Timothy Mosley is one of music’s most prestigious artist ever. Long after Timbaland leaves the world behind his legacy will be revered as one of the greatest to ever walk the face of the earth. Thanks to his equally unique style and sound patterns Tim has already defined and redefined the entire landscape of urban music for just a little more than a decade. He took the late Aaliyah’s career to a higher level as he has for Justin Timberlake recently; he’s is also responsible for founding the careers of both Missy Elliot and Ginuwine. The early stages of ’07 finds Tim relishing in the success from producing numerous pop smashes and in the rare mood for a solo attempt. On his latest offering Shock Value the VA producer is out to set a new tone and redefine the sound of music once again.

Straight out the gate Tim and Justin spit lyrical jabs at rival producer Scott Storch on the album’s most audibly vibrant offering “Give It 2 Me”. All of the album’ s early tracks have a hot South Beach summer night feel to them, especially the humorous love song “The Way I Are”. Even with unit movers like Missy, Dr. Dre, and Justin Timberlake on “Bounce” Tim comes with one of his rare all out bricks. Things don’t get any better as 50 Cent and Tony Yayo’s overly gangsta arrival on “Come And Get Me” makes for an underachieving break from all the club hype on the album. Timbaland redeems himself as he effectively meshes fast paced percussions and crystal clear snares on his solo produced effort “Kill Yourself”.

Milk carton missing Magoo surprisingly resurrects his career on the almost seductive “Boardmeeting”. Timbaland cashes in on a mid-eastern slash Lil Jon esque backdrop on one of the album’s more tantalizing tracks “Bombay”. Towards the end of the middle of the album Tim starts to experiment with rock sounds on the displeasing “Throw It On Me” and the easily as saddening “Time”. Timbaland lets Fall Out Boy’s sound overtake his on “One And Only” but turns around and successfully infuses the legendary Elton John’s prolific piano skills on the album’s closing effort “2 Man Show”.

With over a decade in the music industry Timbaland has successfully touched and mastered R&B, rap, and with his latest he has transcended into pop culture. Of course Tim’s experience with Justin Timberlake and Christina Agullera could’ve given hint to his latest foray. If die hard hip hoppers can look past Tim’s decision to basically abandon the rap game then they’ll definitely see the shaping of one of the greatest musicians to ever walk the face of the earth. The bottom line is that Shock Value is a testament to the fact that Timbaland can fully accomplish whatever type of music he puts his signature drums behind. Pop music; chalk it up as another victory for Timbo!  

VERDICT – 14 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 4
CONSISTENCY: 3