SavieCie @saviecie - Tumblr Blog

Mostly old articles (from the archives) about the group. And other misc stuff.

I'm afraid this page is morphing into an "In Justin's defense" page. I am interested in exploring what truth is and what is made-up gossip and misinformation. And by truth, I mean the real story about the breakup and Justin's departure from the group.

We'll see how much evidence this person provides as a backup to his/her claims. 254 ppl agree with her take.

work in progress...

Also is Queen Catriona the same Reddit poster?

I recently came across a popular r/music thread discussing why NSYNC produced only one solo superstar. The consensus was quick: Justin…

She seems to be the only one talking about this "Defensive Acquisition" narrative. Or are others also talking about it? 🤔

Anyway... work in progress. Part 2 from yesterday's post should be posted soon.

Edited to add: I peeked at the website and oh boy. This is gonna be fun!

"Jive codified this new hierarchy through heavy-handed visual priming. On the Celebrity album cover, Justin Timberlake was in focus and placed at the apex of a rigid pyramid formation, the classic shorthand for “leader of the pack,” his gaze fixed directly onto the audience. In contrast, JC Chasez, the group’s co-lead singer and consistent vocal engine, was visually neutralized: his image was desaturated, he was pushed to the background, and his eyes obscured by clunky sunglasses."

omg....

#nsync

Was the Celebrity album paving the way to Justin's solo career? Part 1. This got too long so I'm posting the rest on a separate post.

Some very bitter fans seem to think so. Their claims in bold red.

'"You know, outside of the musical and cultural landscape shifting around them and in themselves as a band, one can kinda even argue that Celebrity was JT's unofficial solo debut in disguise. The album’s DNA, especially his songs Gone, Girlfriend and Pop is nearly identical to Justified's sound. He essentially walked out of Celebrity and straight into that record’s creative ecosystem."'

Do they sound identical?

THE CLAIMS

"It’s clear at that point JT wasn’t just the co-frontman, he was already transitioning to the architect of his own sound. Collaborations with The Neptunes and Wade Robson weren’t accidents either. I think he was totally testing the waters of solo potential while still under the safety net of the group."

Justin was already transitioning, and it was clear that he was the frontman. (More on the frontman narrative below based on what Lance said in his book)

The collab with The Neptunes and Wade Robson wasn't an accident.

That Justin was testing the waters of solo potential while still under the safety net of the group.

Unless the poster provides evidence of three claims, I will consider them just their opinion. None of this may be true.

"he was in, completely on board with what was done to his bandmates to prop his solo career. " (where is she/he getting this from?"

It's a waste of time to spend any amount of time on this one. This may not be true at all and is just "feelings" the poster has.

"They could have reinvented themselves as a band. The fact that they just let it go gave fuel to the narrative that out of all of NSYNC only Justin was deserving of credibility and success and that they were basically expendable and talentless bubble gum pop singers (which we know was definitely not the case but that is how the industry and the media framed them and it stuck)."

THE CLAIMS

Out of all of NSYNC, only Justin was deserving of credibility and success, and the other members were basically nobodies.

The industry and the media framed them, and it stuck.

Where to start with this one? The allegations are pretty broad. Obviously, they are talking about Justin's solo career. My mistake for not providing more context. I should of copied the rest of the comments because this one paragraph does not allow for much context. Obviously, they are talking about Management/record execs, Jive, etc. Here is what I will say, it is ridiculous to say that Jive only cared about Justin and not NSYNC. Do people realize all that went into the Celebrity album? The tours? The entire promotional and marketing... The production of the videos and concert venue set up. The amount of people on STAFF? Did we all see the Making of Pop?

The Pop Odyssey Tour, anyone? But yes, sure, this was all a setup for Justin's solo career. 🙄 (bts of Celebrity video below). Do we think that Justin is being propped up and singled out?

💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0

"I believe that the way the band was used to promote Justin Timberlake as a solo artist was even more dramatic and blatant, as seen in the Celebrity promo, the selected singles, and the music video for Gone." Of course we have Lance's account of how this came about (basically, management kept misleading the band for a very long time, telling them to keep their agendas clear and that the next album was indeed coming;"

"The problem was that Justin's solo career contractually froze NSYNC, he and the group's manager essentially pulled up the ladder behind them after Celebrity. The label was done with the group model, they wanted to pivot to just one breakout solo star and Justin was completely game."

