Justin Timberlake Jokes About His Beatboxing Past

WEST MELBOURNE — Pop superstar Justin Timberlake is embracing a signature sound from his early career with a sense of humor. The singer recently responded on Instagram to a viral video that highlighted his frequent use of beatboxing during his time with *NSYNC and the start of his solo career.

The exchange began when a creator shared a retrospective look at early 2000s performances, prompting Timberlake to join the conversation in the comments. He lightheartedly admitted he still doesn't know how to properly apologize for his enthusiastic embrace of vocal percussion during that period.

Beatboxing was a distinct element of Timberlake's musical identity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, featuring prominently in *NSYNC hits like "Pop." The vocal percussion also played a role in his early solo work, notably influencing the creation of his hit song "Cry Me a River." During recording sessions for that song, producer Timbaland reportedly beatboxed the foundational rhythm Timberlake then built the melody upon.

More than two decades later, Timberlake appears comfortable reflecting on this aspect of his musical past with amusement. He even hinted in his Instagram comment that he might not be entirely finished with his beatboxing inclinations, suggesting the habit could resurface, perhaps even surprising fans on a future visit to the Space Coast.