Chabot Spectator

Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: The Scene

Media Credit: Courtesy of Interscope Records

After working with Justin Timberlake and resurrecting Nelly Furtado's career, Virginia super producer, Timbaland, has finally brought out a CD of his own.

Timbaland's new CD, Shock Value, is filled with a lot of great songs and features quite a few artists who make you want to get out of your seat and start to dance and nod your head.

Shock Value starts off with Timbaland rapping over a sample of Nina Simone's "Sinnerman." He raps about why he made this CD and insults those who have talked bad about him and his music.

The lead single "Give it to Me" features Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake; the three of them talk about how people doubted them and Timberlake takes a personal shot at producer, Scott Storch, who has been talking badly about Timbaland.

Shock Value also features two of Timbaland's new artists, Keri Hilson and Sebastian who are on almost every other song.

Hilson shows off her strong vocals, whereas Sebastian shows his lyrical abilities and choosey word play when he raps. Timbaland also reconnects with his fellow rap partner Magoo on "Boardmeeting."

The other half of Shock Value shows Timbaland trying to explore new ground and reach out to a bigger audience.

On the song "Bombay," he has Indian artist Amar sing in her native language throughout the whole song.

Timbaland then goes on to do songs with rock bands The Hives, Fall Out Boy, She Wants Revenge, and One Republic. He closes Shock Value with "2 Man Show," which features Elton John playing the piano.

Overall, Timbaland shows why people call him "Timbo the King" by displaying his production and beat-making capabilities.

Lyrically he is not as good as someone like Nas or Jay-Z, but he does hold his own.

As you listen to Shock Value, you can tell that he made this album to show not only his fans but those who have just heard about him that he is good and that he has the ability to work with just about anybody in the music business.

Shock Value is worth the $10 out of your pocket.

Timbaland
Album: Shock Value
Record Label: Interscope Records
The Scene rating:3/4 stars
Producer: Timbaland

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