THE CLAIMS:

Well these just take the cake.

The band was used to promote Justin Timberlake as a solo artist during the Celebrity era as evidenced by (whatever this commenter said above)

Management kept misleading the band, telling them the next album was indeed coming.

Justin and his Manager "essentially pulled up the ladder behind them after Celebrity. The label was done with the group model; they wanted to pivot to just one breakout star, and Justin was completely game.

I disagree with points 1 and 3. There is some merit to point 2; I will address it in Part Two, including excerpts from Lance's book

Point 1 and 3. Management and the label were promoting the ALBUM (not Justin exclusively). This poster does not provide context for their claims. These look like just opinions and are not factual as far as I can tell. (I am still doing research, and if I find something backing up the claims, I will stand corrected and will make a post about it) For now, it sounds like this might be the person's personal opinion. Why am I so concerned with what ONE PERSON is saying? Well, because this information is being posted on Reddit on several different subreddits. Reddit has a far-reaching audience, and when things are posted as factual, people will believe it. And then it spreads like wildfire all over the internet. With people not realize that some of it is untrue and that the person posting it is wrong. Misinformation and disinformation is very damaging.

See the above video (bts of the Celebrity album). I think Justin mentions how the label gave them complete freedom (the group members) the liberty to come up with the songs/ideas they wanted for the album. Of course, we know that both JC and Justin essentially wrote the songs in this album. Management gave JC the freedom to express himself on this album, for which he would get songwriting credits. This seems favorable to JC as an artist and has nothing to do with Justin.

"["Gone"] is about as raw as it gets," Chasez notes. "It's just us and a beat-box, with just a tiny accent of acoustic guitar and violin. That song is a proud moment for us; it really shows how tight we are as a group." "Gone" is among the six "Celebrity" tunes included in the set for 'N Sync's current concert tour, which was launched more than a month before the album's release. "It's a new idea," notes Johnny Wright, president of WEG Entertainment, the Orlando, Fla., company that manages the act. "We're bringing a large portion of the album to the fans before it's available in stores." It's unusual to play so many new songs in concert -- but it seems to be working. Chasez says, "By the end of each one, the crowd is with us and singing along. That's a good sign." Jive president Barry Weiss agrees. "The fact that audiences are responding so well so immediately to these new songs in this setting is incredible. It indicates to us that we've got an album of immeasurable creative and commercial depth." https://www.tumblr.com/saviecie/823128216846974976/n-sync-shouldering-the-burden-of-celebrity?source=share

Just some of Celebrity's promo pics from the album.

https://www.discogs.com/release/7378214-NSYNC-Celebrity

The Celebrity Album and Justin's departure from the group should not be conflated. One has nothing to do with the other.

I will work on Part Two. The part about Management stringing them along, making them think they were all reuniting, I will address in Part Two. I have an interpretation of what Lance said in his book. I think he isn't saying exactly what people THINK he's saying. Imho. It is just how "I" interpret what he's saying.

These comments I posted here from fans are just a few. I will post more of them in Part Two. Some of them are even worse.

#Youtube

#celebrity

Does anyone know where I could find the "public record" that says that Justin's mother made sure he was always front and center? I'm still working on finding the evidence that the label decided to tank the group and put all their resources on Justin... btw, why would the label NOT put all their resources on an artist they have picked? Isn't that what they would do? It makes sense.

#nsync

There are two points I'm working on that I want to discuss.

The conflation of The Celebrity album with Justin's departure. One has nothing to do with the other, despite this never-ending narrative (which might be false) that the label and Justin *knew* this would be their last album and were keeping it a secret.

The JC/Justin debate. (Not as far as who is the better singer blah blah blah. They are both talented and amazing singers. I prefer Justin but JC is arguably the better vocalist. I'm fine with that.) I love them both equally. I am not comfortable addressing this second point and don't look forward to it at all. Anyway, I need to find out if this is true... The narrative that: The Management/the label *really* sabotaged JC's career to pave the way for Justin and so that JC wouldn't be competition holds up. I have my doubts about these claims.

