VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Music producer and cultural icon Timbaland has received one of the highest honors from his hometown — a street named in his honor. The City of Virginia Beach officially unveiled “Timbaland Way” this weekend, celebrating the legendary hitmaker’s lasting impact on music and his deep roots in the Hampton Roads community.
The street renaming ceremony took place on Saturday, October 19, as part of the city’s “Timbaland Way Weekend,” a three-day celebration recognizing the Grammy-winning producer’s career and contributions to the region.
A Homecoming Celebration
Timbaland, born Timothy Zachery Mosley, grew up in Virginia Beach and attended Salem High School, where his passion for music began. The weekend’s festivities included a street sign unveiling, community parade, and a special visit to his former high school, where he was greeted by cheering students and staff.
“Virginia Beach is where it all started,” Timbaland said during the ceremony. “Everything I’ve accomplished began here — this city made me who I am. I’m honored, humbled, and grateful to have a piece of home that carries my name.”
City officials also presented Timbaland with the Key to the City, commending his decades-long influence on global music and his continued support for education and youth programs in the area.
Legacy of a Music Pioneer
Timbaland rose to fame in the mid-1990s, reshaping hip-hop and R&B with his signature production style — a mix of innovative beats, syncopated rhythms, and futuristic sounds. Over his career, he’s produced chart-topping hits for Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, and Beyoncé, among others.
He’s earned four Grammy Awards, multiple Billboard chart-toppers, and recognition from the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his groundbreaking contributions to modern music.
Virginia Beach Honors Its Own
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer praised the producer’s impact, calling him a “trailblazer who put the 757 on the map.”
“Timbaland’s story is a testament to what can happen when local talent is nurtured,” Dyer said. “He’s inspired a generation of artists and continues to give back to the community that raised him.”
The renaming of Bridle Creek Boulevard to “Timbaland Way” symbolizes more than a personal achievement — it’s a marker of pride for the city’s thriving creative scene, which has also produced stars like Missy Elliott, Pharrell Williams, and Pusha T.
A Lasting Legacy
For many in the community, “Timbaland Way” represents more than a street — it’s a reminder that greatness can come from local beginnings.
“To see someone from our city make it to the world stage and then come back to invest in his hometown means everything,” said local resident Denise Walker, who attended the unveiling. “This is history for Virginia Beach.”
As the new street signs went up, Timbaland reflected on how far he’s come — and how much he still hopes to inspire.
“This isn’t just for me,” he said. “It’s for everyone who believes that big dreams can start in small places.”
