reports that in fact the track is called "Act Like You Know." Take a listen:



I'm definitely feelin' the track, especially the sample. If you don't think it's Timbaland, I'd say check those ad libs at the beginning, sounds like Timbo to me. So what's up with the "Wrapped Around Me" former Beyonce track? Looks like it's yet another track to add to our "could be" Timbo list.

SexyBack Remix: Mystery Solved

Remember the SexyBack remix that's been floating around for a while and finally ended up on the deluxe edition of FutureSex/LoveSounds? Turns out it's officially called the "DJ Wayne Williams Ol Skool Remix", so definitely not a Timbaland production.

Justin Timberlake (and Tim) win at AMAs

The American Music Awards took place on Sunday night with Justin Timberlake winning 2 awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B album for Future Sex/Love Sounds . For the first time in the award's show history, the winners were picked by a public vote so thank you to eveyone who voted! Congrats to both men on their continuing success with this project not only in sales but also in accolades.

Speaking of award shows, the People's Choice Awards will air Janurary 8th, 2008 in Los Angeles, California at 9:00PM. Of course who do you think is nominated? Yes of course Timbaland and the crew check it out:

Favorite Hip-Hop Song
"Give It to Me", Timbaland w/ Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado
"Party Like a Rock Star", Shop Boyz
"Stronger", Kanye West

Favorite Pop Song
"Big Girls Don't Cry", Fergie
"Irreplaceable", Beyonce
"What Goes Around" Justin Timberlake

Favorite Male Singer
John Mayer
Tim McGraw
Justin Timberlake

Here's to another victory!

Timbaland named top influential

Essence Magazine has named Timbaland as one of the top 25 most influential people in 2007 along with 24 other African Americans from various fields. Congratulations to Timbo!

Essence Magazine's list:

Senator Barack Obama
Gina McCauley- Blogger, whataboutourdaughters.com
Tyler Perry - Writer, Producer, Director
Majora Carter - Environmentalist, Executive Director, Sustainable South Bronx
Victoria Lanier- Former Youth Director, NAACP, Northeast Region
Reverend Jesse L. Jackson - Civil Rights Activist, Minister
Reverend Al Sharpton - Civil Rights Activist and President, National Action Network
The JENA Six
Beyonce Knowles - Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Oprah Winfrey - Media Mogul, School Founder
Timbaland - Music Producer, Recording Artist
Cory A. Booker - Mayor of Newark, New Jersey
Lovie Smith - Head Coach, NFC Champions, Chicago Bears
Tony Dungy - Head Coach, Super Bowl Champions, Indianapolis Colts
Deval Patrick - Governor, Massachusetts
Don Cheadle - Actor, Activist
Shonda Rhimes - Creator, Executive Producer, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice
Venus Williams - Tennis Champion
Charles Rangel - Chairman, House Committee on Ways and Means
Barry Bonds - "Home Run King"
Cynthia Tucker - Syndicated Columnist, Editorial Page Editor,
The Scarlet Knights - Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team, NCAA Finalists
Kiri Davis - Filmmaker, Youth Activist
Bishop T.D. Jakes - Founder, Senior Pastor, The Potter's House of Dallas
Steve Harvey - Radio Personality, Comedian, Actor

Monday, November 19, 2007

Timbaland's baby girl

The Chronicles gives a very warm welcome to the newest addition to the Timbaland family, a baby girl born last week. Congratulations to Tim and the whole Mosley family on this proud new addition!!

The NLT Cunundrum

I have to say I've been very perplexed with the NLT & Timbo (and Royal Court) connection. A lot of tracks have surfaced which could of all arguably been done by Timbaland yet there has been much debate that they could also be Underdogs tracks (do I hear the Rob Knox argument again?) So being the investigator that I am, I dug around and asked the NLT camp which tracks Tim did in fact produce. They confirmed that both "Hollywood" and their first single "He Said I Said" were both produced Timbaland yes yes you're right and the Royal Court. Right away I noticed the vocal effect used for "He Said I Said" and "Hollywood" was the same and was similar (if not the same) to the vocal effect used in Omarion's "Icebox." On a little side note despite what the video for "Icebox" leads you to believe that voice is actually a combination of The Clutch's J Que and Zeke Lewis' voices not Tim's.

The same vocal effect was used for the 3 tracks no big deal right, especially since all 3 are produced by the same people. Well listening to the NLT track "Heart Attack" the vocal effect is the same as the above tracks yet NLT's camp didn't say Tim had anything to do with it. Despite the confusion, I set all of this info aside and didn't think anything of it. That is until recently when yet another track using the same vocal effect surfaced called:

"She Can Get It"


So now we have a total of 5 tracks using the same vocal effect with a potential of 2 of them being produced by different people other than Tim/Royal Court. Either NLT's camp forgot to mention additional tracks that Tim/Royal Court produced or whoever produced "Heart Attack" and/or "She Can Get It" is using the exact (or pretty damn close) vocal effect that Tim/Royal Court has been using all the last few tracks. Sure Tim/Royal Court don't have exclusive rights on this vocal effect, it just seems odd that multiple producers on multiple tracks would use the same vocal effect for the same group potentially on the same album.

