Singer-turned-actor Justin Timberlake is no stranger to controversial comments; a trend which looks set to continue following his recent words regarding former group NSync.
His quote after the jump…
Speaking in Elle magazine’s latest issue, Timberlake -who rose to fame in the Pop collective- said:
“I don’t want this to come out the wrong way. It was an amazing platform but even without it, I believe I would have been heard as a solo artist.”
Continuing, the 30 year old remarked on the freedom his label gave him as a solo act. Freedom which saw him not play any material from either of his two albums to execs until they were complete:
“I don’t know why they let me do that. But I hadn’t come out of nowhere. People had preconceptions and I didn’t want to be misunderstood.
I’ve learned that people have preconceptions, period. They’re uncontrollable but they’re not who you are.”
Cocky or self-belief? That is the question.
That said, I hope he’s aware of the political sway in his favour. The same industry sway which seems to allow only one member of a group to break out as a successful solo act. For, as history goes, bandmate JC Chazez was equally talented (and, dare I say, more gifted vocally), yet wasn’t afforded the same opportunity as Justin. As such, he faded into Pop abyss.
Randomness: Is it me or is there no coincidence that with each of Justin’s solo albums, he’s served as a muse for a producer (‘Justified’ – Neptunes / ‘FutureSex’ – Timbaland); and yet when it’s time for him to serve up something definitively ‘his’, he’s no longer interested in making music?
![Jimmy Fallon Announces NBC Christmas Special & Drops Star-Studded 'Holiday Seasoning' Album with Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Justin Timberlake, & More [Stream]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/holiday-seasoning-megan-stallion-timberlake-grande-fallon-2024-trainor-464x260.jpg "Jimmy Fallon Announces NBC Christmas Special & Drops Star-Studded 'Holiday Seasoning' Album with Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Justin Timberlake, & More [Stream].")
THAT´S MEAN YOU GOT TO THE TOP BECAUSE OF NSYNC YOU JUST DID STAND OUT BYE B**** I WILL NEVER BUY YOUR ALBUM AGAIN
Only Michael Jackson could have said something like that. And guess what? He was such a humble man…He never put down his less talented brothers or claim he could have made it without them.
Justin Timberlake should be served a big piece of humble pie.
If not of Nsync he wouldn’t have been anywhere and that’s a fact….
So damn cocky!!!!!!!
Cocky statement. He is talented, but he should say that the group did help him. They helped him get into the industry and become who he is.
I bet he’s been (is) sleeping with some men from the industry to be that confident about it…
🙂
Did he actually say he wouldn’t have made it without N’SYNC because that comes across as more arrogant than what he actually says.
Anyways, he needs a new album.
He would’ve never made it.
Justin needs to come off of his high horse and needs to come out with another record, instead of talking s***.
I’m just going to copy the post I did on another website…………
Even though he REALLY should not have said that. I kinda have to agree with justin because of two words NICK CARTER… He was in BSB (who were the bigger group) look how well his solo career turned out.
what about JC Chasez he was in the same group as Justin he even was about dead even with Justin in fan base, dancing, vocals (although jc was better), both on the MMC exc. Look how well his solo career turned out WHERE IS HE NOW…… doing a damn dance show with Lil Papa (still respect JC though)
Look at Britney and Christina they had the EXACT SAME start as justin. They were on star search, MMC and came out at the same time. Did they need groups to be famous. Hell it was obvious from watching MMC who was going to be famous. I knew Britney Justin Christina Jc and Ryan were going to be the ones that could last and the others would be not as famous if famous at all.
Who’s to say Justin couldn’t have come out as a solo artist during the bubble gum pop movement. If he did he wouldn’t have that much competition. And maybe would be where he is today. He should hav known before he said that that statement was going to get twisted up. Like I see where he is coming from and what he meant but that is something you think but not say because I’m damn sure Beyonce says to same thing to herself every day in the mirror lol
I don’t think that he is being cocky (although historically, he tends to be). What Justin said was that even without it, he would have been heard as a solo artist. He didn’t say even without it (Nsync) he would have been a famous, multi-platinum selling solo artist. Maybe he would have worked the bar or festival circuit in his hometown or collaborated on other songs with other artists (as a solo artist). Either way, his voice would have “been heard”. Some people know their gifts and are ambitious enough to believe so totally in their talent that they will not be deterred. Maybe Justin truly felt that he was meant to perform or entertain in some capacity. There is nothing wrong with knowing who you are and saying that.
