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Commentary
Timberlake no longer a joke
By Andy Rennecke
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Andy Rennecke -- Staff Essay
Don't vilify me for what I'm about to write.
Don't you even dare take pity on me.
The typical male ego would be bruised beyond repair for what I'm about to speak of. What I'm about to say will shock you to your very core. It may make you faint, or perhaps vomit.
So here it goes: I'm a huge fan of Justin Timberlake.
Yes, let the insults start flying. However, let me give you the reasons why this Lord of the Dance has always been one of my favorite performers.
This 22-year-old's flair for jaw-dropping dance moves, combined with the beats of his latest songs like "Rock Your Body" and "Cry Me a River" have me in awe of his pure talent. If you say he doesn't have any, then just go out and buy his latest album - Justified. Timberlake is the second coming of Michael Jackson, but in a not change your entire face through plastic surgery, or wanting to sleep with kids kind of way.
The man has great vocals and can bust a move better than any other entertainer. He gives white guys like me, who have no rhythm whatsoever, hope that they can dance too and not be laughed at like they're Steve Urkel.
Before you rip me apart for being a fan, actually turn on MTV and watch the "Rock Your Body" or "Cry Me a River" videos. Timberlake is no longer focused on pleasing the 13 and 14-year-olds of the world, he's moved on to trying to entertain people like us: college students.
I'll admit I was a fan even when he was with 'NSYNC. In 2001, I went as far as attending their celebrity tour that hit the Metrodome that summer. It was easily the best $65 I've ever spent.
I was very skeptical when Timberlake and 'NSYNC came on the scene in 1998. I didn't want to listen to their infectious beats, but "Bye, Bye, Bye" had me at hello.
What can I say? I even have the dance down to a science.
Their self-titled debut was great, but their second album, No Strings Attached, was something of pure genius. Timberlake showed he was the true leader of the group, and the fact that he's the main vocals throughout most of the album justifies that (Sorry J.C.).
When Celebrity dropped in 2001, I was more of a Timberlake fan than an NSYNC fan. "Pop" was wickedly clever and it had me B-boxing that entire summer.
At the time, Timberlake was more known for dating Britney Spears than actually being a talented musician. On the other hand, you can't really fault a guy for wanting to date Britney Spears (she's prettier than Topanga).
He finally broke out Spears' shadow when he dropped her after he found out she had cheated on him. This was basically his main motivation for doing Justified.
In "Cry Me a River," you know the song is based on the cheating and conniving ways of Britney. Timberlake teamed up with people like the Neptunes, Timbaland and Brian McKnight for the album.
It came out looking like gold. Not only did this album distance himself from Spears, it distanced him from the adolescent fan base of 'NSYNC.
Justin Timberlake has grown up and so has his music. Being a fan of his doesn't make me feel like any less of a man, nor should it make any other dude feel like one.
Go out and confess your true feelings for his music guys and quit being closet Timberlake fans. I know you're out there and you have to quit denying yourself of great music from a really talented individual. Simply start bumping "Rock Your Body" in your automobiles instead of the same old crap from 50 Cent and embrace your inner J.T.
So, the next time you see me walking around with my Timberlake T-shirt on don't scoff, otherwise I'll just make you step off.
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Sing it andy. I agree that the percep... (4/10/03)
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