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Timbaland recently discussed the song he knew ‘was a smash’ before its release — and it included Jay-Z. Here’s the song he named and how it came to fruition.
In 2025, Timbaland is proving that his influence extends far beyond the studio. This year, he co‑founded Stage Zero, an AI‑driven entertainment company that debuted the virtual artist TaTa, blending technology with music in an entirely new genre he calls “A‑Pop.” He’s also continued mentoring emerging talent, headlining the Music Industry Career Conference in Phoenix, while his hometown of Virginia Beach honors him with the Timbaland Way Weekend tribute this October. Recently, he spoke to MSNBC’s Ari Melber about his AI ventures — and he mentioned the song he “knew was a smash.” Here’s the song he named.
Timbaland knew ‘Big Pimpin’ with Jay-Z would be a ‘smash’ hit
Timbaland spoke to MSNBC’s Ari Melber in September 2025. The music producer discussed his AI ventures with virtual artists. And he also discussed his past greatest hits. Melber asked Timbaland about the moment when he knew he had a huge hit song on his hands. Timbaland said making “Big Pimpin’” with Jay-Z was one of those defining moments in his career.
“I knew that record was going to be a hit. I was being selfish with it, thinking it was supposed to be for me, a Tim & Magoo project, rest in peace Magoo,” Timbaland said, referencing his hip-hop duo, Timbaland & Magoo. “But, in my heart of hearts — he was leaving the studio, and a little tap on the shoulder like, ‘Yeah, man, you should play on that beat. You shouldn’t let him leave out of here without hearing that beat.’”
After listening to his inner voice, Timbaland stopped Jay-Z from leaving.
“So I said, ‘Yo, Jay, before you go, I want to play you something. I don’t know, but I must play it for you. Tell me what you think,’” he continued. “I push play. He took off his jacket. He was like, ‘Woah!’” Jay-Z then vowed to return to the song in the morning, and the rest was history.
“I knew the track alone was a smash,” Timbaland concluded. The song achieved platinum status and peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the early 2000s.
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