"Give It to Me" features Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland

"Give It to Me" is a song recorded by Timbaland, with featured artists Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, for Timbaland's second solo album Timbaland Presents Shock Value (2007). It was released as the album's first single.

History

"Give It to Me" features Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland, each staking their claim within the music industry and taking a swipe at those who have attempted to bring them down and insult them in the past. Each of the three featured artists has a single verse in the song separated by the chorus which is sung by Nelly Furtado. A singular line in Furtado's verse is about Hip-Hop singer Fergie's appearance and commenting that she is not "promiscuous" in her 2006 single "Fergalicious". Nelly Furtado confirmed on Big Boy's Neighborhood (Power 106 FM) that a couple of lines are directed at Fergie and explained why she wrote those lines.

In an interview with MTV, Timbaland revealed the target of his verse to be producer Scott Storch, with whom he co-wrote Timberlake's 2002 single "Cry Me a River." Though production on the song is credited solely to Timbaland, Storch has claimed that he helped produce it and did not receive due credit.

Additionally, it is rumored Timberlake's verse is aimed at pop artist Prince. Prince reportedly started a feud during an Emmy after-party, claiming that "For whoever is claiming that they are bringing sexy back, sexy never left!" which caused Timberlake's response. When the song was released it was rumored that Justin's verse was aimed at pop sensation Janet Jackson but this rumor has later been put to rest.

"A source close to the record said that Timberlake's lyrics have nothing to do with his infamous Super Bowl co-star — but he is responding to another pop artist who has seen career heights few other singers can boast."

The song officially premiered on 102.7 KIIS-FM in Los Angeles on January 16, 2007, when Timbaland made an appearance on the On Air with Ryan Seacrest morning show. The single was released on U.S. radio on January 25, 2007. Radio play in major markets such as Phoenix, Dallas, and Boston started in earlier.

A remix of "Give it to me" was leaked on April 16, 2007, titled "Laff at 'Em (Give it to me)" The song features Jay-Z, who was originally supposed to be featured on "(Timbaland Presents) Shock Value" but didn't finish his part in time, & Justin Timberlake. It also uses a different Timbaland beat. On May 15, 2007, it was released as a digital download. Jared Jones also made a club/house remix.

Music video

On February 26, the music video for "Give it to me" was premiered on MTV's Total Request Live. It shows Timbaland, Furtado, and Timberlake performing the song at the 2007 Grammys pre-show concert mixed with some footage of a studio recording session, and includes clips from inside Timbaland's tour bus. The video was directed by Paul "Coy" Allen & Timbaland. On the same day, in response to the song, Scott Storch released a diss towards Timbaland called "Built Like That," featuring Nox.