It is not enough for me for someone to make claims without any source or evidence. I need to see the quotes or links to back up what people like to espouse.

#nsync

A fan questioning whether or not JC and Justin love each other. "the brotherhood". The fan also says "Justin's solo fan base weaponizes decades-old photos with JC to create a parasocial shield."

Old photos. Hmmm okay. They are entitled to have an opinion of course. But when you look at the totality of what Justin and JC have said throughout the years, one can conclude that there is NO DOUBT that Justin and JC do indeed love each other.

Look at these images. Tell me there isn't love there.

Justin Timberlake Celebrates 'Brother' JC Chasez' Birthday with Throwback Photos: 'Come a Long Way'

Timberlake shared several photos from their *NSYNC days on his Instagram Story

Published on August 9, 2021 02:10PM EDT

"Happy birthday to my brother Timberlake, 40, wrote under a photo of the two hugging as Timberlake wore a white Nike hat and Chasez sported an olive green look. "We've come a long way."

"Case in point..." he added on a second slide, alongside two more silly photos of the duo.

It is astonishing just how much the haters hate.

During the Walk of Fame Ceremony, Justin gives a heartfelt speech telling his brothers how much they mean to him. And yet:

TOXIC TOXIC TOXIC. I cannot wrap my head around people like this who claim to be N'Sync fans. They are totally not N'Sync fans in my view.

I can't comment on the wedding invitation business until I find out what exactly happened. What I do know is that Lance confirmed he was not invited to Justin's wedding. There's a video on YouTube of him saying it. I have heard that Justin invited only JC and Chris. If true, here is another point that JC and Justin's friendship remains solid. If I had to guess, I would say that perhaps Joey and Lance weren't invited for a reason. Could it have been because of what Lance wrote in his book? Saying he was pissed off that Justin's life was all set up perfectly before they broke the news to the rest of the band?

Lance and Joey did not attend the premiere to Justins Justified album, but Chris and JC went. I would like to know the story behind that. Maybe Joey and Lance were busy; I don't know.

Quotes from JC Chasez:

Chasez is clearly prepared to ride out such annoyances as his favorite rapper Eminem's recent mockery of 'N Sync ("I don't care if he likes me or not; I think he's a talented guy"), by recalling the days of scrambling for whatever gig they could get ("We practiced 'The Star-Spangled Banner' just hoping to sing the anthem at a basketball game in Orlando - we thought we were so cool"). And he'll live with the badly bruised knee he's suffered after running his bike into an equipment case. "You know, when your back is sore, when your knees are hurting, when you're walking around with a sprained ankle, there's always that minute backstage before the show. You hug your best friend, saying, 'Let's go do it.' Because we all hug before every show. It may sound corny, but we're a family, and so whatever argument we've had that day is all squashed right there. And there's an understanding that says, 'Okay, now it's time to do what we do best.'" (Entertainment Weekly, May 2000)

They love each other. "I've been quoted as saying that girls come second, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that," says J.C. "I'm married to my best friends. People say it's my work, but my work involves four of the closest people in my entire life." (CosmoGirl, February 2002)

"I think the press thinks of us as a group, but it's more like a family to us. If someone wanted to do something outside, that'd be fine, but we'd always come back to this because we know each other and we're the best of friends." (1999)

Do you worry about life after N Sync split up? "Not really, because I know we'll all still remain friends whatever we do, and even after the band, we'll continue to work together even when we are doing solo projects. Sorry, but you're not going to get rid of us that easily!" (1999)

"He's just got that star quality," says JC about Justin. "He's like the sound. When people see Justin on stage, they think he's really cool." (Teen People)

"I don’t think anyone would like to be my girlfriend because of the attention level that you can’t give," JC says. "We’re married to our work, and it sucks for a girl to hear that she’s second. It’s a tough thing to say, but there’s no way around it. I love my four best friends, and there’s no way I’m gonna let them down." (Rolling Stone, August 2001)

In a dressing room, as Joey trims his goatee, JC leans against the wall, watching him. "I was so bummed yesterday without you," JC says. "It was so eerie. Chris was like, ‘I don’t wanna [shoot the video].’ But we had to do it." (Rolling Stone, August 2001)

