Justin Timberlake is laughing along with fans about one of the most recognizable habits from his early career: beatboxing. In a recent Instagram exchange, the singer responded to a viral video poking fun at how often he used vocal percussion during the *NSYNC years and the start of his solo career.
The moment followed a creator’s playful look back at several early-2000s performances and songs. Timberlake joined the conversation in the comments, joking that he still does not know how to properly apologize for those beatboxing ambitions. He also hinted that he may not be finished with the habit just yet.
Beatboxing was a noticeable part of Timberlake’s sound during that period, appearing in *NSYNC material including Pop.
It also became part of his early solo story through his work with Timbaland. During the creation of Cry Me a River, Timbaland beatboxed the rhythm that helped form the foundation of the track before Timberlake began developing the melody.
More than two decades later, Timberlake appears comfortable treating that part of his musical past with a sense of humor.