After churning out hit for the likes of pop stars Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, super-producer Timbaland is preparing his second solo album, titled Shock Value. The first single from the album, “Give It to Me," features Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, two artists that Timbaland has had worldwide chart success with as a producer.
The Norfolk, VA native is also up for three Grammy Awards this year as a producer/artist for his work on Nelly Furtado's No. 1 hit single "Promiscuous" and Justin Timberlake's No.1 hit single, "SexyBack."
“Shock Value is sequenced like a movie,” Timbaland said “It’s a non-stop flow that tells a story. My mission is to blow up the boundaries and tear down the limits. I'm not getting away from what I'm known for; I'm just going to a place where it's all about the music, not about the labels on the music. I'm taking my music outside of the box. That's why I call it Shock Value -- from the artists to the production, it will shock the system.”
Shock Value, which hits stores Mar. 27, also boasts appearances from Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, The Hives, She Wants Revenge, Fall Out Boy and a high-profile collaboration with pop icon, Elton John. The new album is Timbaland's follow up to his debut solo project, Tim's Bio, which was released in 1998.
Timbaland is currently on tour as a special guest on Timberlake's current 2007 FutureSex/LoveShow World Tour, where he is debuting selected beats and original music from his Shock Value project. The 38-date North American leg of the FutureSex/LoveShow World Tour, with opening act Pink, kicked off in San Diego, CA on Jan. 8 and runs through March.
Source
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
More News on Shock Value
Thomas Crown Studios
Pic 1
Overview
Superstar hip-hop producer Tim "Timbaland" Mosley has completed a private recording studio in Virginia Beach. The studio was conceived and developed in conjunction with long time engineer, Jimmy Douglas. This full service audio production center has been created in an existing (approximate) 5,000 sq. ft. two-story industrial park building. A complete renovation of the building results in a two-studio recording and post - production facility, and continues the growth of the Virginia Beach music community that has spawned the likes of The Neptunes, Missy Elliott, and the late Aaliyah.
Pic 2
Program
WSDG was asked to create a two studio facility. Studio A is dedicated specifically to Tim Mosley's production needs and is centered around a large, fully equipped control room (large Neve VR-72 console) with ample room for outboard gear, keyboards, and studio guests. Interior design, architecture and acoustics were provided by WSDG principals Beth Walters, Scott Yates and John Storyk. The studio has three isolation booths, a Pro Tools Midi room (with ISO booth), a large lounge, maintenance and reception areas on the ground floor, and additional lounges and offices on the 2nd floor. Total project size is approximately 5,000 sq. ft.
Pic 3
Acoustics
WSDG created an acoustic environment that maintains full-frequency response while allowing a significant amount of daylight into the room. Custom monitor speakers were designed for the large control room to provide an accurate environment for 5.1 mixing and even sound distribution. Studio A is a double height space created to accommodate both single vocalists as well as live group recording. Support rooms, including studio lounge and private 2nd floor office spaces have been acoustically designed for recording purposes.
Pic 4
Technology
Consoles: Neve VR-72 and Yamaha DM2000
Recorders: Digidesign Pro Tools Mix Plus/24 systems, HD System; Studer A 827; Studer 820 2tk
Monitors: Augspurger custom monitors; KRK V8 nearfield monitors … Amps: Hafler, JBL
Amps: Hafler, JBL
Microphones: AKG, Tlefunken; Sennheiser; Neumann; Shure; Coles; Royer; DPA; AEA; Electro-Voice; Sony
Outboards: Teletronics; Urei; EAR; Alan Smart; Neve; Emipirical Labs; dBx; Avalon; Daking; EMT; API; Universal Audio; D.W. Fear; Focusrite; Crane Song; Lexicon; AMS; Eventide: Drawmer; WEM; Sony; Lexicon 960 Reverb w/LARC
Phillips 42" plasma screen
Floor Plan
J Boogie wants a job there PASS IT ON!
The Official Launch of "Give It To Me"
Sure it's been leaked, sure you might have even heard it before but the official launch of Timbaland's first single begins right now!! Timbaland's myspace has officially launched the single and it has already been released to major radio stations. Look for the video on MTV2 launching sometime next week starting Feb. 5th!