So to all my Chronicles' readers I ask yet again what do you think?

Friday, November 16, 2007

Vote for Tim's New Single!

Vote for Tim's next single right here!

Anyone who votes for "Release" has no taste in music!

"Apologize" makes UK history

Timbaland and One Republic's "Apologize" has just received the title as the most played song in UK History. The number three song in the charts this week, last week clocked up the most plays by any song in a single week since monitoring began in 1987with an impressive 10,331 plays.

The song beat the previous record holder, the Timbaland-produced "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado from 2006, by 25 plays. Timbaland also produced another three, for a total of 5 records in the top ten:

1. Timbaland/OneRepublic 'Apologize'
2. Nelly Furtado 'Promiscuous'
3. Beyonce 'Irreplaceable'
4. Justin Timberlake 'SexyBack'
5. Fergie 'Big Girls Don't Cry'
6. Avril Lavigne 'Complicated'
7. Nelly Furtado 'Say It Right'
8. Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean 'Hips Don't Lie'
9. Nickelback 'How You Remind Me'
10. Justin Timberlake 'What Goes Around Comes Around'

Timbo continues to make history one song at a time!

Where are they now: Avery Storm

Remember way back during the Beat Club days along with the more popular Ms. Jade, Kiley Dean, and Bubba Sparxxx signees there were also a few unknowns at the time who unfortunately didn't get the shine they could have. Namely Shelby Normman, OneSideZero (I'm working on getting some more info about this), and The Storm. The Storm worked with Timbo on putting out a record but nothing came of it and when Beat Club folded, he like the other artists on the label found themselves searching for a new home. Not to be detered, Storm kept is love for music and continued his grind, changing his name to Avery Storm and proving his passion and skills for music by signing with Nelly's Derrty Entertainment. Here is a video of Storm explaining his jounrey:



Currently, you can check his myspace page to get all the latest music and news on Storm. Props to Big A for the info!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

New Sebastian: "Diamonds"

Check Sebastian's myspace for a new track snippet called "Diamonds" produced by Hannon Lane. Full version coming soon!

Could this is a prelude to a new album by Seb? Could be...

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The Future Sex / Love Sounds Re-Release



We told you here on one of our Word Up posts and sure enough November 23rd, Justin Timberlake's Deluxe Edition of Future Sex / Love Sounds will be released with behind the scenes footage from his concert, various videos from the album, and interviews with Justin throughout the last couple of years. In addition there will be 3 new songs: "Until The End Of Time" F/ Beyonce:

Sexy Ladies F/ 50 Cent


and

SexyBack F/ Missy Elliott (recognize the sample? if not check here


So much for the new 50, JT, and Timbo tracks.

A Chronicles Exclusive: Keri Hilson's 1st single

In some exclusive news, rest easy as Keri Hilson's album will definitely be coming out and looks to be released 1st quarter of 2008 with the first single being released 4th quarter of this year (anytime now!). Despite published reports, the lead single will be the Timbaland produced "Return The Favor" F/ Tim himself. The track was written by the one and only CLUTCH! Production on the album will be handled by Timbaland, Polow, and Danja with The Dream and Tricky Stewart also possibly making the final cut.

You all remember the track "Slow Dance" that Keri performed at Polow's Zone 4 launch party? Looks as though that track is produced by Polow.

We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Ashlee Simpson talks new album

MTV talked with Ashlee Simpson about her new project coming out next March. Originally scheduled to come out today if I remember correctly the album was pushed back for unknown reasons. Her lead single will be the Timbaland & Royal Court produced and Jim Beanz written "Out Of My Head (Ay Ya Ya)" which Simpson describes as "dancy" (is that a word?).



I wonder if all 6 Timbo and Royal Court tracks will make the cut. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Monday, November 12, 2007

BossPlayya Presents: Timstrumental of the Week

I been hittin y'all w/ multiple tracks each week so dialin it down a little.
Let's skip ahead to 2005's THE COOKBOOK. It's Missy's latest (6th!) album, and to Tim fans, probably her most disappointing. Why? Cause she only hooked up w/ Tim for 2 tracks on it, JOY and PARTYTIME.
To me, PARTYTIME was a weak rehash of what the Wonder Twins had been doin on UNDER CONSTRUCTION and THIS IS NOT A TEST. Joy, however was great, classic Timbo beatswitch when Mike Jones drops in. EnJOY.
Joy instru

