Tim's Bio: Life From Da Bassment

Timbaland was known as an innovative producer before deciding to make a name for himself; on his second album, he shows that he keeps his best tracks stockpiled for the home team. When he raps, "He said 'Timbaland can't rap' / But I don't care / Because I make dope tracks / I make you bounce and wiggle / And do this and that," it's no idle boast; it hasn't been this much fun to strap yourself into a pair of headphones in years. --Randy Silver

Though Timbaland's work might be characterized by its daring unpredictability in terms of rhythmic structure, it's his youthful sense of fun that proves most infectious. His ideas feed both the empirical and the creative mind alike. Tim's Bio is an elegant summation of the first chapter in the musical life of the producer who has revolutionized the sound and context of American R&B (and urban-based music as a whole) in as little as three years, with his smash albums for Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, and Ginuwine, along with Tim's own partnership with rapper Magoo (who forms somewhat of a power core of Tim's mercurial crew, Da Bassment). Bassment regulars get the star treatment they have become accustomed to, while new talents--such as Kelly Price and wordsmith Twista--shine just as brightly. --Tamara Palmer