Scan barcode
nickscoby's review
4.0
This book was very entertaining. Of course, it helps that Tim worked with two of my all-time favorite artists (Aaliyah and Justin Timberlake) and was inspired by Prince. But I also appreciate hearing his first hand accounts of some of the most popular music made in the late 90s-early 2000s. I expected all of the (platonic) love he has for Missy Elliott, but I was completely unaware of his experience with Davante Swing from Jodeci. There are at least three chapters devoted to what can only be described as pure trauma and abuse. I was literally gripping the pages! Poor, poor Tim.
On the down side, certain chapters feel rushed, especially at the end.
On the down side, certain chapters feel rushed, especially at the end.
canadianoranges's review
4.0
Though there's a lot of retroactive prognostication ("The second I saw *blank*, I know they would be a star"), which I tend to loathe in other biographies, I enjoyed the story of Timbaland's rise to power.
It's refreshing to read a story where no excuses are made for situations he found himself in. He had parents who supported him and, though he lived in a rough neighbourhood, he did what he could to make the best of his situation. Even though trouble found him in the some of the most unfair ways, he never used that as an excuse.
The chapter about Empire is brief and feels more like sales pitch than biography, but everything before it is very engaging.
It's refreshing to read a story where no excuses are made for situations he found himself in. He had parents who supported him and, though he lived in a rough neighbourhood, he did what he could to make the best of his situation. Even though trouble found him in the some of the most unfair ways, he never used that as an excuse.
The chapter about Empire is brief and feels more like sales pitch than biography, but everything before it is very engaging.
lynch626's review
4.0
Last week, Trevor Noah had Timbaland as his guest on the Daily Show to promote this book and I took the bait. I have always loved music, but have fallen out of making it and really getting into it since high school. I thought listening to this book would really energize me and my appreciation for music.
The Emperor of Sound is a biography of Tim Mosely (Timbaland)'s life from his humble beginnings in Norfolk, VA through today. He talks about how he has always been obsessed with experiencing sounds. From banging on pots and pans in his kitchen as a toddler to DJing high school parties during his teenage years, to producing tracks for many of today's top artists, Tim's love of creating music and beats has permeated his entire life. It is truly inspiring.
A few facts I did not really know before reading:
-Tim went to Middle School with Pharrel and the 2 have always had a great respect for each other.
-Tim started out in high school producing beats for Missy Elliot. The 2 worked together for a while, and although they don't do as much together anymore, Tim still considers her like his sister.
-Tim (and Missy) worked with and were very close to the pop star Aaliyah. Her death sent Tim spiraling into a several year depression period where he gained a lot of weight, drank a lot, and didn't accomplish much musically.
-After that, Tim produced Cry me a River and other songs for Justin Timberlake, putting Justin and himself back on the map.
-Timbaland continues to work with many well known hip-hop, pop and R&B stars.
The Emperor of Sound is a biography of Tim Mosely (Timbaland)'s life from his humble beginnings in Norfolk, VA through today. He talks about how he has always been obsessed with experiencing sounds. From banging on pots and pans in his kitchen as a toddler to DJing high school parties during his teenage years, to producing tracks for many of today's top artists, Tim's love of creating music and beats has permeated his entire life. It is truly inspiring.
A few facts I did not really know before reading:
-Tim went to Middle School with Pharrel and the 2 have always had a great respect for each other.
-Tim started out in high school producing beats for Missy Elliot. The 2 worked together for a while, and although they don't do as much together anymore, Tim still considers her like his sister.
-Tim (and Missy) worked with and were very close to the pop star Aaliyah. Her death sent Tim spiraling into a several year depression period where he gained a lot of weight, drank a lot, and didn't accomplish much musically.
-After that, Tim produced Cry me a River and other songs for Justin Timberlake, putting Justin and himself back on the map.
-Timbaland continues to work with many well known hip-hop, pop and R&B stars.
debbie17's review
4.0
Really enjoyed reading about this talented dude. It was nice reminiscing about all the music he has helped create along side Missy and Aaliyah or as he called her Baby Girl. I'm glad he wrote this because I really love almost all the music he helped create. I kept stopping my reading to get on Spotify and listen to the music he talked about lol I was surprised that he produced OneRepublic's Apologize I love that song. He also produced for Madonna and wrote for Sir Elton John. And all the shit he went through with DeVante while he was a part of Da Basement, heartbreaking! This was a great read I recommend to all music lovers.
kojobaffoe's review
3.0
It isn’t a bad book. An easy quick read with some insight into Timbaland’s life. I had no expectations going into it and I’m not sure how I feel about it.
coatesvillain's review
2.0
Timbaland is one of the greatest producers of all-time. His body of work speaks for itself. When I was in the library and saw this book on the shelf it jumped out at me. I wanted to know more of what made him tick, and the story behind how he got to be who he is.
The book starts with his upbringing. His parents didn't have much but they supported his love for music. It was fun seeing him connect with music luminaries like Pharrell and Missy. It was even more interesting (and intense) to find out about his relationship with Jodeci's DeVante Swing. This is where the good stuff in the book lies. There is a connection with this beginning that speaks to you. That tells you that Timbaland still has feelings about that toxic environment.
My main issue with the book is once we get toward Timbaland's successful times we are just breezing through. There is no connection to the work, or what it meant to him. It loses feeling even when he is telling about the bad times. There is nothing to grab onto that feels real. It also glosses over much of his life. I know it is hard to get an entire life into 220 pages but it feels like this book was done for a check and that's it. I can't be mad at him for it. Just glad I got some entertainment from it.
The book starts with his upbringing. His parents didn't have much but they supported his love for music. It was fun seeing him connect with music luminaries like Pharrell and Missy. It was even more interesting (and intense) to find out about his relationship with Jodeci's DeVante Swing. This is where the good stuff in the book lies. There is a connection with this beginning that speaks to you. That tells you that Timbaland still has feelings about that toxic environment.
My main issue with the book is once we get toward Timbaland's successful times we are just breezing through. There is no connection to the work, or what it meant to him. It loses feeling even when he is telling about the bad times. There is nothing to grab onto that feels real. It also glosses over much of his life. I know it is hard to get an entire life into 220 pages but it feels like this book was done for a check and that's it. I can't be mad at him for it. Just glad I got some entertainment from it.