Throwback: Tim as Mr. Universe

The year was 2005 and Timbaland had come out of his depression rescued by body building. He saw, as we all did, the video of Jay-Z and him in the studio for Jay's Fade To Black. Jay was searching for his next beat and Tim was drinking that mystery pink stuff straight out the plastic gallon. One look at that and Tim realized something had to be done and so he got with trainer José Garcia, lost 100 pounds in 6 months, and went on to solidfy his place as the arguably the best producer in the world. Here's an article with Tim during his tranformation process where he talks about changing his life around, his days with Devante, and his vision for the future:

****Improbably Timbaland is even considering entering the Mr. Miami Classic, an annual bodybuilding contest, when it is held this July. If he actually goes through with it, he may very well become the first hip-hop star to flex his muscles onstage in nothing more than a pair of spandex briefs. "I'm just going to do it to compete to shock the music industry," he says. "In the little thong shorts, the whole nine."

"Timbaland's very quiet. You talked to him once; I'm sure you didn't get more than 30 words," says Rick Frazier, Timbaland's road manager and personal assistant. Frazier, who says he owns a Dallas-based bus company called Side by Side Entertainment, met Timbaland during one of the latter's concert tours. The duo's friendship coalesced to the point where Timbaland asked Frazier to join his staff. "We're like brothers," claims Frazier. "He's not Hollywood," says Frazier. "He lets his music speak for him. And now that he has that body, he's going to let his body speak for him."

Throughout his teens, Mosely met and befriended many of the key players with whom he would revolutionize the hip-hop and R&B world. He made tracks for Faze (pronounced FAYZ-ee), an R&B group led by Missy Elliot. He formed a rap group, Surrounded by Idiots, with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (who would later form the production team the Neptunes), Magoo (who co-wrote some of Elliot's early solo hits), and Larry Live. But Timbaland says he didn't necessarily plan on pursuing a career in music. "I didn't have no plan. I was just coasting through. I didn't know what I was going to be doing from day one," he says.

Timbaland is an understandably confident man. Like anyone influenced by hip-hop culture, he likes to boast about his achievements, noting unapologetically, "I'm the most creative dude in this game." The sound of the baby laughing on "Are You That Somebody," for example, wasn't necessarily an original idea -- Prince used the sound on his 1982 top-ten hit "Delirious" -- but Timbaland reintroduced it for a modern audience. ****

Full Article

Who is Faze you ask? None other than the first incarnation of Sista and you can bet back then Ginuwine was under the name Tornado (we all saw that Rare Reel). There has been a lot of debate over which track Timbaland really did sample for the baby laugh for "Are You That Somebody" though I've always believed Czar that it was Prince since Tim has always said what a big Prince fan he was. Great read for sure!

New Keri Hilson Interview

Check out the new interview Allhiphop did on Keri Hilson. She talks about her new album, what it is to be a songwriter, and her love (and sadness) for T.I.

****AHHA: As an established writer, is it ever a complicated situation where you have to make a decision on whether to give a song to someone else or keep it for yourself?

Keri Hilson: I just kind of cross the bridge when I get there. If I’m in a booked session and summoned by the label or their artist, then I always have to give them first dibs. But if they don’t take it, I have the option to keep it for myself or sell it elsewhere. And of course I’ve sold songs that I would have kept for myself. One of them was “Right Now” for Danity Kane. [Also] “After Love” for Diddy. I actually wrote that for Danity Kane as well, but somehow it ended up in Diddy’s hands. So things happen like that, but it’s only because I’m always giving my best work. Of course I’m going to like something that I’m doing, because I write stuff I like all the time. But I’m in the business of doing both, so that’s what I do, and I don’t feel like my artistry is slighted at all.

AHHA: Well that’s always a good thing. So aside from JT, I hear you’re working with some others.

Keri Hilson: I have a couple of people on the album, but I didn’t want to flood the album with features because I though it was important for this album to define who Keri is. I’m writing all the material, so it’s all my personal thoughts and everything. We have a couple features though – Snoop, Luda, Tank is on another track, and a guest writer, who we just talked about, Justin Timberlake.****

Full Interview

Interesting to hear she is working with Blake Lewis and I'll tell you now not to bet on "Happy Juice" being the first single.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

G-Unit & Tim

Last week, 50 Cent and the G-Unit released the video for their new single "Feels So Good." It's the first visual from their December 18 LP, Shoot to Kill.

"That describes the aggressiveness," Tony Yayo told us recently. "A lot of people out there sleep on the Unit, but the Unit is back. You be hearing a lot of rumors, people feel certain ways, but we're over 30 million sold as a whole. I been hearing a lot of people sleeping. The hip-hop eras change; down South is winning. We're like the only ones holding it down for New York."

Yayo said the album wasn't done as of yet, but so far "the standout tracks is the tracks with Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. Those are my favorites. It's fun again."

Source

 
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