Timbaland’s “The Way I Are” featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E. is from his second solo album Shock Value. This album was also the first to be released on his Mosley Music Group label. The stuttered beats that made Timbaland a star in the ’90s were not in play on “The Way I Are.” Flashing synthesizers and Hilson’s pop vocals with a mild stomp created music especially keen to the club experience. D.O.E.’s rap verses kept the producer connected to his rap roots. “The Way I Are” increased Timbaland’s reputation as a maker of hit records and Shock Value reached Platinum status within months of its 2007 release. In the 14 years since its release, the song has managed to enter club nights for another generation. Timbaland’s last solo album is Shock Value II released in 2009. In 2020, he produced music for Ludacris, Meg Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott and Teyana Taylor among others. He also launched the Verzuz Instagram series with Swizz Beatz.Â
