Music is in flux. We all see it. Social media and analytics seemingly dominate the direction of what matters to the industry. During a recent appearance on The Inner Court,…
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Making yet another major move, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum artist, creator, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the most influential music producers of all-time Timbaland has announced an official partnership with leading AI music creation tool Suno. After months of being a top user of the platform, he has formalized his involvement as a strategic advisor to push forward creative strategy and inspire a new generation of artists to innovate and create.
To kick off the collaboration, Timbaland is previewing his latest single, “Love Again,” exclusively on the platform, and inviting the community to participate in a remix contest, which opens in 24 hours:
Link to the contest HERE
The remix contest will include feedback and judging from Timbaland himself, with over $100K in prizes for winning remixes, along with the opportunity to have Timbaland release the top two remixes of “Love Again” on DSPs.
Timbaland’s collaboration with Suno underscores his commitment to shaping the future of music while fostering the next generation of creators. This partnership aligns with Suno’s mission to invite musicians—whether seasoned professionals or those just beginning their journey—to experiment, collaborate, and create groundbreaking music together.
In the debut episode of Suno’s new video series, MUSE, Timbaland offers an inside look into how the platform is helping him rediscover the purity of creativity, and how he’s using Suno’s innovative tools to redefine his approach to music production.
“When I heard what Suno was doing, I was immediately curious,” said Timbaland. “After witnessing the potential, I knew I had to be a part of it. By combining forces, we have a unique opportunity to make new technologies work for the artist community and not the other way around. We’re seizing that opportunity, and we’re going to open up the floodgates for generations of artists to flourish on this new frontier. I’m excited and grateful to Suno for this opportunity.”
Taking an active role, the producer will support Suno with day-to-day product development and strategic creative direction in order to ensure new generative music tools will meet the needs of both established and emerging artists. This partnership places Timbaland on the ground floor of what has all the makings of the next music industry revolution.
“It’s an honor to work with a legend like Timbaland. At Suno, we’re really excited about exploring new ways for fans to engage with their favorite artists. With Timbaland’s guidance, we’re helping musicians create music at the speed of their ideas — whether they’re just starting out or already selling out stadiums. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!”said Mikey Shulman, CEO of Suno.
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On this date in 1998, Jay-Z and his Roc cohorts dropped his third album Vol.2…Hard Knock Life on their independent Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam imprint.
Recorded in some of NYC’s most coveted studio spaces, Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life featured some of the games best producers, including Jermaine Dupri, Swizz Beatz, and Timbaland, Hov’s third album was the proof that Jigga had found the formula to produce the most successful full-length project of his career at that time.
Debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling 350K in its first week, Vol.2 …Hard Knock Life was certified 5x platinum within two years of its release, setting Hov’s album bar so hight that it won a Golden Phonograph for Best Rap Album at the 41st Grammy Awards. Some of the top singles from the 14 track gem include “Nigga What, Nigga Who(Originator 99)”, “Hard Knock Life,” “Can I Get A…” and “Money Ain’t A Thang” featuring Jermaine Dupri.
Salute to Jigga, Dame, Biggs, Memphis Bleek, Sauce Money, and the rest of the Roc for putting out such a timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
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On this date in 1999, Missy Elliott dropped her second full length studio album Da Real World on The Goldmind/Elektra imprint.
Produced primarily by Timbaland and Missy herself, Da Real World was Missy’s most street-savvy album, saturated with sexual innuendos and underground phrases that became common household statements. Fearing the sophomore slump, Missy changed the original name of the album She’s A Bitch for more commercial acceptance; and it worked. Da Real World is currently a doube platinum classic.
memorable singles from the album include “All In My Grill”, the salacious “Hot Boyz”(Remix) featuring Eve, Nas and Lil Mo and the former title track “She’s A Bitch”.
Salute to Missy and Timbaland for creating a piece of Hi[p Hop history!
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Making a monumental power move, VERZUZ—the online award-winning, multi-media platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland—has cemented an exclusive partnership with X for distribution. Swizz and Timbaland personally broke the news at an activation in Cannes, France today.
Earlier this year, Swizz and Timbaland reacquired VERZUZ from previous partner Triller, now owning 100% of the platform, while retaining their equity (along with the artists who participated in VERZUZ) in Triller. Upon resuming complete control, they sought out the perfect channel for independent distribution.