As thrilled as the guys are about being uncles, what they really want to talk about is music. You'll have the new disc any day now, so we'll skip the flowery adjectives. Let's just say if any doubt remains as to whether these guys are the real deal, Celebrity will erase it. The band wrote the bulk of the CD's songs, which they describe as 'dirty pop', themselves and co-produced it. The growth is undeniable-some tracks are rough R&B, others are super smooth ballads, and the peppy lead single "Pop even finds the guys experimenting with the futuristic electronic beats. "I don't even think about what I've done," says Chasez, who along with Timberlake, shares most of the songwriting credits. "I'm proud of Justin-he's probably done the best stuff on the record." Spoken like a true brother. (Seventeen, July 2001)

"These guys ('N SYNC) are my best friends, we get to experience everything together, and that's the best part of the job."

"We're best friends. That's something that no matter what anyone says about us, they can't take away from us. It's a chemistry we have - a bond. It's a genuine thing, and I think that's why people enjoy being around us."

"We had outside people submit lots of songs, but this time, we felt ours were stronger. I'm proud of Justin. He's probably done the best stuff on the record." (Life Story magazine, 2002)"

He's very, very athletic, and he's always dying to do things and have a good time. I also love his sincerity -- he's a really nice, genuine kind of person." (about Justin - Life Story magazine, 2002)

What would you do if *NSYNC comes to an end? "Oh, I try not to think about anything like that and always think positive. But should it happen, we would still have each other and would remain friends forever." (02/00)

#nsync

The idea of this blog is to have a private place to post my thoughts on the NSYNC breakup, articles from the archives, and other random things. It is IMPORTANT to me to get to the truth because there is a lot of misinformation out there that has put Justin Timberlake in a bad light in this fandom. In particular, from a particular faction of the fans. These "fans" are spreading misinformation (and hate), citing it as though it were factual. Alot of it isn't. I do not believe that is right or acceptable, and as I mentioned in my other post, it has created a division in the fandom to the point it's become supremely toxic.

My aim here is just to separate the misinformation/gossip geared at JT (and I'm sure there is a lot) from the actual facts.

Tumblr is a free platform that I consider NOT SOCIAL MEDIA. Thank god for Tumblr.

Tumblr allows me the freedom to write without worrying about having to defend my stance or the views that I'm posting. It's like a journal.

DISCUSSIONS can be had on the NSYNC subreddit. Or in the comment sections of other social platforms. I don't mind feedback or discussions here, provided that statements made are backed up with the receipts (evidence). I have no interest in arguing with anyone, and I certainly do not want negative toxicity on this page. At the same time, I do not believe in censorship, and people with differing views from mine are entitled to free speech. People can hate Justin for the group breakup and find it unforgivable. There's nothing that I can do about that. If they want to vent their frustrations, there are many other social media platforms they can use to voice their opinions. The NSYNC subreddit is one, the other is the Justice for JC subreddit.

I would gladly accept feedback about anything that I post. If someone wants to contribute, comment, has an opinion, or has questions, I will am welcoming of all of that.

My goal is to clear up any misinformation. I myself do not want to contribute to misinformation, so I strive to research as much as I can when I have an opinion about something someone is espousing that might be incorrect. If someone has done the research and THEY have information that I do not, I will concede and stand corrected.

We can have conversations on this page, but I just ask (as a fan of Justin) that it not be a comment or post intended to blast Justin. Thank you.

Justin Timberlake In His Own Words | MTV News. MTV News shows Justin Timberlake’s evolution from a member of a boy band to a 'Man of the Woods.'

#justin timberlake #nsync

'N Sync: Shouldering The Burden Of 'Celebrity'

from the archives

Justin Timberlake's jaw is getting a little tight. The topic of conversation is 'N Sync's forthcoming Jive album "Celebrity," (due out July 24) -- and for a guy asserting that he's "completely cool and happy," he sounds a bit angry.

"The truth is that it can be tiresome to be continually blasted by critics because we don't fit their preconceived notion of what a 'credible' group is," Timberlake says. "I wonder if they listen to our music before venturing an opinion."

Looking around the cavernous Cleveland arena where the act is about to play another show in a string of sold-out gigs, Timberlake releases his tension with a deep breath, eventually flashing a wide smile. "In the end, it's no big deal. We make music for the people. Right now, we're extraordinarily blessed; we're reaching a lot of people."

