Timbaland made an emotional return to Salem High School as Virginia Beach honored the music legend with a pep rally, parade and a avenue named in his honor.

Timbaland lit up Salem High School’s fitness center with nostalgia and satisfaction Friday morning as 1,700 college students packed the bleachers to have a good time the Virginia Beach native’s return and the town’s choice to rename a avenue in his honor.

The Hip-Hop icon kicked off “Timbaland Way Weekend” with a pep rally that doubled as a tribute to his legacy.

The four-time Grammy winner was greeted with cheers, flashing telephone lights and a customized black and scarlet letterman jacket introduced by Principal Carey Manugo.

The occasion marked Timbaland’s first go to again to his alma mater since changing into one of the vital influential producers in music.

At 10 A.M., college students had been allowed to interrupt the varsity’s cellphone coverage and lightweight up the darkened fitness center with flashlights because the producer emerged to roaring applause.

“What’s up Salem High School?” he shouted, greeted by screams. “This school’s still looking the same. Do y’all still got the red lockers?”

Students laughed and clapped as the 53-year-old reconnected with his teenage memories.

“I want to say this,” he informed the group. “Don’t ever stop dreaming. Don’t ever lose hope. You can make it.”

The celebration continues Saturday with a parade and a public ceremony the place the town will unveil the brand new avenue signal for Timbaland Way and current the producer with a key to the town.

The Virginia Beach City Council unanimously permitted the renaming of Bridle Creek Boulevard to honor his contributions to music and his hometown.

Inside the fitness center, a marching band carried out routines set to his catalog of hits.

Timbaland’s profession started within the Nineteen Nineties after graduating from Salem High, the place he DJed and carried out in a gaggle referred to as S.B.I. (Surrounded By Idiots) alongside Pharrell Williams.

He later rose to fame by way of collaborations with Missy Elliott on tracks like “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On,” and with Jay-Z on “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “Big Pimpin’.”

His manufacturing credit additionally embody Timberlake’s “SexyBack” and “Cry Me a River” and Aaliyah’s “One in a Million.”

In June 2024, Timbaland was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, additional cementing his place in music historical past.

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