Timbaland is easily one of the greatest producers in the game. He’s helped produce some of the most timeless classics. Not only that, Timbaland’s production style is second to none. Recently, the iconic producer sat down with the I AM Hip-Hop podcast, and revealed how one of his biggest hits with the late Aaliyah came about. Accordingly, the hit record “Try Again” was made by mistake by Timbaland messing around on the keyboard.
“I was playing with the keyboard and it was a mistake, and my engineer Jimmy Douglass caught it,” he began. “I said ‘Jimmy did you catch that lil rhythm?’ [and] he said ‘I sure did,’” Timbaland told the podcast. He continued, “So [after] he caught it and played it back, I put the beat on it. I said ‘Ooo chop it right there,’ and he chopped it right there.’” Not only that, but Timbaland also shared that the late Static Major penned the verse. He noted it sounded too preachy before the lyrics were revised. Moreover, it was Hov who told him it was a hit. However, it took a little convincing, for he was unsure about the track at the time.
Timbaland Opens Up In New Interview
The legendary producer went on to say, “When Jay-Z came in the studio he was like ‘Oh my God,’ and then I was like, ‘yeah we got one.’” Timbaland has never shied away from talking about the myriad of things regarding his immense catalog and career. The man has a whole masterclass on producing. Later in the interview, the producer titan revealed how he discovered Ludacris while discussing his favorite rappers.
“I was the one that found Ludacris,” said the superproducer. “Because Ludacris was working in the radio station and I was like ‘Hey, ain’t nobody sign you? What’s going on here?’ [He was like], ‘nah man’.” He told the podcasters, “Then he came down to Virginia and we did ‘Phat Rabbit,’ and from there, labels started calling. Not only that, Timbaland shared that Luda asked him “Would you sign to Elektra or Dej Jam?” He told him to sign with Dej Jam due to his great talent. However, he noted, “I didn’t know how the business go, I just backed them ’cause I knew he was incredible.” What do you think about all of Timbaland’s career stories? Should he get credit for discovering Ludacris? Let us know!