Still, it's undeniable: 'N Sync wants respect. After selling 14 million copies of 2000's "No Strings Attached" worldwide, according to Jive (not to mention setting a SoundScan record by selling 2.4 million copies in the U.S. during its first week of release), the act is ready for a pat on the back.

Enter "Celebrity." More than "No Strings Attached" and the quintet's 1998's eponymous breakthrough, this project strives to be an accurate expression of their musical point of view, with Timberlake and 'N Sync colleague J.C. Chasez co-writing 10 of its 13 tracks. The two also participated in the album's production, collaborating with BT, Rodney Jerkins, Brian McKnight, and the Neptunes, among others.

"Our objective was not to be self-conscious and try to make another hit record," Chasez says. "Instead, we set out to make a record that was more reflective of what turns us on musically. We also wanted to prove that pop music comes in a lot of different flavors. It's not all bubble-gum."

That intention is most evident on "Pop," the single that previews "Celebrity." Masterminded by Timberlake with co-writer Wade Robson and club veteran BT, the track is a crafty, anthemic blend of Cameo-style electro-funk beats, Euro-pop synths, heavy-metal guitars, and Timberlake's now-signature human beat-box riffs. Atop the instrumentation are pointed lyrics like "Dirty pop that you can't stop... Think you need to realize that what we're doing is not a trend," delivered with equal parts pride and indignation.

"We put everything that is not considered 'pop music' in that song," Timberlake says. "It's time to re-educate the new generation about what pop really is: a collection of sounds and genres. How you mix it all together is what makes pop music interesting -- and popular."

The philosophy seeps through "Celebrity," as it deftly combines spirited, funk-fortified jams that stick close to the formula of past hits like "Bye Bye Bye," with more adventurous experimentations in soul-spiked hip-hop ("Girlfriend," "See Right Through You") and the U.K.-bred 2-step club sound ("The Two of Us," "Up Against the Wall").

The act (which also features Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Lance Bass) is at its best, though, on such sweet, harmony-laden ballads as "Selfish," "Something Like You" (with Stevie Wonder guesting on harmonica), and the haunting "Gone."

"Gone" is among the six "Celebrity" tunes included in the set for 'N Sync's current concert tour, which was launched more than a month before the album's release. "It's a new idea," notes Johnny Wright, president of WEG Entertainment, the Orlando, Fla., company that manages the act. "We're bringing a large portion of the album to the fans before it's available in stores."

It's unusual to play so many new songs in concert -- but it seems to be working. Chasez says, "By the end of each one, the crowd is with us and singing along. That's a good sign." Jive president Barry Weiss agrees. "The fact that audiences are responding so well so immediately to these new songs in this setting is incredible. It indicates to us that we've got an album of immeasurable creative and commercial depth."

'N Sync is scheduled to remain on the road through August, after which the members will take a break to explore outside projects. Timberlake is mulling over film offers, while Chasez is pursuing outside production projects and Kirkpatrick is launching a clothing line. Fatone and Bass will use that time to promote "On the Line," a Miramax film in which they are both featured. The project was co-produced by Happy Place, Bass' production company, and the Jive soundtrack to "On the Line" will include two previously unavailable 'N Sync songs.

Still, Chasez insists that "nothing will seriously distract us from working this album harder and longer than any other we've ever made."

For now, the act is aggressively working "Pop," which went to radio May 14. The song was first heard on MTV, a longtime 'N Sync supporter, live via satellite from a tour rehearsal May 11. The song's elaborate video, directed by Wayne Isham, was also the subject of the May 28 edition of network's "Making the Video" program.

Jive and MTV (which is sponsoring the 'N Sync tour, along with Verizon, Nabisco, and SFX Entertainment) will continue collaborating on marketing "Celebrity" with a weekend package of programming, July 21-22, titled "The Road to Celebrity." During the weekend, the act will play several songs at a tailgate party in the parking lot of a venue where they're scheduled to perform. The band is also slated to appear July 24 on MTV's "Total Request Live."

Timberlake believes that the potential success of "Celebrity," as well as the ongoing visibility of fellow pop acts, is laying an interesting foundation for the next generation of critical darlings.

