The super producer began taking the painkillers to deal with nerve issues he had from a gunshot wound he suffered as a teenager.
He eventually starting using the pills to numb the effects of falling off in the music industry and one fateful day, three years ago, it nearly cost him his life.
All I can tell you is that there was a light. I woke up trying to catch my breath, like I was underwater.
Music is a gift and curse. 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 sh*t.
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.
I'm so glad the Lord didn't call Timbo home that day and has given him the opportunity to turn his life around.
Right now, I feel like what I can do with my legacy is to give back. Which means finding the youth of today. Look at Quincy Jones - he was 50 when he did Thriller! What's my Thriller?
Read Timbaland's full interview here.
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