Justin Timberlake may be gearing up for another musical comeback, and he is not exactly keeping the guest list small. More than a year after wrapping his 'Forget Tomorrow' world tour, the singer has hinted that new music is on the way.
During an appearance on Complex's 'Re-Rank' series, Timberlake revealed he has been working in Miami and teased potential collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Don Toliver and longtime collaborator Timbaland. "Tim[baland] and I are always locked in.
Just want to say that, for the record, from scratch. I don't want to hear any of that talk," he said, seemingly taking a dig at AI-generated music.
"We'll see, but I'm really excited about... I've been chef-ing.
All in due time." One collaboration already has a story behind it. Timberlake revealed that he had no hesitation about clearing a sample of his hit "Rock Your Body" for Don Toliver's track "Body." His 11-year-old son, Silas, helped make the decision an easy one.
"As soon as I heard it, I was like, yeah, of course," Timberlake said. "My 11-year-old, Silas, Don Toliver, that's his guy, I remember asking him... and he was like, 'You gotta do it.' So that was an easy yes.
I also really love that whole album." The singer later joined Toliver onstage in Miami before the pair headed to the arena studio to work on a few ideas.
Timberlake also reflected on the 20th anniversary of 'FutureSex/LoveSounds', recalling how his label initially doubted "SexyBack." Industry experts suggest that Timberlake's return to the studio marks a significant shift in his career trajectory.
By focusing on organic, human-led production, he aims to distance himself from the growing trend of automated audio generation that has recently dominated headlines. The collaboration with younger artists like Don Toliver indicates a desire to bridge the gap between his classic pop sound and modern hip-hop influences.
Fans are eagerly awaiting official release dates for the upcoming projects. Timberlake's career has spanned over two decades, and his ability to adapt while maintaining his signature style remains a key factor in his longevity.
The upcoming music is expected to reflect his growth as both a songwriter and a producer. As the music industry continues to grapple with the ethics of technology, Timberlake's stance serves as a reminder of the value of human creativity.
His commitment to "from scratch" production is being hailed by purists as a necessary stand. With the Miami sessions proving productive, the singer is expected to announce a formal project timeline in the coming months.
For now, the focus remains on the creative process and the collaborative energy he is currently fostering.