Timbaland's track record of gold, platinum and multi-platinum hits is as long as a career criminal's rap sheet. Nevertheless, Timbaland's beginnings were humble. Timbaland was born Tim Mosley in Virginia. From an early age, Tim always felt he had music in his veins. As a teenage DJ and Beat boxer, Tim hooked up with Virginia local DeVante Swing of the group Jodeci. At age 19, Tim diligently taught himself how to use studio equipment while Devante helped refine Tim's sound. The early days were tough but invaluable. Tim recalls, DeVante was hard on me and that made me really hard on myself. Tim would often remain in the studio for days, only surfacing for a few hours a week for fresh air.
Da Bassment crew was formed around this time with members Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Playa, Ginuwine, and Magoo. One by one, the founding members struck their own record deals. Timbaland found his way to Blackground Records where he signed as both a solo artist and as the rap duo Timbaland and Magoo.