Here it is: "Give It To Me" featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake.
So what do you think of the track? Like it? Love it? Hate it? Holla and let us know....
Alright ya'll the Timbaland album is officially upon us. Getting ready for March!!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Tiffany Evans Revisited
Tiffany Evan's rumored first single off her debut album off Columbia records "Girls Gone Wild" has just arrived.
As you can hear this track is definitely different than the snippet that had leaked earlier. I actually like the original a lot better.
Now it was previously reported that Timbo was behind the beat, but I wasn't 100% sure. Well after some researching the track is actually produced by none other than my man Brian Kidd. Yet another Kidd/Timbo connection. Don't sleep on Brian Kidd as the dude is one of the illest on the boards.
It was also said that J Que from The Clutch was featured on the track (""Get up stairs Tiff.....you chillin' with the Cluth") but in fact that is Balewa another member of the acclaimed Clutch collective.
I told ya'll about this track back in November. The girl is only 15 with a voice like that?!? She is truly one to watch. Go check out her myspace and give her some love. That's the future right there!
Friday, January 26, 2007
New Bone Thugs N Harmony
Here is the new Timbaland produced Bone Thugs N Harmony track called "Bone Thug Boys". This track is off their new album Strength and Loyalty due out sometime in late March. The Game, Chamillionaire, Three 6 Mafia, Mariah Carey, and Akon (to name but a few) are to be featured on the album. With production by will.i.am, Timbaland, Jazze Pha, Swizz Beats, and others, the album will be released on Swizz's Full Surface Records.
Wait or is this Tim? That is still yet to be determined. What do ya'll say, Timbo or no? And what about the track, you feelin' it or not?
Thomas Crown Radio Launches
We here at The Chronicles are proud to present:
Thomas Crown Radio (just hit the yellow play button)
Music by Timbo and all his affiliates throughout the years, from Beat Club to The Mosley Music group. Look out for remixes, radio edits, alternate versions, and all tracks in between. The playlists will continually change so stay tuned!
Any suggestions, feedback, requests, and/or comments are always welcomed. As always thanks for the support!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Warlock Vs. Housewife
On the ILL Timbo beat. Those choral sounds are insane. Look at Tim's face at the beginning Hahah! Props to Czar for the find on this one!
Luddy "Home Tonight"
I always wondered if Luddy's "Home Tonight" was really produced by Timbaland or if it was confused as one of his productions since he was featured on the track. It doesn't even seem like a Timbo beat, far to simplistic for Tim and I just felt there was more to the story.
Well after some research, it turns out the beat is actaully from the Turmoil Riddim. What is the Turmoil Riddim? That is a great question so I got to talking to a good friend of mine Bossplayya who happens to be a HUGE Timbo stan, an amazing resource, and a great friend and this is what he had to say:
***TURMOIL is the title of a riddim from the production team DangaZone. They produced the riddim or instrumental track. Then different artists jump on the track and when enough artists have recorded different versions, the tracks are often compiled into an album or EP that carries the name of the riddim. Usually the original producer is credited for all versions.
So TURMOIL was compiled in various versions, though none featuring the Luddy track. I dont have the actual vinyl to see the exact production credits for it but I'm willin to bet that if official credits do get unearthed by any of us, it'll have DangaZone on it. Timbaland didn't sample it as it is basically the same instrumental, unchanged. The same way that BREATHE (by Blue Cantrell) is the exact instrumental of WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE (by Dr. Dre) right down to sound effects (car crash).****
Still confused? Just think of Sean Paul's "Gimmie The Light" He used the Buzz Riddim for that track and yes there are MANY tracks out there that use the Buzz Riddim.
Here are a couple of tracks of the Turmoil Riddim produced by DangaZone:
Ginger "Inspiration"
George Nooks "Keep It Real"
Now compare these to Luddy's "Home Tonight"
And as an added bonus check out Luddy's F/ Timbaland video for video for "Home Tonight"
Yet another mystery solved! BIG props to my man Bossplayya!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
T.I. & Timmy
T.I.'s new album T.I. Vs Tip is expected to drop sometime in the 2nd quarter as no official release date has yet been given. As reported in the new XXL magazine T.I. will have the following producers on his next album:
DJ Toomp, Akon, Scott Storch, Khao, Keith Mack, Lil'C, David Banner, Nitti, Mannie Fresh, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Pharrell, Timbaland and Swizz Beats.