In other news, I wish he would stop acting. I’ll give him one more shot in “In Time” and that’s it!!
To be honest I don’t think that Justin would have been as big as he was if it hadn’t been for N-sync. The same goes for Beyonce and Destiny’s Child. I am sick and tired of people saying that Destiny’s Child would have been nothing without Beyonce. No, the group would have been nothing without Matthew Knwoles. He was the cause of Destiny’s Child success and Beyonce’s mega solo career. He purposely used that opportunity as a platform for Beyonce to blow up because back then, groups were popular and you had a better chance making it as a group than as a solo artist when you were very young. Justin is a cocky muthafo. I don’t know if he was being cocky when he made this statement, but he’s always saying something that should not be said out loud. I can see how this can be offensive. N-sync was an amazingly, talented pop male group and taught him a lot of things. It’s hard as hell to make it on your own and had it not been for that group, I seriously believe he would not have had the opportunity to work with past, successful producers like the Neptunes and Timbaland. They only wanted to work with Justin because he was already successful and famous with N-Sync.
Timberlake is only making that statement because he in the perfect position to make that statement. He knows that in order for him to continue to be successful he can do it either behind the camera and behind the mixing board & not necessarily in the vocal booth or on stage.
He was a blonde boy with an average voice that had nothing exquisite about him.How would he make it without N Sync???The 90’s were all about the boy bands (New Kids On The Block, Backstreet Boys) so how would he make a solo career if he looked like a boy band member anyway??Their manager took advantage of the boy band craze and launched them, but Justin was too dull to be marketed.
And @TGJ Justin produces too and he writes his own songs, so your last observation is incorrect.He vanished because he has no inspiration and because he has enough money now to make a living.He knows he’ll underperform anyway.
Leave beyonce out of your comments for once in your life! Damn!! This isn’t about her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I stan for her and even I can comment on another artist without bringing her into it
@Lola THANK YOU!!! People can from the outside looking in can hate Matthew all they want but he set Destiny’s Child up lovely. Yeah Beyonce got more shine but hey she is his daughter. Hell when the group started all you heard was Bey and Kelly. And now people talk about Destiny’s Child like it was a duo and not a trio. Matthew was the glue behind that group. He’s the reason why they can go to the UK and make a boat load of money (which is tax free).
As for Justin I never like him in the group, and I don’t like him solo. Everyone knows JC had the better voice, JT was younger that’s why he was pushed to the front. Like it or not some people are just more marketable than other.
I’m not saying he’s not talented he’s just not my cup of tea.
Justin is a cocky arrogant b****! he would have made it alright..selling people out like he did janet and kissing ass! This industry is amazing to me, he does all these songs with rappers to give him cred, but wont give Michael Jackson the props he deserve for birthing his punk ass..ohhh my bad he was influenced by country music? .i’m done with this dude!
Bad move JT, bad move !!!
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JC WAS A BETTER SINGER AND DANCER ACTUALLY. IM SO TIRED OF “SINGERS” AND THEIR INFLAMED EGO’S
Dear JT,
Release another album or STFU.
Thank you.
At first I was thinking this guy’s ego is getting too big. I always found him to be an undercover cocky asshole sometimes. Then after giving it some thought, I must say he’s a great performer and one of the few in the industry that can actually sing. If he had the right image starting out he would have been successful. I think it’s all one big question mark, so I won’t knock him. I do think he should be more grateful that he was able to make a name for himself with his other members from Nsync that helped him get established.
http://www.thepagewithroyalkev.b*******.com
Um…..why are people bringing KING B and DC n this. This is about JT ans NYSYNC……NOT KING B or DC! Some people…….SMDH! She certainly have some people minds 24/7. Anyway JT is my boy and i dont think he meant it…….n a cocky arrogant way. Somebody probably been running their mouth saying “oh JT thinks he is this big shot, he wouldnt be anywhere without NSync” and basically he’s trying to set the record straight. He started off with Christina and Britney and look where they are. So i think he would of made it without NSync but whos to say……he would be still relevant……n todays music.
