"Get Involved" is a song by the American singer Ginuwine from his sixth studio album A Man's Thoughts (2009). The song was co-written by Missy Elliott and produced by Timbaland and featured guest vocals from the pair. Although the song was originally scheduled to be released in summer 2009 as the second single from the album, it was pushed back to 2010 as an international single from the album because of a dispute between Ginuwine and Timbaland.[1]
Background
In 2007, when asked about who he would like to work with that would surprise people, Timbaland told Billboard, "For personal reasons I'd like to work with Ginuwine."[2] In November 2008, Ginuwine confirmed to the press that Timbaland would be featured on A Man's Thoughts.[3]
Release and promotion
The song was first performed on 23 July 2009 on The Late Show with David Letterman.[4] Ginuwine and Missy were the only performers from the song to appear; Timbaland was exempted.[5] The song was officially released overseas as early as 29 January 2010.[6] On 29 June 2010, a promotional CD release for the single was given a limited released in the United States.[7] In 2011, a twelve-track E–single of the song was released in Spain.[8] On 12 March 2012, the record label Smash The House released a digital three-track remix sampler exclusively via the online store Amazon.[9]
Controversy
An initial dispute between Timbaland and Ginuwine dates back to October 2009, when Timbaland expressed disinterest in appearing in the "Get Involved" music video.[1] In April 2010, Ginuwine told Vibe: "He really hasn’t been interested in working with me, so I can’t speak on the present [...] The reason I'm pissed off at him now is because of what he did. I would've been cool and not bothered him if he would've said, 'Nah, I'm too busy,' or gave me the lame excuse like he's been giving me. But don't do it and then not do what you're supposed to do [to promote the song]."[10] Ginuwine later disclosed to the Atlanta radio station WAMJ that a settlement of over $50,000 was made for Timbaland to appear in the video. However, because of Timbaland's persistent disinterest, the single was shelved in the United States and was instead released overseas with an animated music video.[1] In July 2011, Timbaland responded to Ginuwine's comments via BET.com, "I know how he might feel. He might think that we abandoned him [...] We never would abandon him. He’s like a brother. But when you get everybody else, mix different managers... it changes every dynamic."[11] Timbaland also added that he wanted to work with Ginuwine for the sake of their friendship and brotherhood.[11] That same month, Ginuwine told MTV UK that he and Timbaland were cool and that they would converse at times via Twitter.[12] He also added that a song with him, Missy and Timbaland would "hopefully" develop to show the "magic" they once had.[12]