Now that is a line-up right there so let's hope that all of them, or at least Timbo, makes the cut. Props to Big A for the hot off the presses info!
Attitude signs with Warner Brother Records
Warner Bros. Records has acquired one of the South’s most distinctive artistic voices and writing talents. After more than ten years in the game, Birmingham, AL native Attitude joined the label’s roster on January 9, 2007. His Warner debut album is set for a Summer 2007 release.
For Attitude – respected as one of the pioneers of Birmingham’s Hip-Hop scene – the new situation is an opportunity to put his homestate on the map. “This is a big deal for Alabama and it’s big for the South,” he explains. “Alabama hasn’t really stepped up and joined the South movement, as popular as it’s gotten. So now I'm going to have a chance to do something about that.” The artist is already hard at work on his first project for his new label home, which will continue to showcase a different side of the South, as Attitude has done in the past through indie releases, guest appearances and the mixtape circuit. And on this effort, he will have some help from some serious heavy hitters, with assistance from beatsmiths Danjahandz , Lil’ Jon, Polow Da Don, Nitty, Three 6 Mafia, Nitti and Timbaland, one of Attitude’s mentors.
“We decided to sign Attitude because of his unique songwriting ability,” explains Orlando McGhee, Director of A&R, at Warner. “That’s not something you come across easily with a lot of rappers nowadays. And you’ll notice the rappers with melodies to their records are the ones that become superstars.” Historically, another factor which has contributed to an artist’s success is a relationship with a label that truly supports and understands him. Attitude is confident he has found this at Warner Bros., stating that the company’s willingness to make him an immediate priority sealed the deal. “Warner was really talking my language, and not just financially,” he adds. “They weren’t putting me on the back burner, and that’s really important to me at this point.”
Congratulations to Attitude from The Chronicles as he a talent that the world definitely should be aware of!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Scratch Article (Part II)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
New Redman Mixtape
Check out the "new" track by Redman off his latest mixtape:
Redman Freestyle
Looks like Timbaland will be on his official album then though it's unclear if the first single will be Timbo. Look for Red's Red Gone Wild album sometime in March. Stay tuned...
The Justin Timberlake/Timbo concert
In case ya'll can't go like me :( here are some clips of Timbaland's part in the concert.
Keri Hilson "Since You've Been Gone" Timbo remix
Aaliyah Tribue
Crazy Timbo Beat
Saturday, January 20, 2007
2 Timbaland Interviews
Check them out with Ryan Seacrest (lol)
Timbaland Radio Interview #1 (from a few months back)
Timbaland Radio Interview #2
A whole album with Gwen Stefani?!? DAMN! Elton John, Duran Duran, Bjork hot damn I can't wait for March 27th!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Shock Value
50 Cent, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Coldplay, Missy Elliott, Ludacris, She Wants Revenge, Elton John, The Hives, Fall Out Boy, Lil' Wayne, Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, Nicole Scherzinger, and Bjork all to be featured on the album. Word is "Give It 2 Me" has been released on the radio as Tim's first single. Here's the cover:
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Controversy
So I'm sure most of you are aware of the current controversy going on with the sample from Timbaland's "Block Party" ringtone which was expanded and re-used to make Nelly Furtado's "Do It". The original track in question is called "Acid Jazz Evening" by the Finnish artist Tempest.
Apparently the track was made by Tempest in 2000 for a big demo party in Finland called Assembly. Tempest competed in a contest for music on old music platforms and entered his track "Acid Jazz Evening" The track won the competition and it seems from there, Tim used a similar track for his ringtone "Block Party". For more on the details of the story look here and here.
This is the number #1 story on many sites and there are even different videos on youube.com regarding the comparison on the 2 tracks. What's happening though is people are starting to send hate mail to Tim's myspace and some pretty racist and ignorant comments have been posted on youtube and other sites. Of course it's the internet so people are going to say what they're going to say but all these comments over a sampled track? Have we really come to that?
