Justin Timberlake & His Music "Cry Me A River"

Justin Timberlake, who achieved fame as a member of 'N Sync, has gone solo releasing the album, "Justified," in 2002 under his own name. Timberlake had a noticeable sound change from the 'N Sync bubblegum pop, to more mature lyrics, hip hop beats, dance beats and beatboxing.

Justin Randall Timberlake was born January 31, 1981, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He began to perform at a very young age, whether it was singing, acting or dancing. The world was first granted a glimpse of him as a youngster on Star Search, his first-ever television appearance. Back in those early days, Timberlake sang primarily country music, a direct result of his Music City background.

In 1992, Timberlake received a huge break, unbeknownst to him at the time, when he was offered the chance to become a regular on Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. While in Orlando for two years, Timberlake was able to promote his gifts as a performer with future 'N Sync bandmate Joshua Scott Chasez, and present pop princesses Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.

Although Timberlake returned home after two years, he came back to Orlando to participate in a new boy band, at the urging of Chris Kirkpatrick. There, he joined Kirkpatrick, Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass to form 'N Sync.

After considerable success abroad in the mid-1990s, 'N Sync exploded on the U.S. charts with blockbuster albums such as No Strings Attached and Celebrity. In direct competition with The Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync branded themselves as a younger, more dynamic group of performers. The strategy worked, as 'N Sync went on to achieve phenomenal chart sales, amassing awards and a huge following in the process. Timberlake in particular, stood out as the leader of the group, even as the youngest member, with undeniable talent as a singer and dancer.

Some considered Justin the most prominent member of 'N Sync. However most fans remeber his personal relationship with teen pop queen Britney Spears. By the time he launched his solo career in late 2002 the celebrity couple had endured a very public split. Timberlake hooked up with prominent urban songwriting and production heavyweights the Neptunes and Timbaland, to work on his debut album, with additional assistance from Brian McKnight and Mario Winans. He co-wrote all of the material on Justified in a marked attempt to distance himself from 'N Sync's adolescent fanbase and woo a more mature audience. The debut single "Like I Love You' featured verses provided by the Neptunes" protégés the Clipse, and was eerily reminiscent of Michael Jackson in his mid-80s prime. The album also included collaborations with Janet Jackson and Bubba Sparxxx, and featured his Top 5 hit single "Cry Me A River".

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