There seems to be something of a paradox taking place here. From being a self confessed non-rapper, this would be my 3rd post of late about rap/hip-hop music, but be rest assured I will be discussing only good music (at least to my ears). The other day a friend asked me if I had any Timbaland records, but the truth was I had never even heard the name Timbaland prior to this. This must not be so I thought and set about immediately righting the situation and went ahead and borrowed Timbaland Presents Shock Value to check it out for myself. The very first thing I learnt was that Timbaland was a producer and not an artist per se in the truest sense though he has recorded stuff, but his immense success has come from producing other artists and that Timbaland Presents Shock Value is a compilation album featuring many artists. To just give an inkling of the artists featured on this album, you will find – Nina Simone, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Keri Hilson, D.O.E., Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Tony Yayo, Mira Craig, Sebastian, Attitude, Magoo, Money, Keri Hilson, Nicole Scherzinger, Amar, Jim Beanz, The Hives, She Wants Revenge, Fall Out Boy, OneRepublic, and even Elton John! That’s one huge list of artists to have on one single album right?
There are big names on the list especially Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake who owe most of their chart topping success to Timbaland, but this album is by no means running on their success. If anything Timbaland Presents Shock Value is an album meant to showcase the talents of Timbaland and that it does in a very well packaged deal. It also draws attention to the fact that Timbaland is an accomplished artist in his own right and the music on Timbaland Presents Shock Value more than proves that. As I am listening to the tracks on this album, I am pleasantly surprised to say the least, and Timbaland’s sound is foot tapping/stomping, easy on the ears and senses, catchy and will draw out the dancer in you. You will be drawn to the fact that it is Timbaland’s show all the way, the music is his, the arrangements are his, and in fact even the guest singers on the album are like singing for Timbaland. On all the tracks I found Timbaland coming through and not the artist performing even if it was a Nelly Furtado or a Justin Timberlake. What I would like to mention is that the quality of the artists performing is quite good and though I have not heard quite a few of them will be catching up on their music now that Timbaland has introduced me to them. Oh Timbaland kicks off things on the album and while it’s not going to bring down the house, it’s way better than the lame “Intros” that are churned out on every hip-hop these days. Among the artists featured Keri Hilson impresses the most, but rest assured the album is a good buy especially if you already know Timbaland’s stuff. Otherwise, you will want to check out and get to know the musical genius Timbaland for yourself. You will not be disappointed!
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