Featured Artist: Justin Timberlake

For almost fifteen years, Justin Timberlake has been one of the most popular names in the entertainment world.

From his beginnings as a twelve year old in the Mickey Mouse Club to a six-time Grammy award winner and critically acclaimed actor, Justin Timberlake has been in a constant steady rise to the top. His empire extends from music and film to fashion (he debuted the William Rast brand in 2007) and even restaurants (both of which also opened in 2007).

In 1993, Justin joined the Mickey Mouse Club – which undoubtedly catapulted him to success. During his time in the Mickey Mouse Club, he became close with JC Chasez, a fellow N*SYNC member, Christina Aguilara, and former girlfriend Britney Spears.

After the Mickey Mouse Club ended in 1995, Justin and JC saw it as their opportunity to break out on their own and by 1996, N*SYNC was touring around Europe. In 1998, N*SYNC hit it big here in the States with their debut album, N*SYNC. By 2002, the band had released three albums selling over 30 million copies.

Wardrobe Malfunction?

In 2002, Justin released his solo debut album Justified. There were three singles off the album, including the hit “Rock Your Body.” In February 2004, at Super Bowl XXVIII, Justin and Janet Jackson performed the single at the half-time show. . . and we all know how that story ended.

Needless to say, the “wardrobe malfunction” proved to be one of the most controversial moments in television history and what could have been the end of Timberlake’s career. Later that month, Justin won his first two Grammy awards for Justified: Best Pop Vocal Album (Justified) and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (“Cry Me A River”).

Moving Forward

In 2006, Justin Timberlake released Future Sex/LoveSounds, quite possibly one of the best albums of the decade. FuturesSex/LoveSounds had four singles, “SexyBack,” “My Love,” “What Goes Around Comes Around,” and “Love Stoned/I Think She Knows Interlude.” The album became Timberlake’s defining moment as an artist. It reconstructed his image and polished his signature sound.

Since FutureSex/LoveSounds, Timberlake has entered into the fashion, film, and dining businesses, as well as having collaborated with other artists. In 2007, Timberlake opened his fashion line, William Rast, opened two NYC restaurants, and joined forces with Madonna, Timbaland, and Duran Duran, and completed his international tour.

Present

More recently, Justin has continued collaborating with some of rap/ R&B biggest stars, T.I and Ciara. He also starred in the mega-hit, The Social Network, and has since garnered many positive reviews (despite being snubbed for an Oscar nod).