Revisit the Time Justin Timberlake Brought “SexyBack” 20 Years Ago

This year marks two decades since Justin Timberlake released his second solo LP, FutureSex/LoveSounds, and his colossal single, “SexyBack”. Buoyed by Timbaland’s groundbreaking production, the album moved Timberlake further away from the teen pop of his former boy band, NSYNC.

Meanwhile, Timbaland, who had perfected the art of stuttering beats, had altered hip-hop in his (and Missy Elliott’s) image. But his collaboration with Timberlake utterly transformed pop music, turning both artists into massive stars.

But before they, with fellow producer Danja, nudged pop music into its spicy future, Timberlake and Timbaland renewed the old-school genre that shaped them.

Dirty Pop

“SexyBack” began with a challenge from Timbaland: “All right, man, I think we got to bring dance music back.” Then, while beatboxing, Timbaland asked, “What you gonna say?” And Timberlake answered, “I’m bringing sexy back.”

I’m bringing sexy back (Yeah)
Them other boys don’t know how to act (Yeah)
I think it’s special, what’s behind your back (Yeah)
So turn around, and I’ll pick up the slack (Yeah)
Take it to the bridge.

Inspired by David Bowie’s 1974 glam anthem, “Rebel Rebel”, Timberlake aimed for a similar immediacy. He wanted to say something provocative. But it also needed to be the kind of hook disparate groups of people could shout together in a club.

Dirty babe (Uh-huh)
You see these shackles, baby, I’m your slave (Uh-huh)
I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave (Uh-huh)
It’s just that no one makes me feel this way (Uh-huh)
Take it to the chorus.

Let Me See What You’re Twerking With

Though Timberlake’s record label was initially hesitant about the track, “SexyBack” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won a GRAMMY for Best Dance Recording in 2007.

Let me see what you’re twerking with (Go ’head, be gone with it)
Look at those hips (Go ’head, be gone with it)
You make me smile (Go ’head, be gone with it).

And following the release of FutureSex/LoveSounds, Timberlake was no longer operating in the shadow of NSYNC. The adult vibe of “SexyBack” proved the curly-headed kid had, in musical terms, grown up.

I’m bringing sexy back (Yeah)
You motherf***ers watch how I attack.

Photo by John Shearer/WireImage