If it wasn’t for N’SYNC, the relationship with Britney and the break up marketing of the relationship it would been harder for him.
Justin Timberlake gets a pass saying this because he’s male and white. Female singing groups don’t get that pass. You don’t hear people complaining as much as when male lead singers/entertainers go solo and excel. It’s not a big deal. However, some members of the media & the public hold grudges against the ladies…for decades :).
@MISSIMPARTIAL
100%
Exactly He used Brintey spears for relevancy like Selena gomez for Bieber
Before the relationship,he was nobody
Good for him,seriously I dont care.He’s always saying stupid s*** a la Kayne West anyway
@ MissImpartial
Exactly what I thought.
B**** just release a damn album, then we’ll see if you can still “MAKE IT”, cocky m***********.
No disrespect but the heading of this post is misleading. He never actually said, “I would have made it without N’sync.” I think if you’re going to quote someone, it should be word-for-word. I know you guys do that to make it sound more interesting and all the blog sites do it but it’s not fair to the person in question. Justin has been known to be cocky and to say controversial things about his former group but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with what he actually said. He said that N’sync was a great platform but he feels that he would’ve been heard as a solo artist without it. Well, weather it’s true or not, I don’t think it’s anything wrong with him actually believing that. He didn’t say he would’ve been more successful without the group. He just said he would’ve been heard. N’sync launched him and personally, I don’t think he would’ve been successful or even heard of without it but if he feels that he could’ve made it, let that men be confident in that. Everything is not controversial. Sometimes we make more out of things than what they really are.
Justin is very talented… however, if he were truly the King of Blue Eyed Soul, he’d still be making hits today. Musically he is a has been right now, nobody is anticipating the next JT record. And yes he DID NEED Nsync… I don’t think music was ready for an urban White solo singer when they first came out, not on the level he was expecting! Jon B has “cult” success with his fans, but never had true crossover success.
that,s disrespectful and mean,don’t burn bridges that made you who you are,i just lost off him.
It’s funny when folks say “He’s just doesn’t have inspiration.” as the reason why he’s not recording. For ONCE, TGJ clocked the tea on Justin’s solo career. The only topics Justin has EVER written about was girls. How does he not have inspiration?? Yes Justin writes for a lot of people, but have any of those became hits? Pharrell and Timberland were the reasons his albums were so good, because the production was amazing.
I liked Justin, but what’s the point of saying these things? The label head wasn’t over your shoulder during the album recordings because you a white male. He wasn’t the vocally talented member of the group JC was, and ironically JC solo career vanished. Look up JC’S song “You Ruined Me”, which could of been a big hit, but wasn’t pushed.
Sombody needs their humble pie served direct.
He can back it up though. Mad? Stay mad b******!
*** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPrAxP74EdU ***
TGJ if ur gonna quote, quote them right. He did not say that….and stop reading too much into things. But n e ways—-What he actually said I believe. Justin has star quality and is very talented. JC dont succeed as a solo artist because he came out with crap. Both Justin and JC can from the same group and basically had the same fan base. JC could have been as successful as his counterpart if he had drop better music PERIOD. I was a HUGE NSYNC fan and still is . I wanted both to be successful and would have supportted both but JC fell flat. And it had nothing to do with the label. The same as Kelly and Beyonce….ppl bitching that kelly didnt succeed because of beyonce which is not true. Beyonce and her music appeals more to the masses and thats not her fault–its what ppl want and who they want to see. And the same goes for Justin. ppl want to see and hear him not JC–CASE IN POINT, look at how many ppl are asking him when is his next album. They not asking JC, so who’s fault is that.
I dont like people who are full of themselves. Justin you’re one of them.
Did he lie though?
He had a pretty good solo career
Kelly Rowland’s nipple slips .. check it out at http://kelsnetwork.b*******.com/
Nah , I don’t believe Justin Timberlake would have made it without N’Sync .