"It's gonna suck for the next Nirvana or whatever 'cool' rock band that comes along in about 10 years from now," Timberlake says. "The next generation of critics are being raised on 'N Sync and Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys. Their measurement of quality is going to be different. It's going to be interesting to see the next Nirvana blasted for not having a big stage show."

link

#from the archives #nsync

Rare Interview: Justin Timberlake talks about Justified, *NSYNC and musical inspirations (2002)

#nsync #justin timberlake #from the archives

The NSYNC breakup and Justin's solo career rant.

This might not be the last of my rant posts about this topic. I have a lot to say.

MY opinion about the NSYNC breakup from Justin's point of view:

The narratives I read all seem to be focused on how the breakup affected the group, with zero mention of how Justin felt. What did this mean for Justin? What were Justin's desires, and why are those never relevant or mentioned? The focus seems to always be on the negative aspect of how the group was affected, with no mention of the positive side of Justin achieving his dreams and how happy he must have felt. What about his achievements and successes? Why can't we be happy for Justin? Why is Justin not allowed to plan his future? Yes, it could have been handled differently by the label, as Joey said on the doc BoyBand Confidential. Yes, the guys were deeply affected. But I don't feel that Justin Timberlake should bear the weight of having the power to shape the lives and future lives of the other members and how this would affect them financially. If you have a job, you do not reject a big promotion because of your coworkers and how terribly inconvenient this will make their jobs. In the case of NSYNC, yes, Justin going solo would have dire consequences because this was the sole income of the guys. One minute they are millionaires and the biggest boyband group in the world, and the next minute it is all gone. Devastating? yes. What I do not believe is that Justin was secretly plotting behind the group's back. Blame the label. "Tell us that" - Joey Fatone. Joey is right. In regard to JC's career: The industry is looking for the next artist who will make them money. They were right. They are in the business of making money and finding their next artist. It was always obvious, even from back in the Germany days, that Justin was the standout. JC could have made them as much money as Justin did. But the world had already decided that Justin would be the one. There isn't much I can say about that.

It also makes zero sense to me how Justin haters can be fans of NSYNC while hating Justin but also simultaneously wanting a reunion?

I adore JC. JC is arguably the best singer in the group. Even Justin concedes. Justin, imho, was the best performer. Justin deserves his flowers. He worked his ass off as much as the next guy and has been working nonstop since he was like 12 years old. The entire fandom has been ruined because of this JC/Justin debate. Completely ruined. And it's sad.

The one silver lining is what the guys feel. Never mind what the fans or social media say. It matters not that the entire fandom blames Justin for the group's breakup. All the guys rose above it all. The possible anger/disappointment and other feelings were eventually overcome and dealt with. The group has grown, and their brotherhood remains intact. The legacy of NSYNC remains intact.

Justin is receiving a well-deserved Michael Jackson Vanguard Award. He was the one who wanted the guys to come on. He acknowledged the guys in his speech and acknowledged all the awards they won as a group. Justin had to acknowledge that part of his success, or the fact that he even had a solo career, is ALL because he first started in NSYNC. And thank you, Chris! A huge celebratory moment in Justin's solo career is met with upset NSYNC FANS. I agree with the guy in this video (mostly), and the woman I find supremely annoying.

Fans can carry on being bitter, but it isn't solving anything at all. Justin's legacy was made. He attained legendary status, and no one can change that. He's set for life. And to those fans like me who like the entire group… I so appreciate you.

#justin timberlake #nsync

Read VIBE’s Feb 2003 Justin Timberlake Cover Story

Imitation Of Life

Justin Timberlake, the pop star, is flipping the script. On his solo debut, Justified, this son of the Southern music capital of Memphis bares his heart and soul by way of R&B. Mimi Valdes tracks the singer through the recording process and discovers his greatest fears and passions

It’s almost 2 a.m. on a cool, clear night in September. Justin Timberlake, lounging in jeans and a T-shirt, is glued to the TV screen inside his spacious Mexican-style home, which is perched on a sprawling 10 acres in the Hollywood Hills and surrounded by breathtaking views. Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes has just joined him to preview the video for “Like I Love You,” the first single off Timberlake’s solo outing. The clip debuts on MTV the next day, and Timberlake seems both anxious and excited. “This will be the fourth time I’ve seen it. Each time I catch something new,” he says. There had already been some backlash on radio call-in shows around the country following his performance of the song at the MTV Video Music Awards a little over a week ago. Some said Timberlake, with his moonwalk, tipped-over fedora, and gloves, was too Usher-like, while others said he was painfully Michael Jackson-esque. “People are so ready to hate,” says Timberlake, who shrugs off the harsh criticism.

