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Hip-hop has had a misogyny problem almost as long as it has been around. And yes, it’s a reflection of the larger society around it, but it’s easier to see it when everyone in the genre has a microphone and a platform from which to blast some of their most wrongheaded ideas.
In recent years, plenty has improved. More women than ever are charting and making their voices heard, and many more overt examples of sexism are being called out. That’s what happened when Timbaland, the veteran super producer responsible for some of pop music’s biggest hits, overstepped his bounds as he addressed Britney Spears’ recent tell-all memoir.
During an onstage discussion at the Afrotech Conference in Austin, Texas this past weekend, Timbaland was asked by an attendee if he’d seen the headlines coming out about the book, especially in reference to his “Cry Me A River” collaborator Justin Timberlake. In response, Tim joked, “I wanted to call JT and say, ‘Man! You gotta put a muzzle on that girl.’”
Timbaland says Justin Timberlake should have put a “muzzle” on Britney Spears, following the release of her memoir:
“I wanted to call JT and say ‘Man! You should have put a muzzle on that girl.’”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 7, 2023
While the crowd in attendance laughed — because, again, the society around us is still rooted in sexism — fans online didn’t appreciate his comment, calling him out in replies to viral reposts of the video of the response.
“Timbaland is the one who needs a muzzle,” wrote one fan. “We didn’t forget about his gross Aaliyah comments. He’s still upset Britney didn’t want to work with him. A nasty man.”
Timbaland is the one who needs a muzzle. We didn’t forget about his gross Aaliyah comments. He’s still upset Britney didn’t want to work with him. A nasty man.
— 天皇 old skool lapel (@Ayo__Lawal) November 7, 2023
Just came here to remind y’all that Timbaland is a creep pic.twitter.com/a4Lr2NrqbL
— 𝐒𝐮𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚❥𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖓✰ᵇᵘⁿⁿʸ✰ (@Suvarna_17) November 7, 2023
“why do men feel like they can silence women,” another wondered. “he’s a weirdo.”
why do men feel like they can silence woman, he’s a weirdo.
— 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞 ᴺᴹ (@BARIJUKU) November 7, 2023
Check out more responses to Timbaland’s ill-advised joke below.
I really wish this Oscar Meyer premium all beef hot dog head mf would stfu with his mysogynistic ass! https://t.co/HEEDXSaX6a
— MrsBundrige (@MrsBundrige) November 7, 2023
the same timbaland that hasn’t had a hit song since i was in elementary school? pic.twitter.com/twKMZFNtxg https://t.co/s7a43Z1L1r
— seb (@lovesickseba) November 7, 2023
hearing timbaland opinions over the years has been a trail of very sick breadcrumbs https://t.co/a8LgdEkPrM
— jawn q. public (@zeezeeontv) November 7, 2023
Timbaland’s brain has gotten smaller as he has gotten more fit. I never knew you could lose brain muscle while losing weight. https://t.co/l23tB7rySZ
— Hart (@hartofamerica76) November 7, 2023
she has been silent for long enough. yall expect women to stay silent and accept all the terrible things you do. it’s time to wake up and realize nobody cares about protecting you. https://t.co/ldjabpJy8d
— cami (@oasisraindrops) November 7, 2023
We don’t talk about the time Jay-Z had an intervention to put a muzzle on Timbaland because he was addicted to painkillers consistently talking crazy. Since he wants to talk about reckless behavior, lets start there… https://t.co/9ZFKSfpegU
— Roc Nation Refugee (@Pragmatism14) November 7, 2023
