When it comes to the architects of modern music, few names carry as much weight as Timbaland. The Virginia-born producer and rapper has spent decades reshaping the sonic landscape of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, crafting some of the most memorable beats and hooks the world has ever heard. From his early underground collaborations to his mainstream chart dominance, the best Timbaland songs span a career that is nothing short of legendary. Whether you are new to his catalog or a lifelong fan looking to explore deeper cuts, this list of the greatest Timbaland hits will take you on a journey through decades of groundbreaking sound. If you love discovering great music, make sure to explore our full songs collection for more curated lists like this one.
The Way I Are
Released as part of his landmark album Shock Value, “The Way I Are” became one of Timbaland’s most universally loved anthems, featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E. The track’s minimalist beat — built on a sparse, hypnotic rhythm — was a bold departure from the maximalist production trends of the era, yet it connected instantly with audiences worldwide. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the defining songs of the late 2000s, proving that less truly can be more when genius is behind the board.
Apologize (feat. OneRepublic)
Originally recorded by OneRepublic, Timbaland’s remix of “Apologize” transformed a mid-chart indie rock ballad into a global phenomenon, earning billions of streams before streaming was even a mainstream concept. His production layer added a pulsing urgency beneath Ryan Tedder’s soaring vocal, giving the song an emotional weight that felt almost cinematic. The track broke records at radio, receiving more spins in a single week than any song in history at the time, and it remains one of the most recognizable collaborations in pop history.
Give It to Me (feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
“Give It to Me” is essentially Timbaland’s victory lap, a boastful celebration of his dominance in the music industry delivered alongside two of the biggest stars of the mid-2000s. The song features playful digs at critics and rival producers, wrapped in a funky, mid-tempo groove that showcases Timbaland’s ability to make complex rhythms feel effortlessly cool. It reached number one in the United States and several other countries, cementing the trio’s status as one of the most commercially powerful combinations in pop music history.
Bounce
“Bounce” opens Timbaland’s Shock Value album with a burst of energy that immediately signals this is not a conventional record, blending hip-hop swagger with electronic textures that were years ahead of their time. The track features Dr. Dre and Justin Timberlake, two collaborators who match Timbaland’s ambition perfectly, creating a layered, cinematic opener that feels like a mission statement. Its production alone — all stuttering rhythms and pitched vocals — demonstrates why Timbaland was considered the most innovative beatmaker of his generation.
Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake)
From Shock Value II, “Carry Out” is a playful, food-themed love song that showcases the easy chemistry between Timbaland and Justin Timberlake, two artists who consistently bring out the best in each other. The production is smooth and hypnotic, built around a slow-burning groove that lets the innuendo-laced lyrics land with maximum charm. It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a fan favorite for its light-hearted energy and sleek, polished sound.
Morning After Dark (feat. SoShy & Nelly Furtado)
“Morning After Dark” is one of Timbaland’s most atmospheric productions, a moody, after-hours track that blends electronic pop with cinematic production techniques that feel almost orchestral in scope. French singer SoShy delivers a haunting vocal alongside Nelly Furtado that perfectly complements the song’s late-night, introspective vibe. The track was a standout on Shock Value II and remains a beloved deep cut for fans who appreciate the more experimental side of Timbaland’s artistry.
Scream (feat. Keri Hilson & Nicole Scherzinger)
“Scream” is a high-energy, club-ready banger from Shock Value that showcases Timbaland’s ability to craft tracks that feel equally at home in a stadium or a dance floor. Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger deliver powerhouse vocals over a beat that crackles with electricity, built on Timbaland’s signature syncopated rhythms and layered percussion. The track is a perfect example of how Timbaland could elevate a straightforward party song into something that felt genuinely exciting and fresh.
If We Ever Meet Again (feat. Katy Perry)
Pairing Timbaland’s production instincts with Katy Perry’s undeniable pop charisma, “If We Ever Meet Again” became a sleek, radio-friendly gem that introduced Timbaland’s music to a new generation of pop listeners. The song’s smooth, understated production allows Perry’s voice to shine while still bearing the unmistakable hallmarks of Timbaland’s meticulous beatmaking style. It peaked inside the top twenty in multiple countries and demonstrated that Timbaland’s cross-genre appeal was genuinely limitless.
