Biography

Born Timothy Zachery Mosley in Norfolk, Virginia on March 10, 1972, Timbaland, so named by Jodeci member Devante Swing after the Timberland boot, has had many reincarnations- from disc jockey DJ Timmy Tim to half of the hip hop group Timbaland & Magoo; from membership in Devante Swing’s Swing Mob crew known as Da Bassment to S.B.I. (Surrounded By Idiots), a production ensemble including Pharrell Williams and Larry Live with Magoo, to being CEO of his own label, Mosley Music Group.

Super-producer Timbaland has stamped his indelible imprint on the music scene since the mid-1990s.  His production has helped create career-defining hits for artists such as Jodeci, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, Destiny’s Child, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z, among many others.  Respected beyond the genres of urban and hip hop music, Timbaland, whose musical influences cross cultural lines, has also been sought by diverse superstars whose music similarly knows no boundaries, from pop star Justin Timberlake to avant-singer Bjork.

Ginuwine’s hit single “Pony” and debut LP Ginuwine…The Bachelor, produced by Timbaland, introduced a unique rhythmic style that defined the new wave of music in the ‘90s--R&B and hip hop mixed with an eclectic smorgasbord of effects held together by complex syncopated snare beats. At the same time, his partnership with high school friend Missy Elliott blossomed into a pairing that delivered Aaliyah’s double platinum One In A Million and they became one of music’s most successful production/songwriting teams.  Naturally, Elliott looked to Timbaland to also define her as an artist and their work together, tracks such as “The Rain,” propelled Elliott to major stardom and critical acclaim. 

Timbaland’s trademark sound has spawned numerous imitators—yet he has always remained the acknowledged originator. Not surprisingly given his talents, he started a new label in partnership with Interscope called Beat Club. Along the way he built an impressive 5,000 square foot studio in Virginia Beach where he does most of his production, and he regularly travels between that location, his Miami residence and the West Coast. In 2006 he founded a new label, again at Interscope, appropriately called Mosely Music Group (MMG). Timbaland’s genre breaking has changed popular music today, and he takes pride in his success at staying ahead of the curve with his originality and experimentation.

Confident and charismatic, his goal is still to blow the listener’s mind and make them move to the beat. On the personal side, this artist/producer is an avid bodybuilder committed to a strict diet and training regimen, and as serious about working out as he is about his time in the studio. “You can accomplish anything you put your mind to if you stay persistent and disciplined,” explains the driven and dedicated Timbaland, an innovator of sound who continues to set popular tastes while adventurously expanding his musical palette.as he is about his time in the studio.

Awards

2020

BET Awards

- 'Shine A Light' Award for VERZUZ

Webby Awards

- Break The Internet' Award for VERZUZ

2015

Grammy Awards

- Best R&B Song for 'Drunk in Love'

2014

Grammy Awards

- Best R&B Song for 'Pusher Love Girl'

2008

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

- Songwriter of the Year

People's Choice Awards

- Favorite Hip-Hop Song for 'Give It to Me'

2007

Grammy Awards

- Best Dance Recording for 'SexyBack'
- Best Dance Recording for 'LoveStoned/I Think She Knows'

MTV Australia Awards

- Best Hook-Up for 'SexyBack'

BET Hip Hop Awards

- Producer of the Year

Teen Choice Awards

- Choice Rap Track for 'The Way I Are'
- Choice Rap Artist

Vibe Awards

- Producer of the Year

2006

Teen Choice Awards

- Choice Summer Track for 'Promiscuous'
- Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Track for 'Promiscuous'

2003

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

- Songwriter of the Year

2001

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
- Songwriter of the Year