I think Timbaland like Babyface bowed out because of music's current state of being overly simple with single note melodies and repetitive drum loops. Epitome is DJ Mustard. I respect his hustle but less than 10 years ago he would have got laughed out a studio with his tracks. Ironically, that's what the public wants. Creative and complex people like Timbaland can't really make a lot of simple mundane shyt to keep up with demand.
I am shocked Pharrell had hits in this era. People are ripping off DJ Mustard so you know it is bad.