The singer reinvents himself as a respected actor and releases a heavily promoted album that gives us the same old Justin.
The 20/20 Experience, after 7 years of musical absence, isn’t revolutionary. But this isn’t about the album. This is about the reinvention of a former N’Sync Boy-band star whose career could’ve taken a toll for the worse, but has consistently risen in value every year since 1997.
In 2001, N’Sync appeared with Free & AJ on BET’s 106 & Park for the first time to promote their latest single “Pop”. In Brooklyn, you no longer had to hide the fact that you knew all the words. Sitting on the televisions blackest couch for 30-minutes, there was one member who wasn’t nervous: Justin Timberlake. He showcases his around the block personality and proclaims his love for “real Hip-Hop”. A statement so influential, it resulted in attracting Hip Hop’s most notable producers to help create Justin’s first two multi-platinum albums.
Today, Timberlake has a huge hand in the reorganization of the new Myspace.com, runs the William Rast fashion label, got married and made a few successful movies – you can’t help but root for the Timber.
Let’s share with you a few secrets to steal from Timberlake’s line of work. A few things worth applying to your work, your idea and your life:
1. You don’t have to be the best but you do have to be really good at what you do.
After a thorough listen of Justin’s latest album, The 20/20 Experience, it’s clear that this is his best work. That’s not to say it’s actually great. It’s just that something magical happens when Timberlake and Timbaland get into the studio. And it’s something that only JT can make us get over, as long as he appears on television showing us how much better his personality is over his music.
2. Your career isn’t over just because of that one hair cut decision you made.
Remember Brustin? It’s old news, so you almost forget Justin’s old haircuts, old dance moves and his fiery dumping of Britney Spears. Through it all, he rose from hellfire and brimstone to arrive as thee Justin Timberlake. Onward and upward.
3. Become really good friends with Jay-Z.
If you’re going to go anywhere – go big. Reach to the stars for a little street cred, a la Jay-Z. And Jay could benefit from a little extra Pop influence. Though, the “Suit & Tie” single would’ve been far better in the hands of Andre 3000. The fact is: Call up one of the biggest names to win you more hip credibility.
4. Spend your money on acting classes.
As evident in his press interviews, JT enrolled into a few sketch and improvisational comedy classes. You’re not born with these skills, you learn them. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.
5. Don’t be a meanie.
If you watched ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’ (or Saturday Night Live) last week, you’ll notice that JT’s band and back up singers seemed the most happiest in the land. Not sure what he tells his team, but if you watch them closely you’ll see the positive energy is there.
6. Grow up down south.
When you see Timber, he’s usually excited about whatever it is he’s trying to share with you. You’ll notice he’s worked really hard to maintain a level of appreciation, courtesy and charisma. And it might help that he’s from Memphis, making him a natural in hospitality. Don’t get it twisted. It’s still an art and it can be learned.
7. Do things that only make sense to you.
When Timber and team decided they’d go on ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’ for an entire week, they won. People will either hate you or love you, but at least you’re giving them the option. In other news, you’ll find that all songs on the album are between 6 to 7 minutes. Though the long songs aren’t ambitious and aren’t worth their running time, they are very daring and worth conversing about.
8. Remember that not everyone knows who you are.
What better way to get the word out to people than to star in a Bud Light commercial? That’s right, there is no known better way. The marketing effort is just in time to help Timberlake show himself to old fans and introduce himself to 13-year-old fans who have no idea who N’Sync is.
9. Grow a beard.
You don’t have to grow a groovy mustache, but you must be able to feel change within yourself. Your hairdo, as you know, determines how you feel about yourself. After a fresh shave or trip to the hair salon, a sudden sense of renewal, cleanliness and sexy explodes from your presence. Cut it off, grow it, shave it, A$AP Rocky braid it. Whatever it is, just do it. You deserve to feel brand new.
10. Don’t try to become Prince.
This overused phrase still has large amounts of impact to it. Develop a certain set of rules you must live by. If you’re not funny, don’t try being a comedian. But if you really want to be a comedian, take a class for it or become friends with someone who is. Write down a list of beliefs, goals and course of action for everything. Know your strength and your weakness. Timberlake knows he isn’t the Prince of this generation. And he isn’t trying to be. He might even be better.
Which life lesson will you implement into your life? Let us know in the comments below.
A story from KareemTaylor.com.
