Today we are turning back to the early 2000s with the two biggest production powerhouses of the Hip Hop genre. Who comes out on top: Timbaland or The Neptunes?
With some of the biggest tracks and most game-changing moments, it is not an easy call. There is a lot going either way, but first, we have to see what made them great in the first place.
Sit back and take a trip on memory lane. In the end, see if you agree with our choice. This a contest where either side could claim the true ruler of the charts.
Defining an Era of Music
The early 2000s were a wild time. The new millennium brought with it a tale of experimentation, as Rap, Hip Hop, and R&B put out power tracks that defined a generation. The trends laid out here would continue to build today.
Tons of artists that still rule the music producing scene were born from these wild times, but two powerhouses crafted a legacy that no one would forget.
The Strength of The Neptunes
For the first half of the 2000s, there was a major wave of change to the Hip Hop and Pop song community. That wave was The Neptunes.
Chad Hugo and Pharrell were a powerhouse from the late 90s to mid-2000s, producing a massive number of high selling tracks and influential albums. For a few years, few who operating on the radio didn’t feel their influence.
They gave a vast number of artists a new look, new style, or new lease on their careers. Pop powerhouses like Justin Timberlake and Brittney Spears had a dynamic image twist all thanks to The Neptunes.
The Power of Timbaland
A master of refining the over-the-top and the weird into powerhouse hits, Timbaland added blends many would not consider with masterclass attitude. Timbaland ranges from crazy and raunchy to bizarre and head-turning.
Using a wide variety of sounds from all manner of different cultures, Timbaland crafted a powerful dynamic that made it near impossible to guess what was next. The blends were as beautiful as they were bizarre.
His influence and boon to multiple high-level artists such as Missy Elliot and Jay-Z made him a powerful hit that no one could ignore. His multiple artistic phases made there was a rare time when you could slip into a “normal”.
The Winner
From The Neptunes and their powerful style and game-changing influence to Timbaland’s wild recreation of entire genres, it is a tough battle to pick. The fact that their differences are so strong might make it impossible.
Given that we set up a contest, it would be absurd to not decide somewhere down the line. For all the wild and uniqueness added to it, the vote has to go to Timbaland.
Timbaland not only crafts music, but makes for beautiful and wild combinations. The background layer on the iconic “Pony” from Ginuwine is a beat people recognize in an instant and is never duplicated.
As well, while The Neptunes helped to change a few pop idol’s images, Timbaland nurtured several prominent music creators, from Missy Elliot to Jay-Z. The foundation of modern hip hop and more was built with Timbaland’s help.
His influence is felt farther, felt deeper, and has a unique bend to it that edges him out on top.
Music, Fashion, and That Vintage Feel
It was a wild contest and even with the pick, it is hard to not argue for either side. Whether you prefer The Neptunes or Timbaland, you got a fantastic powerhouse of music.
For all things with a bit of a vintage touch, we got you covered down here at The Vintage Connect. From the game-changers of yesterday to the up and coming rappers of today, we got a taste of everything you could want.