Especially in the 90’s. Where are all the white male 90’s singers now . . . nowhere to be found . N’Sync exposed him to his main demographic. He gained a majoritiy of his fans because they were fans of N’Sync. To say that he would have a made it without em is a bunch of aggrogance . And to be honest the only reason Justin made it was cause he was the cutiest and most marketable. JC has and has the best voice , but wasn’t as cute and marketable as Justin. And once Justin used Brittany Spears for some exposure with that relationship the record execs definitely went with Justin . Justin played the game like a game of chess not checkers and he won .
And lastly Justin is famous cause he shamelessly steals his swag, voice, music, lyrics, and dancing from black artists. He bites off Michael Jackson so much it’s a shame. He likes to think he’s black until it’s not profitable to be black (ie Janet Jackson fiasco at the Superbowl. Mmmhmm he left ole Janet out to dry and turned real white real quick ).
oh what was the name of his latest album? can’t remember. he’s a cute actor tho.
as cocky or arrogant as it is, being cocky is the new fad….Kanye West, Jay Z, Eminem. And although I like the comment about Michael Jackson never saying somthing like this to his brothers, Justin Timberlake was born to do what he does, in the likes of Beyonce. They were going to make it regardless of their platforms, he is being real……I dont think Michael Jackson was a “reality” type of artist to serve you truth!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sit yo conceited ass down!
Always thought he was overrated and his hype was based on looks. Many a better white soul singer than you.
LOL SO WHY HE SCARED TO COME OUT ?
He is so delusional. Had it not been for Nsync and Britney he would be nothing. Funny thing is, I have never cared for his nasal off-key vocals and poor King MJ dance imitations. JC was the talent of the group. Justina needs to sit down.
Jadeumz…Bravo! Perfectly stated. 🙂
in his defense all he said was that he would have been heard as a solo artist , he didnt say he would have been as a big as he is today
grapejuice is undenaible the justin timberlake ‘s talent, he has a good voice (not great as usher for example but better than Chris brown) , he is a dancer, he write all his songs and is also producer!
WELL…HE ISNT LYING. HE IS MUCH MORE TALENTED THAN THE REST OF NSYNC. THATS LIKE BEYONCE SAYING SHE COULDVE MADE IT WITHOUT DESTINYS CHILD. AND SHE COULD HAVE.
LOL He’s not much more talented than the rest of them. JC was the vocal talent. Justin’s voice was and is nasal and whiny. There’s no power to his voice. He can’t belt, that was JC’s job.
Justin isnt interested in makin music anymore because hes making money in movies…..movie money is instant, you dont have to wait for the numbers and money to role in over time like you do with music. If the movie roles stop coming im sure he will be right back in front of a microphone.
@hmm…i beg to differ, i dont think hes anymore talented than the others, and reality is in this business your talent isnt what gets you there, its chance, luck, and a roll of the dice….there are many singers out there better than Beyonce,,,,but the circumstances were right for Destinys Child to rise…..and without Destinys Child we really cant say Bey would have made it.
Its Just Like Beyonce & Destiny Child One Broke Off & Make A Great Solo Career
When was the last time this clown was relevant? Anyhow, much like THIEFonce, he is arrogant without as much talent to back it up. Just like THIEFonce was quoted as saying she has a natural born talent that separates her from others. Greats like Mike never had to say they were talented..people just KNEW.
I know who Jester wouldn’t have made it without… JANET & MICHAEL JACKSON.
IF he didn’t RIP OFF every dance move from the two and r**** R&B he would be another sweet boy bander.
the end
b**** please… Beyonce can sing circles around 99% of the industry. And let’s not discuss being able to dance AND sing LIVE.
stay mad heaux… 4 already PLATINUM IN THE US
http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database
@ B0SS and @Bobby Bulgaria
LMAO!
Dear Justin,
Stop yo talking and start yo walkin’. Yo last album was good but it is not going to stand against the works of artists like Lady Gaga or Beyonce because they STILL GOING. I don’t even remember the albums name that’s how long ago it was. Compared to a classic record like D’angelo – Voodoo (which I still listen to this day) that last record wasn’t that memorable.
Thanks,
Beyonce fan
COCKY. Nsync made him!
LOOK AT WHERE HE IS NOW WITHOUT NSYNC. NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT HIM, OR PLAYING HIS MUSIC.
