Ginuwine is letting it be known that he has no idea what Britney Spears is talking about after she claimed that Justin Timberlake put on a “blaccent” when he linked up with the ‘Pony’ singer.
As we previously reported, in Spears’ memoir, she alleged JT got a little too excited and awkwardly began speaking in slang and ebonics toward the R&B legend when they ran into each other in New York City. In the book she stated, “One day, [Justin] and I were in New York, going to parts of town that I’d never been to before. Walking our way was a guy wearing a huge blinged-out medallion. He was flanked by two giant security guards. [Justin] got all excited and said so loud, ‘Oh yeah. Fo’ shizz. Fo’ shizz. Ginuwine what’s up homie?’”
Now in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ginuwine responded back to those claims and said he doesn’t recall Justin Timberlake acting like that at all. “Yeah, yeah, I definitely heard about it. People were calling about that. But I can tell you I don’t remember that happening. I truly don’t remember that happening. If Justin would’ve did something like that, I probably would’ve looked at him like, “Why are you acting like that?” If he did that, that would be something that I would remember. That would’ve definitely stuck out. So nah, I don’t remember that happening.”
As we all know, Timberlake’s collaborations with black artists have played a significant role in his career. One of his earliest partnerships was with hip-hop heavyweight Jay-Z. The dynamic duo joined forces on the hit singles “Suit & Tie” and “Holy Grail,” which showcased their seamless blend of R&B, pop, and rap. These collaborations not only yielded chart-topping success but also demonstrated Timberlake’s willingness to work with artists from different genres, races, and backgrounds.
Another notable collaboration in Timberlake’s repertoire is his work with Pharrell Williams. The two artists collaborated on several tracks, including the infectious hit “Like I Love You” and the Grammy-winning “Señorita.” Their collaborations showcased Timberlake’s versatility as an artist and his ability to effortlessly adapt to different musical styles. Working with Pharrell, a prominent black artist and producer, allowed Timberlake to tap into the rich heritage of R&B, funk, and soul, infusing these elements into his own unique sound.
Timberlake’s collaborations extend beyond the realms of hip-hop and R&B. He has also worked with black artists in the world of pop and soul. His duet with Beyoncé, “Until the End of Time,” showcased their vocal prowess and chemistry, delighting fans and critics alike. Furthermore, Timberlake’s collaboration with soul legend Stevie Wonder on “Another Star” for a tribute album demonstrated his admiration for black musical icons and his commitment to honoring their legacies.
In addition to his musical collaborations, Timberlake has also engaged in impactful artistic partnerships in other creative realms. He collaborated with black filmmaker Spike Lee on the critically acclaimed music video for “Suit & Tie,” which paid homage to iconic black musicians and performers. Timberlake’s willingness to work with Lee, known for his thought-provoking and culturally significant films, further emphasized Timberlake’s commitment to fostering inclusive creativity and celebrating black artistry.