The partnership journey with X has now begun!
Together, the companies orchestrated a mutually beneficial alliance where Swizz and Timbaland maintain their full ownership and creative control, while X receives exclusive distribution rights. As a result, VERZUZ will now broadcast to an audience of over 550 million active users, exponentially expanding its viewership and international reach like never before. Since the inception of VERZUZ, the conversations around each VERZUZ naturally evolved on X from fans and enthusiasts alike. Viewers will now be able to watch for FREE exclusively on X, bringing the visual series, and viral conversation, all to one platform! Stay tuned for the announcement of the next VERZUZ matchup coming soon.
About this chapter, Swizz stated, “We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz. Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith and the entire X team for believing in the Verzuz vision. We can’t wait to get to work.”
Timbaland added, “We are thrilled to partner with X, the most innovative platform globally. Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world which we can now do bigger than ever.”
As they have since the first VERZUZ, the founders uplift the culture and community into the spotlight in the center of the world’s stage. However, they preserve the same grit, honor, authenticity, and integrity that makes hip-hop, rap, R&B, soul and ALL genres of music so special. They have the opportunity to magnify its resonance, thanks to Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, and the entire X team championing their unfiltered voices.
Linda Yaccarino stated, “X is so proud to partner with trailblazing creators, artists, and entrepreneurs Swizz Beatz & Timbaland. Our platform stands at the forefront of innovation, and Verzuz defines the essence of an innovative content experience. As we continue to work with the most exciting voices to bring premium content to X, there is no better fit than this series. Together we will redefine how consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one Verzuz at a time.”
VERZUZ has partnered with Uncontained Media, led by Christian Sarabia, and Raymond Garcia. Together, they have produced multiple hit shows including Emmy Winner DRIVE WITH SWIZZ BEATZ and will serve as the production company and Executive Producers of VERZUZ.
The influence and impact of VERZUZ has proven to be undeniable. So far, it has produced over 40 episodes, generating 100 million-plus live views and over 70 billion impressions. It has naturally encompassed other verticals with VERZUZ SPORTS, and VERZUZ COMEDY, all which play well to some of the most highly engaged communities on X. Not to mention, the power of the #VERZUZEFFECT cannot be overstated. Every artist that has participated in a VERZUZ have seen dramatic increases in streaming, ticket sales, merchandise, and overall revenue from just one appearance.
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The 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame 53rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner dazzled New York City with a celebration honoring the masterful minds behind some of the most iconic songs. The event, opened by SHOF Board Member and Show Committee Chair Evan Lamberg, recognized the immeasurable impact of legendary songwriters.
Musical icons Hillary Lindsey, Timothy Mosley (Timbaland), Dean Pitchford, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), along with Walter Becker and Donald Fagan (Steely Dan), were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Multi-award-winner Diane Warren received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, and 4-time Grammy winner SZA was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award. The evening also posthumously inducted legendary country songwriter Cindy Walker in a special tribute.
The night began with a special performance of Irene Cara’s “Fame,” performed by the 2024 Abe Olman Scholarship recipients. Grammy winner Deniece Williams then inducted Dean Pitchford, performing her hit “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” followed by The Bacon Brothers’ electrifying performance of “Footloose.” Dean concluded his induction with an emotional rendition of “Once Before I Go.”
Irving Azoff honored Steely Dan, calling them “among the best bands ever.” Trey Anastasio of Phish performed a medley of Steely Dan hits, culminating in the induction of Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. Nile Rodgers then honored SZA with the Hal David Starlight Award, followed by her intimate performance of “Snooze.”
Country superstar Carrie Underwood inducted Hillary Lindsey with a powerful performance of “Jesus Take the Wheel,” joined by Keith Urban for a duet of “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Missy Elliot inducted Timbaland, crediting him with “changing the cadence of hip-hop.” Timbaland then energized the room with a medley of his hits.
Jason Isbell inducted R.E.M., performing “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” The band reunited for the first time in 15 years, playing “Losing My Religion.”