None of these negative opinions changes the fact that Timberlake’s first solo album, Justified, may go down as one of the best R&B records in recent memory. “People will be able to look back at Justin’s CD in years to come and say that it was definitely fresh, something that was needed at the time,” says Williams. Indeed, the buzz is that Justified has the potential to have an impact similar to Mary J. Blige’s classic What’s the 411? or D’Angelo’s groundbreaking Brown Sugar. Artists and record executives were all buzzing about Justified six months before its release. For his part, Timberlake, 22, is hopeful, but has reservations. “What I’m mostly scared about is that people won’t get me,” he says. I’m really giving people a piece of me in my purest form as far as my music goes. When you do that, it’s like giving your heart.”

Imagine the challenges faced by a teen pop group’s front man who decides to do a 180 and sing hard-core R&B for his solo debut. After all, many fans and critics are only comfortable when they can neatly fit an artist into a specific box. Having rejected his assigned position, Timberlake is forced to prove himself to a somewhat skeptical urban audience, and his credibility is on the line. N’Sync’s “Gone” and “Girlfriend” (co-written by Timberlake) from Celebrity were as R&B as songs come, and they quickly crossed over from pop to urban radio. The videos were even in heavy rotation on BET.

Still, they were only subtle hints of the sound that would evolve into Justified. Historically, white boys have had to tread lightly in predominantly black musical art forms, and vice versa. However, if an artist innovatively puts it down, like an Eminem, talent ultimately prevails. “It’s just a matter of knowledge and exposure,” says Professor Nathan Davis, 65, who teaches ethnomusicology in the University of Pittsburgh’s music department. “If someone grows up listening to certain music or around that environment, at that point, it’s not the color.”

At least that’s what Timberlake is counting on. He decided to record Justified when he realized the material he was writing was a clear departure from the bubblegum tunes for which N’Sync was known. “The guys and me are a group,” he says, “but when we’re offstage, we’re friends. It’s good for everybody to take the time to sow their creative oats.” His fellow N’Sync members are already doing so: Joey Fatone recently performed in the Broadway musical Rent; JC Chasez is working on a solo album with producer Dallas Austin; Chris Kirkpatrick is developing television shows and working on an acting career, and, while continuing to raise the estimated $20 million needed to join the Russian space program, Lance Bass is busy producing movies. “I was me before N’Sync became N’Sync,” says Timberlake. “I look at my project as an opportunity to show who I really am.”

#justin timberlake #from the archives #vibe magazine

Speaking with … JC Chasez

May 7, 2004 Jae-Ha Kim

After the success of his bandmate Justin Timberlake’s solo CD “Justified,” JC Chasez had his work cut out for him. But thanks to controversial songs like “All Day Long I Dream About Sex” and “Some Girls (Dance with Women),” Chasez seems to be doing just fine himself. The other ‘N Sync heartthrob phoned from Los Angeles on his way to rehearsal to chat about his solo album “Schizophrenic,” Clay Aiken and his love for classic rock.HERE’S WHAT CHASEZ HAD TO SAY:

‘N Sync vs. solo artist: Both are great. I love being in the band and it was lots of fun doing my own record. At this point, none of us have to choose between one or the other.

On the album’s mixed reviews: I like the record, but you never know whether people are going to like it or not. You prepare for the worst and hope for the best. If people like it, I think it’s because it’s so expressive and open-minded. It’s a breath of fresh air because it’s not overly programmed or overly thought out. It’s just music and capturing good times and moments.

On being quoted saying you’re sick of Clay Aiken: The kid’s a nice kid, but his song is everywhere.

On being mad at Justin Timberlake: [Laughs] I’m not mad at him at all. That’s something someone made up after the Super Bowl incident [with Janet Jackson]. Who knew that would happen? We’re looking forward to getting back in the studio with the rest of the guys.