Apologize Remix — Historical Impact
While already mentioned in this list, the cultural impact of the Apologize remix deserves additional recognition as a standalone landmark in music production history. Timbaland’s ability to identify a relatively unknown track and reshape it into a mainstream juggernaut speaks volumes about his ear for commercially viable music and his skill as a curator. The remix is studied in music production circles as a textbook example of how the right production touch can completely transform a song’s commercial trajectory.
Luv 2 Luv U
Long before the mainstream knew his name, Timbaland was sharpening his craft on tracks like “Luv 2 Luv U,” released as part of his debut album Welcome to Our World in collaboration with Missy Elliott. The song demonstrates how distinct Timbaland’s production style was even in his earliest work — the syncopated drums, the Eastern-influenced melodic elements, and the playful vocal arrangements all point to the genius that would fully bloom in the years to come. It is an essential listen for any fan who wants to understand where Timbaland’s legendary sound actually began.
Up Jumps Da’ Boogie (feat. Missy Elliott & Aaliyah)
“Up Jumps Da’ Boogie” is one of the most important early Timbaland productions, a raw and infectious track that helped define the sound of late-1990s R&B with its wobbly, bass-heavy beat and playful energy. Featuring Missy Elliott and the late Aaliyah — two of the most important voices in R&B history — the track captures a moment when Timbaland and his circle were quietly revolutionizing what urban music could sound like. Listening to it today, you can hear the DNA of everything that made Timbaland’s later mainstream work so groundbreaking, making it a must-include on any list of his finest moments. For those who want to enjoy music like this in the best possible audio quality, check out our guide on comparing headphones to find the right pair for your listening sessions.
Say Something (feat. Drake)
“Say Something” stands out on Shock Value II as one of the album’s most emotionally resonant moments, pairing Timbaland’s subdued, introspective production with a then-rising Drake in what feels like a genuinely heartfelt artistic exchange. The track’s restrained energy is a deliberate contrast to the bigger, more bombastic singles on the album, showcasing Timbaland’s range as a producer who could create intimacy as effectively as he created euphoria. Drake’s understated verse, combined with Timbaland’s own introspective delivery, makes this one of the most underrated collaborations of either artist’s career.
Kill Yourself
Despite its provocative title — which is used in the comedic, braggadocious sense common in hip-hop — “Kill Yourself” is one of the most technically impressive solo rap moments on Shock Value, a track where Timbaland lets his lyrical confidence match his production prowess. The beat is a swirling, almost chaotic construction of rhythms and textures that somehow coheres into something remarkably listenable, demonstrating that Timbaland’s brilliance is not limited to the technical side of music-making. It remains a favorite among hardcore Timbaland fans who appreciate seeing the full breadth of his talent on display.
Release
“Release” is a lush, emotionally layered track from Shock Value that showcases a more introspective and melodic side of Timbaland’s artistry, featuring gospel-inflected harmonies and a sweeping production style that feels genuinely cinematic. The song demonstrates that behind the futuristic beats and club anthems lies a musician with a deep appreciation for melody, arrangement, and emotional depth. It is the kind of track that rewards repeat listening, revealing new sonic details each time and reminding you why Timbaland’s best work has such extraordinary longevity.
Indian Flute
Released on Under Construction, Part II, “Indian Flute” is one of the earliest examples of Timbaland’s fascination with blending global musical traditions into his signature hip-hop framework, incorporating South Asian melodic elements in a way that felt both respectful and genuinely innovative for the time. The track’s layered production weaves together traditional flute textures with contemporary drum programming in a way that sounds remarkably seamless and ahead of its time. It foreshadowed a globalized approach to music production that would become far more mainstream in the decade that followed, cementing its place as one of Timbaland’s most visionary recordings.
Oh Timbaland
“Oh Timbaland” is a deeply personal track on Shock Value in which Timbaland reflects on his journey through the music industry, acknowledging both his struggles and his extraordinary achievements with characteristic self-assurance. The production is rich and layered, built around a gospel-tinged sample that gives the song a sense of spiritual weight and narrative gravity that most hip-hop autobiographical tracks never achieve. It offers an intimate look at the man behind the beats, making it one of the most emotionally rewarding listens in his entire catalog.
