Timbaland the legendary producer was honored at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, where he was officially inducted into the prestigious institution last Thursday June 14.
The Virginia hitmaker briefly spoke with NBC News on the red carpet about the achievement. “You just be in awe, but you just think of you legacy. Half of your legacy is complete. And now I’m still living, so it’s like, what’s the other half?” he said with a smile. “I feel like it’s the new beginning of what’s to come.
He then explained how the reception to his work throughout his career is what validated his confidence as a songwriter. “The people let me know I was a good songwriter. I didn’t know. Consistency let me know I was a good songwriter. The many hours I put in to my work. The many sleepless nights,” he added. In his official acceptance speech he reflected on his long journey and how this moment was the most special. “I always pray a lot and I always wonder why I didn’t get certain awards,” he said. “But this is the best award, so God’s timing is the best timing.
Kicking off his trailblazing career in the mid-90s, Timb has been an instrumental part in pushing the culture forward with his daring sounds, other worldly instrumentals, and collaborations that were well ahead of their time. His work is closely associated to being pivotal to the success of stars like Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, the late Aaliyah, Nelly Furtado, and countless others. He has won four Grammys and has seven Platinum records.