The evening concluded with Diane Warren receiving the Johnny Mercer Award, presented by Paul Williams. Andra Day performed Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Stand Up for Something.” Diane Warren expressed her passion for songwriting, followed by El Debarge closing the night with “Rhythm of the Night,” celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner remains a spectacular celebration of the art of songwriting, honoring those who have shaped the soundtrack of our lives.
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Wendy Williams, known for her boldness in addressing controversial topics, found herself at the center of a storm when she took on the production of the Lifetime movie “Aaliyah: The Princess of R & B” in 2014. Chronicling the life and journey of the late singer Aaliyah, the biopic aimed to shed light on the iconic artist’s rise to superstardom, her relationships with industry figures like R. Kelly, Missy Elliot, and Timbaland.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Williams defended her involvement in the project, emphasizing the importance of accurately portraying Aaliyah’s story. Despite her awareness of potential controversy, Williams believed the film would do justice to Aaliyah’s legacy and satisfy the curiosity of fans eager for insight into the singer’s life.
However, the movie faced significant criticism both before and after its release. Aaliyah’s family vehemently opposed the project, refusing to grant permission for the use of her original songs. Fans and celebrities alike expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of the biopic, from its depiction of Aaliyah’s relationship with R. Kelly to concerns about casting choices.
Zendaya, initially cast as Aaliyah, withdrew from the project due to doubts about its quality, leading to her replacement by Alexandra Shipp. Timbaland, a close friend of Aaliyah, refused to watch the biopic and warned Williams to brace herself for the backlash it would inevitably bring.
Despite the negative feedback, Williams remained steadfast in her belief that the project honored Aaliyah’s legacy. She emphasized that the biopic was inspired by a book focusing on Aaliyah’s life rather than her tragic death, aiming to present a balanced portrayal while respecting the family’s sensitivities.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the biopic did not deter viewership, with 3.2 million tuning in to watch, making it the second-highest-rated television film of 2014.
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Missy Elliott is encouraging Cardi B to let her album fire. Hitting X, Missy encourages Cardi to experiment, revealing Bardi is nervous but trusting her ears.
“Yeup!!! I’m a little nervous… but I don’t care! I’m liking doing things that my ears want to listen to and reflecting the moods I been in. It feels good,” she said.
Yeup!!! I’m a little nervous… but I don’t care! I’m liking doing things that my ears want to listen to and reflecting the moods I been in. It feels good https://t.co/biXOySSnac
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) April 6, 2024
Earlier this year, Missy Elliott unveiled her history-making debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience.
The tour, featuring Hip-Hop legend Busta Rhymes, multi-Platinum-selling superstar Ciara, and mega-producer Timbaland, marks a milestone in Elliott’s groundbreaking career.
“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour,” shares Elliott. “Fans have been asking me to tour forever but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!”
Produced by Live Nation in association with Mona Scott-Young of Monami Entertainment, the 24-city run will kick off on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. It will then traverse North America, stopping in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more, concluding on August 22 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
In true Missy Elliott fashion, the tour announcement was accompanied by an OUT OF THIS WORLD visual spectacle crafted by her longtime collaborators, including director Dave Meyers, stylist June Ambrose, and creative director Hi-Hat.
Tickets for the tour will be available through various presales starting April 9, with general on-sale beginning April 12 at 10 a.m. local time on Missy-Elliott.com. Verizon customers will have exclusive access to a presale through Verizon Up, while VIP packages offering premium tickets and fan activations will be available via vipnation.com.
In Cardi’s world, “Enough (Miami)” cracked into the top 10 at No. 9. The record, which fans have been anticipating to hear new music from the Bronx emcee, marked Cardi’s 12th entry into the Top 10. The single scored nearly 15 million streams and 8.8 million radio audience impressions.
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Today’s solar phenomenon was overshadowed by a stellar announcement as global superstar Missy Elliott unveiled her history-making debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience.
The tour, featuring Hip-Hop legend Busta Rhymes, multi-Platinum-selling superstar Ciara, and mega-producer Timbaland, marks a milestone in Elliott’s groundbreaking career.
“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour,” shares Elliott. “Fans have been asking me to tour forever but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!”
