# data[].attributes.body
Timbaland’s unique production style is what makes him stand out to me and within the music producing world. I was initially drawn to Timbalands music as a young hip-hop/ jazz dancer - his signature production style offers stuttering bass, heavy drums, and quiet back harmonies underneath the track. The perfect syncopated beat for a young dancer like me. Along with his hip-hop dance tracks, I am inspired by Timbaland's originality, and ability to push boundaries and create his own unique sounds successfully.

# data[].attributes.body
Being a 2000s baby, I resonate with Rihanna’s exciting mid-2000s pop style. Her music features hypnotic and lively kick/snare patterns and the prominent use of an 808 drum machine, a key element that creates an energetic background for her stand-out vocals. The catchy beats and Rihanna's vocal skills/ lyrics were the perfect loungeroom performance songs for my younger self. Now as an ex-dancer, I can't help but appreciate a high bpm, a boomy bass and an upbeat, positive feel. I recall many happy memories when hearing Rihanna’s music, and I aspire to capture a similar feel when I create.

# data[].attributes.body
Teddy Riley is known for uncovering the new jack swing style. Combining elements of hip-hop, dance-pop, sampling, and R&B. Riley is known for his drum patterns that combine the energy of dancehall with the sounds of the street. Timbaland states that Riley’s use of and skills with snares make his tracks sound unique and inspiring. (From Pharrell Williams to Dr. Dre: 7 Influential Artists Who Inspired Timbaland - 2024 - MasterClass, 2020). Themes of Teddy's new jack swing style music are notable across Timbaland's entire discovery, with emphasis on his use of drums and snares.

# data[].attributes.body
Dr.Dre is known as a major figure in the hip-hop world, working heavily as a producer during the popularisation of hip-hop music. In 1986 Dr.Dre formed a group with his fllow hip-hop artists Ice Cube and Eazy-E, N.W.A.

N.W.A was a breakthrough for the gangsta rap genre and by 1999 Dre was credited with having launched the careers of artists by the likes of Eminem and Snoop Dog (“Dr. Dre | Biography, Albums, Songs, & Facts | Britannica,” 2024). Dre is predominantly associated with the West Coast G-Funk style that features slower tempos, memorable instrumental lines and hard-edged lyrics. Timbaland states that he admires the simplicity of Dr Dre's arrangements and the way he makes each effect sound robust and “action-packed.” (From Pharrell Williams to Dr. Dre: 7 Influential Artists Who Inspired Timbaland - 2024 - MasterClass, 2020) Dr. Dres influence on Timbaland in apparent in his new and edgy take on Hip-Hop, his West Coast G-Funk style and his drive to push boundaries in the industry. (Singh, 2023)

# data[].attributes.body
Pharrell begun his early career as one of two of The Neptunes, a production duo, (Sony Music Publishing, 2024). With over 15 of the duo's songs hitting the top 10, Pharrell has become one of the most influential producers on popular music today. After his success with The Neptunes, Pharrell continued in his solo career, working with artists including Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Shakira Madonna and more. Commonalities between Pharrell and Timbaland can be seen throughout their daring production style - use of bass, drums, tempo, and a broad variety of influences in sound use from a wide range of genres, predominantly hip-hop and dancehall (From Pharrell Williams to Dr. Dre: 7 Influential Artists Who Inspired Timbaland - 2024 - MasterClass, 2020). Infact Timbaland and Pharrell had later worked on two singles by 'Hair Candy'.

# data[].attributes.body
Madonna's early years weren't quite the picture of her later years of success. In 1963 her mother died due to breast cancer, when Madonna was only 5 years of age. Madonna's creative ventures have historically led with themes of liberation, femininity and sexuality. She fronted the public with a daring and rebellious image - eventually becoming one of the top female artists throughout the 80s and 90s, (Madonna, Bawdy & Soul, 1997). Madonnas's rise to success caused controversy and pushed for diversity and acceptance for women and the LGBTQIA+ community. Madonna's legacy has greatly influenced many female pop artists today. Her pop music genre, lyrical content, personal image, themes of love, female empowerment, relationships, and success are all apparent in Rihanna's bold creative style and expression choice. Both come from a childhood different from the average American pop star, an essence of rebellion, boldness, and power is present in Rihanna and Madonna's public image and creative practices. Rihanna is also known for her controversial and hyper-sexual stage performances and public image which Madonna paved the way for. Due to her influence and inspiration from Madonna, Rihanna continues to carry the legacy of freedom and empowerment for women that Madonna has created throughout the trajectory of her career. (Madonna, Bawdy & Soul, 1997)

# data[].attributes.body
Mariah Carey is one of the top female artists of the 90s, and is known for her unique 5 octave vocal range. Mariah Carey's vocal ability has made her an extremely distinctive artist in the pop music industry and her influence on other artists can be seen everywhere in pop music today. In fact Rihanna stated in an interview that Mariah Careys song “Vision of Love” is what made her want to pursue music (Collins, 2015). Carey's influence on Rihanna is apparent in Rihanna's use of distinctive tone and emotional delivery of vocals. Alongside this, there is a loud influence from Carey apparent in Rihanna's songwriting style, featured across both of the artists ballad-type singles. Themes of love and relationships feature heavily across both of the artists discoveries and Rihanna herself draws direct credit to Carey for influencing her music style. (Bio - Rihanna, 2016)

# data[].attributes.body
Bob Marley was the first major artist to pave the way for reggae music in mainstream culture. Syncopated beats, drums, dancehall, reggae, and political and social justice themes made a mark in popular music culture like never before with the presence of Bob Marley. His impactful music altered the mainstream perception of racial inequality, drawing attention to the struggle of African-Americans and pushing for the rights of all people (AfroMarxist, 2019). Rihanna and Bob Marley are both originally from Jamaica, and both heavily draw from their origin for inspiration and rhythm when creating music. Laying the ground work for Carribean artists, Rihanna states that Bob Marley is “one of her favourite artists of all time” (Bang Showbiz, 2010). When observing Rihanna's work, her influence from Marley's music shows strongly in her drum patterns, reggae and dancehall style, syncopated beats and themes of freedom and empowerment.