American Hip-Pop Icon, Timbaland, 45, has opened up about his battle with drug addiction and depression.
The Legendary recording producer whose real name is Timothy Zachery “Tim” Mosley, said in a new interview with Rolling Stone, that his addiction began in his 30s when he started taking pain medications due to nerve issues from a gunshot wound he suffered from as a teen.
According to him, he picked himself up three years ago, during the struggle with OxyContin. He also revealed that words of advice from longtime collaborator JAY-Z, also helped in overcoming his addiction.
“All I can tell you is that there was a light,” he confesses. “I woke up trying to catch my breath, like I was underwater. But through that whole thing I saw life – I saw where I would be if I don’t change, and where I could be if I did…I thought about Michael Jackson. I didn’t want to be old and taking these pills.”
“Music is a gift and curse,” he continues. “Once you’re not popping, it plays with your mind. The pills helped block out the noise—I’d just sleep all day. I remember Jay-Z told me one time, ‘Don’t do no more interviews’—because I was saying crazy shit.”
Timbaland, a four-time Grammy-winning songwriter/producer who has worked with Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Missy Elliott and many others, is currently working on new music including collabos with Justin Timberlake, Rick Ross and even Ski Mask The Slump God.