Produced by Live Nation in association with Mona Scott-Young of Monami Entertainment, the 24-city run will kick off on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. It will then traverse North America, stopping in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more, concluding on August 22 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
In true Missy Elliott fashion, the tour announcement was accompanied by an OUT OF THIS WORLD visual spectacle crafted by her longtime collaborators, including director Dave Meyers, stylist June Ambrose, and creative director Hi-Hat.
Tickets for the tour will be available through various presales starting April 9, with general on-sale beginning April 12 at 10 a.m. local time on Missy-Elliott.com. Verizon customers will have exclusive access to a presale through Verizon Up, while VIP packages offering premium tickets and fan activations will be available via vipnation.com.
With anticipation building for “OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience,” fans can expect an unforgettable journey through music and visual artistry, celebrating Elliott’s unparalleled impact on the industry.
OUT OF THIS WORLD — THE MISSY ELLIOTT EXPERIENCE TOUR 2024 DATES:
Thursday, July 4 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena
Saturday, July 6 — Seattle, WA — Climate Pledge Arena
Tuesday, July 9 — Oakland, CA — Oakland Arena
Thursday, July 11 — Los Angeles, CA — Crypto.com Arena
Saturday, July 13 — Las Vegas, NV — T-Mobile Arena
Tuesday, July 16 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena
Thursday, July 18 — Austin, TX — Moody Center
Saturday, July 20 — Houston, TX — Toyota Center
Sunday, July 21 — Fort Worth, TX — Dickies Arena
Wednesday, July 24 — Tampa, FL — Amalie Arena
Thursday, July 25 — Sunrise, FL — Amerant Bank Arena
Saturday, July 27 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena
Thursday, August 1 — Baltimore, MD — CFG Bank Arena
Friday, August 2 — Hampton, VA — Hampton Coliseum
Saturday, August 3 — Belmont Park, NY — UBS Arena
Monday, August 5 — Philadelphia, PA — Wells Fargo Center
Thursday, August 8 — Washington, DC — Capital One Arena
Friday, August 9 — Newark, NJ — Prudential Center
Saturday, August 10 — Boston, MA — TD Garden
Monday, August 12 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center
Thursday, August 15 — Detroit, MI — Little Caesars Arena
Saturday, August 17 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre
Monday, August 19 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena
Thursday, August 22 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena
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When the phrase ‘super producer’ is uttered, not many names come to mind. Names like: RZA, Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, The Neptunes, Jermaine Dupri, and Kanye West are among the high ranks that have earned the title. Today however, we celebrate the birth of one who help to shape the scope of both Hip Hop and R&B in the late 90s and early 2000s. Timothy Zachery Mosley a.k.a. Timbaland was born on this day [March 10] 49 years ago.
Timbaland is responsible in large part for the success of artists like Missy Elliot, Aaliyah and Ginuwine. Timbaland helped shape a Hip Hop culture in his home state of Virginia and through his production and organization of local artists. He has even crossed over into pop, working with acts like Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, to create a sound and culture that helped bridge the pop culture gap to allow for more and more trans-genre collaboration.
In honor of Timbaland’s born day, here’s a list of some of his hottest and most influential tracks that have left a permanent mark on Hip Hop and R&B music and culture.
Aaliyah – “One In A Million”
As the third main single of the popular album of the same name, “One in a Million” peaked at #1 on the US Hot Rap/R&B chart. It also claimed the#1 spot in R&B Airplay for six long weeks.
Ginuwine – “Pony”
“Pony” was actually Ginuwine’s debut single and peaked at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song kept it’s spot on the Hot R&B chart for two weeks.
Missy Elliot – “Supa Dupa Fly”
This was the first single from Missy Elliot’s debut album of the same name. This song hit at #4 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop charts and helped to earn Missy a spot on Elektra Records with her own sub-label Goldmind.
Justin Timberlake – “Sexy Back”
“Sexy Back” is the name of one of Justin Timberlake’s most successful and well known solo records. Hitting the #1 spot in a plethora of countries, this song has gone platinum a few times over in this country and across the globe.
Nelly Furtado – “Promiscuous”
“Promiscuous” is the international #1 hit single of Canadian singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado. Although it has peaked at #1 in a few countries around the globe it hit #3 in the United States. This was the second single from the album Loose.
The post Happy 52nd Birthday To Super Producer Timbaland! Top 5 Timbaland Smash Hits first appeared on The Source.
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