We recently brought you part one of our list of 15 interesting facts about Timbaland. Now, we bring you part two, with eight more facts about the prolific musician and producer, who has worked with countless artists, including Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Nelly Furtado, OneRepublic and Ginuwine, among many others.
Number Eight: Timbaland Had a Few Choice Words About LIFETIME’s Aaliyah Biopic
In 2014, LIFETIME aired a biopic about Aaliyah, the young singer whose life was cut tragically short in a plane crash during the prime of her career. Timbaland, who was very close to the singer and produced her music, was not a fan of the broadcast. On Instagram, he called the movie “bull****.”
Number Seven: He Was in Love With Aaliyah
In 2011, Timbaland said in his True Hollywood Story that he loved the songstress. However, it was their wide age difference that kept him from pursuing her. He told THS that he really had to fight his feelings, but, in the end, felt it would be best to just be like a brother to her.
Number Six: At One Time He Was the Most Expensive Producer in the Hip-Hop Industry
At the height of his career, Timbaland was making around $275,000 per track produced. In the early to mid-2000s, he was making even more than Dr. Dre. His price has since been eclipsed by new, hot producers, such as pal Pharrell.
Number Five: He Was a Body Builder
Having weighed more than 300 pounds and a number of health issues, Timbaland decided to take control. In 2005, he took an interest in bodybuilding and lost more than 100 pounds, and even thought about getting into the competitive arena. Recently, he got back into working out, losing another 130 pounds and showing off his progress on Instagram.
Number Four: The Story Behind Timbaland & Magoo
In 1989, Timbaland was in a rap duo with Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff, who he has known since they were teenagers in Norfolk, Virginia. As Timbaland & Magoo, they released three studio albums and had a top 10 hit with 1997 single “Up Jumps da Boogie,” featuring Missy Elliott and Aaliyah. Magoo has also made appearances on a few Surrounded by Idiots tracks.
Number Three: He Produced Michael Jackson’s Final Album
In 2014, Timbaland took on the project of producing the second posthumous album from Michael Jackson. He told MTV that the process was surreal and emotional for him, saying that it took a while for the idea to sink in. The project also reminded him a little of his feelings surrounding Aaliyah’s death.
Number Two: He’s the Emperor of Sound
Timbaland’s memoir, The Emperor of Sound, was released in November 2015. The book gives his fans a small taste of the very private producer’s life and career, detailing the creative process and telling stories about some of today’s biggest hits.
Number One: He Had a Falling-Out with Jay-Z, But They Made Up
The two musicians used to be close friends, but had a falling out a while back over some tracks leaking, what Timbaland now calls “petty personal stuff.” In 2013, the two made up and Timbaland produced Jay-Z’s album, Magna Carta, Holy Grail. He had also written an apology track for the rapper, titled “Sorry.” Thank you for reading our list of 15 interesting facts about Timbaland. We hope you enjoyed it!