Lose Control (feat. JoJo)
“Lose Control” from Shock Value II pairs Timbaland’s effortlessly cool production with JoJo’s powerhouse vocals in a track that perfectly captures the seductive, polished sound that defined late-2000s R&B pop crossovers. The beat moves with a confident, unhurried groove that makes the song feel luxurious and sophisticated, a reminder of how Timbaland could tailor his production style perfectly to the strengths of any collaborator. It remains a standout moment on an album full of highlights, and JoJo’s performance here is widely considered one of the finest vocal deliveries ever recorded over a Timbaland beat. If you want to hear tracks like this with crystal clarity, exploring our earbud comparison guide can help you find the perfect listening companion.
Beat Club
Released as part of the Indecent Proposal soundtrack, “Beat Club” is a deep, thumping early Timbaland production that offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of his sound in the early 2000s, bridging the earthier, more organic hip-hop of his debut work with the more polished, electronic direction he would pursue later in the decade. The track’s raw, driving energy makes it feel almost like a live performance captured on record, with a relentless momentum that keeps the listener locked in from start to finish. It is an important historical artifact in Timbaland’s discography, and one that reminds you how consistently innovative his work was long before the mainstream caught up with him.
CH3RRY (feat. N3WYRKLA)
One of Timbaland’s most recent releases, “CH3RRY” demonstrates that even decades into his career, the producer has lost none of his ability to create tracks that feel fresh, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in the traditions that made him great. Featuring N3WYRKLA, the track blends contemporary production aesthetics with the timeless rhythmic sensibility that has always defined Timbaland’s best work, creating something that feels both modern and nostalgic simultaneously. It is an exciting signal that Timbaland’s creative evolution is ongoing, and that his new chapter is every bit as compelling as the legendary chapters that preceded it.
Toc Toc
Released as part of the Back to the Game project, “Toc Toc” marked Timbaland’s return to active music-making after a period of relative quiet, and it arrived with all the confidence and sonic invention that his fans had been waiting for. The track is a masterclass in restraint and momentum, built on a hypnotic, percussive framework that showcases how deeply Timbaland understands the mechanics of rhythm and tension. It proved definitively that Timbaland’s creative instincts remain as sharp as ever, and that his ability to move listeners with nothing more than a perfectly constructed beat is a gift that has not diminished with time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Timbaland’s most popular song of all time?
Timbaland’s most commercially successful and widely recognized song is widely considered to be “Apologize” featuring OneRepublic, which shattered radio airplay records when it was released in 2007 and remains one of the most streamed tracks from that era. However, “The Way I Are” is often cited by fans and critics as the song that best captures his unique artistic identity, balancing mainstream appeal with genuine sonic innovation.
How many albums has Timbaland released as a solo artist?
As a solo artist, Timbaland has released four studio albums: Tim’s Bio: Life from da Bassment (1998), Indecent Proposal (2001), Shock Value (2007), and Shock Value II (2009). Beyond his solo work, he has produced countless records for other artists and released collaborative projects, making his overall contribution to recorded music far more extensive than his solo discography alone suggests.
What genre is Timbaland known for?
Timbaland is primarily known for his work in hip-hop and R&B, but his production style consistently draws from a wide range of influences including electronic music, world music, pop, and even classical composition. This genre-blending approach is a central reason why his work has remained relevant across multiple decades and musical eras, appealing to audiences who might not typically overlap in their listening habits.
Is Timbaland still making music in 2024?
Yes, Timbaland has remained active as a producer and artist into the 2020s, releasing new music including “CH3RRY” featuring N3WYRKLA in 2024 and the Back to the Game project in 2022. He has also been vocal about his passion for discovering and mentoring new talent, suggesting that his influence on music will continue to be felt for years to come through both his own releases and the artists he champions.
Who are some of Timbaland’s most frequent collaborators?
Timbaland’s most frequent and celebrated collaborators include Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Nelly Furtado, and Jay-Z. His creative partnership with Missy Elliott in particular is considered one of the most artistically significant in hip-hop history, producing a string of records in the late 1990s and early 2000s that fundamentally changed the sound of urban music. His collaborations with Justin Timberlake have also been hugely commercially successful, consistently producing chart-topping hits across multiple album cycles.