Ranking The Top 10 Timbaland Produced R&B Songs: Essential 90s & 2000s Hits
Timbaland is a legendary, boundary-pushing producer whose resume of hits is virtually unmatched in music history. Known for his constantly evolving sound—characterized by distinctive, often quirky, syncopated beats, vocal manipulations, and futuristic sonic textures—Timbaland has profoundly impacted R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop music for over three decades.
From launching the careers of artists like Aaliyah and Ginuwine to producing global smashes for Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, and Brandy, his influence is generational. We took on the nearly impossible task of compiling the Top 10 Best R&B Songs produced by Timbaland, regardless of whether they were singles or deep album cuts.
Here is our list of the top Timbaland produced songs you may have missed.
Click Here for all of our Top 10 Lists. Click any song in the top 10 to listen to it.
Without further ado, ere is our selection of the most essential and innovative R&B tracks produced by Timbaland, which is not ranked in any particular order.
Aaliyah – One in a Million (from the “One in a Million” album)
Impact: A masterpiece of R&B production. The song’s smooth, whispering vocals over a beautifully complex, hypnotic beat fully established the iconic partnership between Timbaland and Aaliyah. It is a cornerstone of late 90s R&B.
Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody? (from the “Dr. Doolittle” soundtrack)
Innovation: Featured on the Dr. Doolittle soundtrack, this track is famous for its innovative beat, which features a looped baby coo. This creative use of sampling and highly syncopated drums defined a new direction for R&B and cemented Timbaland’s status as a genius producer.
Brandy – Afrodisiac (from the “Afrodisiac” album)
Vocal Production: The title track from Brandy’s influential album showcases Timbaland’s incredible ability to treat vocals as an instrument. The tight harmonies and layered background vocals create a rhythm that integrates seamlessly with the track’s sharp, percussive beat.
Ginuwine – Pony (from the “Ginuwine…The Bachelor” album)
Impact: This single is a foundational track for both Timbaland and Ginuwine. Its innovative, minimalist, and sexually charged beat was unlike anything else in R&B at the time, establishing Timbaland’s futuristic signature sound and launching a new era of R&B production.
Ginuwine – So Anxious (from the “100% Ginuwine album)
Context: From Ginuwine’s second album, this song is a masterclass in atmospheric, moody R&B. The production builds tension with its sparse instrumentation and sharp percussion, perfectly matching the song’s anxious, yearning theme.
Justin Timberlake – Cry Me A River (from the “Justified” album)
Crossover Masterpiece: This genre-defining track from Justin Timberlake’s solo debut, Justified, is arguably Timbaland’s greatest crossover achievement. The dark, cinematic production, featuring the famous vocal sample, helped transform JT from a boy-band star into a global R&B/Pop force.
Missy Elliott – Beep Me 911 (featuring 702 & Magoo) (from the “Supa Dupa Fly” album)
Context: From Missy Elliott’s groundbreaking debut Supa Dupa Fly, this song highlights Timbaland’s early willingness to blend unconventional sounds (like a phone ringing) into a melodic R&B framework. It’s a quintessential piece of the Timbaland-Missy-Magoo era.
Nicole Wray – Make It Hot (from the “Make It Hot” album)
Context: The title track from Nicole Wray’s debut, this song captures the fun, hip-hop-influenced R&B of the late 90s. The track is notable for its catchy hook and the energetic, playful beat that was characteristic of Timbaland’s mid-career period.
Playa – Cheers 2 U (from the “Cheers 2 U” album)
Context: From the R&B trio Playa, this track is a smooth, soulful ballad that is less about quirky beats and more about lush harmony and emotional depth. It showcases Timbaland’s versatility in crafting traditional, heartfelt R&B when needed.
Tweet – Oops (Oh My) (featuring Missy Elliott) (from the “Southern Hummingbird” album)
Unconventional Hit: This unconventional R&B track was a major hit for Tweet, noted for its unique, almost whispered vocals and the iconic use of a guitar loop and finger-snapping percussion. It’s a perfect example of Timbaland creating music that sounds ahead of its time.
Essential Timbaland R&B Honorable Mentions
The sheer volume of Timbaland’s R&B work means many classics were left off. Here are more must-listen tracks:
-Aaliyah – 4 Page Letter (from the “One in a Million” album)
-Aaliyah – If Your Girl Only Knew (from the “One in a Million” album)
-Aaliyah – Try Again (from the “Romeo Must Die” soundtrack)
-Bobby V. – Anonymous (from the “Special Occasion” album)
-Brandy – I Tried (from the “Afrodisiac” album)
-Destiny’s Child – Say My Name (Remix featuring Static Major) (from the “Say My Name” CD single)
-Destiny’s Child – Get On the Bus (from the “Writings on the Wall” album)
-Ginuwine – I’ll Do Anything/I’m Sorry (from the “Ginuwine…The Bachelor” album)
-Ginuwine – Same Ol G (from the “100% Ginuwine album)
-Jamie Foxx – Can I Take U Home (from the “Unpredictable” album)
-Jennifer Lopez – He’ll Be Back (from the “Rebirth” album)
-Justin Timberlake – My Love (from the “FutureSex/LoveSounds” album)
-Justin Timberlake – What Goes Around (from the “FutureSex/LoveSounds” album)
-Justin Timberlake – Suit & Tie (featuring Jay-Z) (from “The 20/20 Experience” album)
-Keri Hilson – Intuition (from the “In a Perfect World…” album)
-Kiley Dean – Keep It Movin’ (from the “Simple Girl” album)
-Kiley Dean – Make Me a Song (from the “Simple Girl” album)
-Missy Elliott – Take Away (featuring Ginuwine & Tweet) (from the “Miss E… So Addictive” album)
-Nelly Furtado – Say It Right (from the “Loose” album)
-Omarion – Ice Box (from the “21” album)
-SWV – Can We? (featuring Missy Elliott) (from the “Release Some Tension” album)
-Playa & Ginuwine – Joy (from the “Welcome to Our World” album)
-Playa – Top of the World (from the “Cheers 2 U” album)
-Solange – Get Together (from the “Solo Star” album)
-Tweet – Call Me (from the “Southern Hummingbird” album)
-Total – Trippin (featuring Missy Elliott) (from the “Kima, Keisha & Pam” album)
-Total – What About Us (from the “Soul Food” soundtrack)
What is your favorite moment of Timbaland’s innovative R&B production?