"Justified" is the debut solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake, released on November 5, 2002, through Jive Records. Written and recorded in a brief six-week period during NSYNC's hiatus, the album marks Timberlake's transition to a more mature image as an R&B artist, diverging from the pop sound of his boy band roots. It features production predominantly by The Neptunes (credited as "Williams and Hugo") and Timbaland, alongside guest appearances from Janet Jackson, Clipse, and Bubba Sparxxx. The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Timberlake's maturation as an artist, though some took issue with the lyrical content. Justified garnered four Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, ultimately winning for Best Pop Vocal Album. It topped charts in several countries, including Ireland and the UK, and peaked within the top ten in the US and many others, selling over 10 million copies worldwide by 2012. Following NSYNC's Celebrity Tour in April 2002, Timberlake began work on his solo album, aiming to present a more mature image as an R&B artist. By early 2002, the album was reportedly "more than halfway completed." Timberlake initially kept details about the project under wraps, but it was revealed that The Neptunes and other notable producers were involved. Many tracks were initially intended for Michael Jackson but were repurposed for Timberlake's album after Jackson declined them. The album was crafted quickly, reminiscent of 1960s and '70s jam sessions, with Timberlake and producers drawing inspiration from classic R&B, particularly Earth, Wind & Fire. Recording took place at several studios across the US. Timberlake aimed to blend old and new musical elements while steering clear of the superficial trends in contemporary R&B. The album showcases a blend of R&B, funk, and dance-pop influences. Key tracks include "Señorita," a Spanish-flavored song featuring R&B elements; "Cry Me a River," a standout track noted for its beatboxing, synthesizers, and themes of heartbreak; "Rock Your Body," which incorporates a catchy beat and was a commercial success, topping the Australian charts; and "(And She Said) Take Me Now," featuring Janet Jackson and exploring themes of desire with an '80s funk vibe. Four singles were released from Justified: "Like I Love You," the lead single, which peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top five in several countries; "Cry Me a River," released as the second single, which achieved significant chart success, peaking at number three in the US and winning a Grammy; "Rock Your Body," the third single that topped the Australian chart and became a staple of Timberlake's performances; and "Señorita," the fourth single, reaching number 27 in the US and performing well internationally. To promote Justified, Timberlake made several high-profile appearances, including his debut performance at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards. He embarked on two concert tours: The Justified World Tour and the Justified & Stripped Tour with Christina Aguilera. Notably, he performed at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, where a controversial incident with Janet Jackson occurred. The album's success solidified Timberlake's position as a leading solo artist and marked a significant shift in the music landscape, paving the way for his future endeavors in R&B and pop music.
