What genre of music comes to mind when you think of Justin Timberlake? Pop? R&B? Neo-soul? Hip-hop? All of the above?
You’re not alone if you can’t quite put your finger on it. After all, Timberlake has dabbled in a bit of everything throughout his career.
He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
However, this post will explore Justin Timberlake’s music genre and how it has evolved over the years.
From his days as a boy band member to his most recent work, we will trace Timberlake’s musical influences and productions to see how he has remained one of the most popular artists for over two decades.
Justin Timberlake’s general music genres
Pop/R&B
Justin Timberlake mainly makes Pop/R&B The pop/R&B genre is a popular music genre that combines elements of pop music and R&B music.
His catchy melodies characterize Justin Timberlake, often accompanied by intricate production and arrangements.
He rose to fame as a member of the boy band *NSYNC before embarking on a solo career in 2002. Since then, he has released several singles that deviated from his usual sound.
Think about the country-influenced “Drink You Away” and the dance track “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” all of which have been massive commercial successes.
Timberlake has also won numerous awards for his work in the pop and R&B genres, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Neo-soul
Neo-soul is a genre of music that emerged in the early 1990s. A blend of traditional soul music with contemporary R&B and hip-hop characterizes it.
Justin Timberlake is one of the most popular neo-soul artists today.
Known for his use of organic instruments and thoughtful lyrics characterize him as a talented neo-soul artist.
His debut album, Justified, was released in 2002 and featured hits like “Cry Me a River” and “Like I Love You.”
Timberlake has continued to produce chart-topping albums and singles, solidifying his position as a pioneer in the neo-soul genre.
Hip-hop
Justin Timberlake is known for his hip-hop music. He is considered a hip-hop artist because of his work with producer Timbaland.
The two have collaborated on many hit songs, like “SexyBack” and “Suit & Tie.” Timberlake has also been featured on several rap songs, including Jay-Z‘s “Holy Grail” and Clipse’s “Like I Love You.”
Timberlake is also considered hip-hop because of his connections to the culture. He has worked with several prominent hip-hop artists, including the Neptunes, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Wayne.
He has also been a guest on numerous hip-hop radio shows and podcasts.
How did Justin Timberlake’s music style evolve?
Justin Timberlake’s musical style has evolved significantly since his debut as a member of the boy band *NSYNC.
His early work was characterized by uptempo, pop-friendly tracks that relied heavily on danceable beats and catchy hooks.
However, Timberlake has gradually moved away from this sound in favor of a more mature, R&B-influenced sound.
This shift is most evident in his latest album, “Man of the Woods,” which features more organic instrumentation and subdued melodies.
While Timberlake’s music has evolved over time, his ability to create radio-friendly hits remains as strong as ever.
Conclusion
Justin Timberlake’s music can be classified as Pop/R&B, neo-soul, and Hip-hop. While he has dabbled in other genres, these three are the most prevalent in his discography.
There’s no denying that Justin Timberlake is one of the most popular musicians of our time.