Timbaland Recalls Near Death Experience While Addicted To Pills

Producer Timbaland had a close call with death when he was battling an addiction to Oxycontin.

The hitmaker, who has worked with big stars like Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, reveals he started taking OxyContin for pain stemming from a gunshot wound he suffered as a teenager in his 30s, and over 15 years he spiraled into a cycle of addiction and depression.

His addiction also led to the breakdown of his marriage to Monique Idlett and financial issues.

“Music is a gift and curse,” he tells Rolling Stone magazine. “Once you’re not popping, it plays with your mind. The pills helped block out the noise… I remember Jay-Z told me one time, ‘Don’t do no more interviews’ – because I was saying crazy s##t.”