LOOK AT WHERE HE IS NOW WITHOUT NSYNC. NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT HIM, OR PLAYING HIS MUSIC.
yes speakthe truth, hell his career is what no? justin stick to acting, you aint s*** without your boy band member, he should slaped in the face for this, utimate disrespect
well he said dont take this the wromg way…..and thas exactly what yall did…its not being cocky its being real and honest..s*** its called an opimion and jus like assholes everyone has one….
He’s bitchy and i like that. justin is the only male singer who can save us of all this invasion of women in music.
Love Justin he’s a cutie.He has soul in his songs,Love It.Now get your ass in the studio with Timberland and make another hit record.I honestly don’t think he said it like tgj quoted it.Kanye is crazy,I just saw E,he’s now comparing himself to Hitler.LMFAO!!!! He definitely knows how to hit a nerve and keep the media talking.Anyway I Love Him Anyway.
@Dane Co-Sign.Oh and I still play his music atleast he isn’t trampling around looking like A F***** Clown.
Oh and I will listen and look at him entertain anyday instead of Gaga.
@Boss Co-Sign Lmfao
Stay Mad Beyotches!
and people wonder why i can’t stand this d*****
I think everyone is reading into this wrong, to be honest. To me, he doesnt sound cocky, he seems confident and honest. He is a very talented individual, and I believe he knows he is. I see nothing wrong with this, I don’t think he needs ‘humble pie’. I will admit, I think being aprt of NSYNC was his way of getting his foot into the industry and I’m sure it helped him, but he dedicated his life to being what he’s become…eventually, he would have been known. With or without NSYNC. I think those of you who want to hate, really don’t know what you’re talking about. No, I don’t know the man personally, but I will give him props for knowing what he wanted in life and achieving it. I will also give him props for being a confident, strong man in an industry that’s the first to knock you down. Can’t hate someone for that,
It’s hard to say if he would have had success if he had launched as a solo Artist but NSYNC clearly got him an audience who then followed him into his solo career. I think he is slightly ashamed of his NSYNC past even though it was super successful, it was ” tween, bubblegum music” which he has purposely moved away from in his solo career.
I really agree with that last paragraph, even in JT’s own production it sounds as Timbaland produced this. He’s clearly influenced by the people he has worked with but he needs to branch out and work with others because he’s stagnant. Oh and I’m not holding my breath on any full length album, maybe Jive will force him though.
SN : I wish he would sing in a lower register, he sounds as if his balls haven’t dropped. But I guess that’s how he’s going to sound, he’s 30 now so….
Justin’s definitely ashamed of NSYNC, and I can understand that actually. In the actual music industry (not amongst rabid NSYNC fans or teenyboppers or JT superfans), BSB is actually more respected musically than NSYNC. BSB is noted for their vocals constantly, while NSYNC is noted for their dancing and crazy fashions. Elton John performed with both, but said BSB could “sing their asses off. I don’t know about those other boybands.” He said he would defend them constantly if anyone said otherwise. I don’t know if he ever said anything about NSYNC or praised them like that, after he performed with them.
NSYNC was the epitome of bubblegum pop, while BSB was always more serious. BSB’s music matured as their fans did. It’s why NSYNC fans will always say NSYNC was better, because they were “more fun” and “what a pop group should be.” BSB on the other hand were influenced by Boyz II Men and Jodeci. They were doing R&B on their very first album (not the compilation album that was their US debut, but their actual first album which was released in Germany in 1996). They continued that throughout their careers, and ventured into multiple musical genres as well. R&B, pop, dance-pop, t***-pop, pop rock, electro pop. Now they’re known as all of that but categorized as adult contemporary as well.
JT is a d*****, no argument there. And while I don’t like his music as a whole, I do like a few of his songs. He’s definitely made better music on his own than anything NSYNC ever did. He’s actually respected as an artist, because his music is mature. It’s still pop, but it’s not that bubblegum pop that Britney and NSYNC were. Justin really should be grateful to NSYNC, because without them, he wouldn’t be where he is today. I do understand why he wants to forget about being in NSYNC, though. I’m embarrassed I ever bought one of their albums, let alone three. When I hear their songs now, I actually cringe at the cheesiness and dated nature of their music. So, I kind of see where he’s coming from when he says that he “looked like a moron” in NSYNC.