I've known about this story since it began but didn't seem to the need to comment on it as I figured it would just blow over but having read what people have written, it's really scary how easily and quickly people can just assume one side of the story. Copyright laws are very tricky and vary from country to country. Production is also very tricky and there's a lot more to it then pushing a few buttons and making sounds. So how can people comment on either as if they're experts?
Was "Acid Jazz Evening" really made in 2000? Was Tempest paid or not paid for the track? Did Tim not know he was sampling another artist? Who knows, neither you nor I were there and we also don't know the details of what happened. All of these ridiculous remarks are based on one side of the story, no one knows Tim's side and until that side is given how can ANYONE comment on what was or was not "stolen" or "taken"?
I encourage all of you to rise above all the bullshit being written out there about this subject and to save your judgments until BOTH sides of the story have been told. When and if I get more information about this subject, you all will be the first to know.
One,
Boogie
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Speaking of Kelly Clarkson
Timbaland has done a remix to her "Since You've Been Gone" track and it's part of Justin Timberlake's concert which is touring the U.S. at the moment. Sadly, they are not coming to my area so I won't be able to see them but I hear the concert is incredible. Tim has his own segment with the Kelly Clarkson track (no she is not there). Keri Hilson is also part of the concert.
I have seen low grade video footage of the concert and all I can say is I wish I could go! If any of you have or will be going please let us know. Send pictures or videos if you have them and most of all give us DETAILS! That's what I'm after.
More props to Bigmac for the info!
New Timbaland article
****MUSICAL HIT MAN
He produced some of 2006's biggest hits, but Timbaland's Grammy Award nominations are actually for best pop collaboration with vocals for Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous" and best dance recording for Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack." He also got a nod for his production work on Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds," which is up for album of the year.
Still, Timbaland doesn't mind being passed over in the producer of the year category. "It's Rick Rubin's time," he says. "I never really realized how much he's done. But he's got 12 nominees on the list, from Johnny Cash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Hats off."
Describing his 2006 sound as global, the body-building producer says that he has drawn his inspiration from "India to China. I'm outside of the box." Last year also saw the blooming of his collaboration with studio right-hand man Nate "Danja" Hills.
"My style is totally different so nobody can adapt to what I do," Timbaland says. "But I brought him in and showed him how I work, and he caught on pretty quickly."
Hills adds, "When we come to the studio neither of us knows what we're about to do. We might have a million ideas floating around. We just go back and forth. Once we find one we love, we just pile a bunch of stuff on top of it. It becomes a jam session."
When Timbaland hits the road this month with Timberlake, he will continue with his busy production slate via a mobile studio on the tour bus while Hills holds down the fort in Virginia Beach, Va. He is also putting the finishing touches on a star-studded new solo album, expected this spring via his Mosley Music imprint through Interscope.
But for now Timbaland seems most enthused about working with two decidedly non-R&B acts—Kelly Clarkson and Coldplay.
"It takes a lot to really excite me," he says. "But I am excited about Coldplay." ••••
—Hillary Crosley Source
Sounds pretty interesting ya'll. BIG TIME props to my friend Bigmac!
Another new ringtone
Here's yet another new ringtone from Tim called "Hurricane". Way too short for my taste but I'm sure if it was in full I'd like it a lot better.
Best to bookmark this site and check it periodically to hear new Tim ringtones.
Lookin' forward to one day hearing all the new ringtones in full. Props to my boy Nick for the info!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Czar's Sample of the Week
Second Friday in 2007, and it's time for the second installment of Czar's Sample of the Week for 2007.
When I was thinking about which sample I was going to choose for this week, I realized that there hasn't been a Ginuwine sample since Czar's Sample of the Week started. So this week's sample will come from Ginwuine's debut album "The Bachelor."
This is a classic album that all followers of Timbaland should own (I own 2 lol). Anyway, one of my favorite tracks off the album was "I'll Do Anything/I'm Sorry". The track samples "Visions" from another amazing R&B album, "Innervisions," by Stevie Wonder.
