Jodeci = arguably the greatest R&B group of the 90's
Devante = a musical genius.
Better than Timbaland? No. I could see an argument as him being more talented as a musician. Solely as a producer though. It's not even close
- Tim took Da Bassment artists to higher heights: Ginuwine, Missy, Tweet (Sista), himself and Magoo. There's also Static (Playa) who went on to blow up as a songwriter after writing songs that Tim produced. You have Darryl Pearson who still works with Tim. You have Stevie J who cites Timbaland as an influence on his productions like "Notorious Thugs".
- Tim changed the whole soundscape of music like three times (the rhythm and drum patterns he was using in the 90's combined with incorporating natural sounds like crickets, chirping birds, and laughing babies into his beats. There's the Middle Eastern and Indian samples you hear on "Big Pimpin'" and "Get Ur Freak On". Then there's what he did in Pop
- Tim wasn't just relegated to R&B. He created music for Hip Hop artists as well. In addition to Hip Hop and R&B, he also produced music in other genres which speak to his versatility as a producer.
- Timbaland was innovating and still at the top of his game more than just four years
All that said, what Timbaland and Da Bassment did is still a testament to Devante's genius. He did help them hone his talents. This was a case of student surpassing the teacher. While Timbaland is >>>>> Devante, there isn't a teacher who wouldn't want their students surpassing them. It means they did their job as a mentor and teacher.