Hip Hop Legend Timbaland Discusses OxyContin Addiction

Timothy Mosley, known by hip hop fans as Timbaland, recently admitted to nearly overdosing on OxyContin in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. The 45-year-old four-time Grammy Award winner who has worked with Jay-Z, Beyonce and many other musical stars, said that he was addicted to OxyContin and almost died in an incident three years ago.

“All I can tell you is that there was a light,” he said recalling the experience. “I woke up trying to catch my breath, like I was underwater. But through the whole thing I saw life – I saw where I would be if I don’t change and where I could be if I did.”

Timbaland said he began taking the prescription drug in his thirties to help with nerve pain from a gunshot wound he suffered as a teenager. His use eventually spun out of control, and as his intake increased, his success in music and in relationships decreased. This led to a cycle of depression and addiction, according to Timbaland.

“Music is a gift and a curse,” he said in his interview. “Once you’re not popping, it plays with your mind. The pills helped block out the noise – I’d just sleep all day.”

According to the musician, producer and songwriter, he was able to shake the addiction three years ago after gradually lessening his doses.

Sources:

www.skynews.com.au/culture/showbiz/celebrity/2017/11/30/timbaland-tells-of-oxycontin-addiction.html

www.rollingstone.com/music/features/timbaland-kicked-oxycontin-self-doubt-to-stage-comeback-w512403