That's it for this week's version of Czar's Sample of the Week. There are a lot of samples under Ginuwine in my Timbo spreadsheet, so this won't be the last time you'll see a track that Tim sampled for a Ginuwine song. As always, keep a look out for next week's installment of Czar's Sample of the Week.
Peace,
Czar
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Scratch Article
Did ya'll get a chance to read last month's Scartch article about ghost producing? It was a VERY interesting read. Check it out:
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
So what do ya'll say? Wait to come out as your own producer? Or sell a beat to a bigtime producer to get your start in the game? Props to my boy Nick for the scans!
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
50 Cent speaks about Timbaland
Check out the new:
MTV Article
What do you all think? I have to give it up for Tim's diversity. MIA, Bjork, AND 50 Cent projects all in the same year!? Sounds pretty interesting to me.
Monday, January 8, 2007
Skillz
Check the making of his video "Jump Off"
The track is FIRE with of course our man Timmy behind the boards. There are 3 versions of this track:
- Version #1 From the "I Ain't No Mad No More" mixtape from 2 years ago that goes straight into the track with no intro.
- Version #2 A Dipset hosted mixtape (I don't know the name) which has an small intro added to it.
- Version #3 The retail/video version which has the longer intro.
Was this video ever actually released? I don't think so but it's still a good watch. What's next for Skillz? I have no idea but look for more Tim/Skillz information soon. Shout out to Bigmac for the help!
The Brian Kidd Connection (Part II)
I bring you yet another episode of the Brian Kidd & Timbaland connection. Have you ever listened to Philly's Most Wanted "Dust Ya Boots" from their 2004 album Ring The Alarm? This track is produced by Brian Kidd though it has been said Timbo did it. Well check the skit right before it called "Old Head".
Sound familiar? It should cuz Timbo used the same sample Under Construction's "That Shit Ain't Gonna Work" from 2003. So Kidd just used the same sample Tim did but a year later, no big deal right?
Well it's pretty interesting that in 2003 Brian Kidd produced the Nappy Roots track "No Good" from their Wooden Leather album yet Timbo used the same sample 3 YEARS later for Nelly Furtado's "Wait For You" off of Loose.
Coincidence? I think not. Stay tuned for more on this connection.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Czar's Sample of the Week
What's up y'all?
Happy New Year to everyone! It's again another week, and therefore another installment of Czar's Samples of the Week. And since it's the first week of the new year, I thought that I'd showcase one of my favorite samples.
Perhaps one of my favorite tracks off the Timbaland and Magoo album "Indecent Proposal" didn't even make the final cut. "Drama" is just an amazing track that has Tim, Magoo, Petey Pablo, and Sebastian rapping on it. A lot of us wanted to know where Tim got those dark strings from. We'll I'm going to reveal the secret. The track samples the song "This Ridiculous Chin" from the Face Off Soundtrack (we know how much Tim loves movies). Go to about the 57 second mark on the track, and you'll hear the strings.
So that's this week's installment of Czar's Samples of the Week.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Jim Beanz
Jim Beanz is a new up and coming producer and writer from Pennsylvania. Along with production, Beanz is an accomplished vocal producer who has worked with artists from Ricky Martin to Freeway to Hilary Duff to name just a few. Part of Timbaland's crew over the last couple of years, Beanz co-wrote and did vocal production on Nelly Furtado's Loose album as well as Danity Kane's "Want It" and "Right Now" He also co-produced (with Timbo) the upcoming JC Chazez track "Fire".
Check out his website for more information. Pay particular attention to the "News" section:
"Working with Timbaland AND Gwen Stefani in LA" Hmmmmm where is that track?
"Working on Fergie's solo project WITH Timbaland in Miami" Hmmmm also "missing" from her album?
"In the studio with Timbaland and Hilary Duff" Hmmm looks like there was a Timbaland version of "Material Girls" made
Pretty interesting stuff. Make sure to take note of this guy, he definitely seems like he's on the rise.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
She Wants Revenge & Timbo
Check out the new MTV News article on She Wants Revenge working with Timbaland in 2007.
Sadly I haven't heard any music from this band, but I will definitely be checking them out with this news! Can't wait for that new Timbo album. Props to PLM for the link!