Lots of new music is dropping this week, chiefly the long-awaited new single from Justin Timberlake, a collaboration with Jay-Z titled “Suit & Tie.”
Harking back to a 1990s, R&B sound, the midtempo jam is a departure from the electronica-tinged pop that currently dominates airways. The Jay-Z rap provides some needed energy. In turning down the production and infusing more classic beats, Timberlake takes a risk that could turn the tide of music, (like his groundbreaking FutureSex/LoveSounds) but he also chances alientating younger listners who aren’t as familiar and devoted to his work. Timberlake’s core fanbase is now twenty-somethings, not teenagers, and the song might not appeal to the Bieber set as easily.
Timberlake admits the throwback sound, “What I came up with is something I couldn’t be more excited about! It is full of inspiration that I grew up listening to and some newfound muses that I’ve discovered along the way,” he wrote.
The single follows a viral video Timberlake posted on his website last Thursday, which revealed he was finally ready to release new music.The video, which showed Timberlake walking to the recording studio also featured a voiceover. “Someone asked me the other day ‘so are you just done with music?’ ” Timberlake says. “It means more to me than to anybody else in the world.” The video ended with a countdown to the release of “Suit & Tie.”
Timberlake revealed this morning that “Suit & Tie” will be the first single from his new album, The 20/20 Experience, which will be released later in 2013.
http://youtu.be/IoRYVbxcnA8
Another hot collaboration to watch is “Kite” from Jaden and Willow Smith. The siblings (and kids of Will and Jada) team up for a chill, relaxed track that features a confident rap from Jaden and guest vocals from little sister Willow. “Imma be here with my clan/soon as you land” raps Jaden, cementing this track as a family affair. At 14 and 12, both kids prove that talent not only runs, but flows, in the Smith family.
http://youtu.be/T84axPBlskc
Rounding out the new music for today is Ciara with “Wake Up, No Make-Up” featuring Future. The rumored couple, who also collaborated on “Turn On the Lights” and “Sorry,” team up again for this sassy, fun track, which blends rap and vocals from Ciara. “Wake Up, No Make-Up,” will be featured on Future’s mixtape Future Presents F.B.G.: The Movie, out Tuesday.
