Timbaland's production in the early 2000s just hits differently. His work with Missy Elliott and Aaliyah in the late 90s, as well as credits on tracks with East Coast heavyweight labels like Bad Boy and Roc-A-Fella helped shape an era. His choice of samples came from left-field -- a practice that remains the cornerstone of his production style -- and produced timeless bangers that still sound as good today as they did 20 years ago.
In 2003, Lil Kim unveiled her third studio album, La Bella Mafia led by the Mr. Cheeks-assisted single, "The Jump Off." Timbaland brings out the marching band on this one with crispy snares and triumphant horns charging the production. Kim's seductive and assertive flow brings a dominant presence to the track as she and Mr. Cheeks salute the hustlers and ballers.
Quotable Lyrics
Black Barbie dressed in Bulgari
I'm tryin' to leave in somebody's Ferrari
Spread love, that's what a real mob do
Keep it gangsta look out for her people
I'm the wicked bitch of the east, you better keep the peace
Or out come the beast
We the best still there's room for improvement
Our presence is felt like a Black Panther movement
About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years.
Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021.
Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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