The controversy surrounding your CD cover (where Chasez is in a straightjacket): It’s sad we’re in a day and age where people can’t just not like something. Instead, they have to be offended by it. I’m not a doctor and I wasn’t talking about a principle or a technical term. I was using the slang as a way of expressing a different personality than people are used to seeing from me. I understand it’s a serious disease but it’s treatable. I wasn’t trying to wish ill will on anyone. People just took it way too literally.

Which is better, recording or playing live? I like both, but the goal is to get out and play shows. I’m an artist. That’s what I’m supposed to do.

Last good movie you saw: I just watched “The Thirteenth Floor.” It’s this sci-fi movie that “The Matrix” was based on.

Music you’re into now: I love Air. I’ve been listening to a lot of them in my car. I still listen to a lot of classic stuff. I’m on an ELO and Doors kick.

On the intricacies of dancing while you sing: I’m OK with the dance moves. I just stand up there and do my thing. Sometimes the confidence breaks up, but I work hard at it.

Best advice you ever got: My father told me to treat people how you want to be treated. I live my life by that motto. It’s a matter of respect. I believe you can get along with anyone if you treat them with respect.

Most humbling experience: Doing my own record. It’s very gratifying and feels really good to hold something in my hand that I’ve worked very hard at. But it was hard.

Your job: I just make music. I haven’t found the cure for cancer. But it is gratifying to know that long after I’m gone, people will be able to hold this piece of work I worked on. I’ll be in the Library of Congress.

What you’ll be doing in 10 years: I’ll always be headed to the studio to work on something. Right now, I can’t think that far ahead. I’m thinking about this record.

Regrets you have about not going to college: I would’ve liked to have gone to college but the timing wasn’t right. You have to make a choice about what’s right for you at that time in your life. I have no regrets.

What you want to do in Chicago: I want to just hang out with my parents [who will be visiting]. I don’t have a lot of spare time to see my family as much as I would like to.

This fan is saying that Chris can be blamed for the fact that there hasn't been a reunion. I strongly disagree with that.

"Reading that excerpt from Lance's book gives me the impression that we can sort of blame him".

Lance said in his book that when JT went solo, the other guys were discussing whether they should continue with the group despite JT's other projects, and that JT might come back at some point. Chris was not on board with the group continuing on without Justin.

This user goes on to state that if the four remaining members had continued, the "masses" would have supported it, all it would have taken was one hit record".

Personally? I don't think that would've worked out. Justin was the most popular member of NSYNC back then, and still today. The four guys would've had some success because some fans would've followed, but not the "masses". Justin is quite literally a requirement. I also do not believe the record label would be on board without Justin.

#nsync

JC Chasez 'Really, Really Happy' With Album, But Pushes Back Release Date

SOURCE: MTV

JC Chasez has pushed back the release date of his debut solo album from August 26 to October 21 to allow for more time to record. The 'NSYNC singer has also set the album title as Schizophrenic, one of a few he was considering, including The Truth (see "JC Chasez Previews Schizophrenic Solo Debut"). Chasez was scheduled to release "Some Girls (Dance with Women)," an up-tempo track he co-produced with Riprock 'N' Alex G. (Christina Aguilera), as the first single in mid-August, but his spokesperson said he is now considering a different song. Along with Justin Timberlake, Chasez has been an active songwriter for 'NSYNC, co-authoring four songs on Celebrity and three on No Strings Attached. Compared to his songs for the group, which were tweaked by the other members and producers, he calls his solo material "polished demos." "It's basically the raw idea from the beginning, you know, it stays true," Chasez said at a studio in April. "There's always compromises being made [with 'NSYNC], because you know you're the voice of five people, not just yourself. And that's totally the right thing, because it's a group and you want to speak for the group, you don't want to speak for yourself." Other producers Chasez worked with on Schizophrenic include Dallas Austin (TLC), R&B hitmaker Rodney Jerkins, newcomer Rob Boldt and BT, the electronic music guru behind "Pop." "I kind of sailed into this whole project not wanting to think about it, just wanting to let it flow out of me," Chasez said. "And I've done that up to this point and I'm really, really, really happy with it because I explored so many different sounds." —Corey Moss

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