#15: Why Do We Love Justin Timberlake?

As you sit at the red light, a brotha pulls up next to you in his Escalade (yes, we still drive those). Much to your surprise, you hear him blasting "Like I Love You" through his speakers, with no shame whatsoever. As the light turns green and he continues down the street, you continue to sit there, physically shaken by his bass that you can still feel, although he is already halfway down the next block. As the irate drivers behind you beep their horns, you wonder:

Why do Black people love Justin Timberlake?

It is quite amazing that we have grown to love someone whom we largely ignored or even disliked in the early years of his career. How did JT go from this

to our favorite white boy?

There are several reasons why Black folk - men and women alike - love Justin Timberlake, which I will highlight here:

1) Justin Timberlake is from the South. Memphis, Tennessee to be specific. Why is this relevant? Because it means he likely a) knows how to make proper sweet tea, b) knows how to cook a down home southern meal and c) has at least a moderate amount of soul (this is very key, and will be elaborated upon later). All of these things are very, very important to Black people. Now, because he is from the South, we were originally cautious (they're pretty racist down there) but so far, there have been no incidences, so we're still good.

2) Justin Timberlake knows how to pick 'em. The man has dated white women that even Black men would admit are attractive, such as Cameron Diaz or Britney Spears (before drugs, babies, and Kevin Federline happened). This gives him many cool points in our book. The only thing more he could have done would be to date/marry a Black woman (see: Robin Thicke) thus giving him ultimate credibility (see: Barack Obama). With that said...

3) Janet Jackson. Do you have any idea how many men (black, white, or purple) have dreamed of exposing Janet Jackson's breast... and getting away with it?? Answer: all of us.

4) Justin Timberlake has made the proper collaborations. In his amazing transformation from boy band lead singer to slightly soulful crooner and all around entertainer, JT has teamed up with the likes of Timbaland, Pharell, The Clipse (back when people cared about them), T.I., and countless other rappers. What's the best way to shred your squeaky image and gain some street cred? Partner with those that already do. Justin Bieber hasn't gotten there yet, but he's trying. However, that does bring me to my next point...

5. Justin Timberlake doesn't try too hard. JT knows that he's still white, and he's perfectly fine with that. He's not trying too hard to act Black, and we both recognize and appreciate him for this. Not like this clown...

6. Justin Timberlake can SANG. This may be the most important of them all. You can expose as many breasts and make as many songs with Lil' Wayne as you please, but if you can't SANG, we ain't having it. And no, not "sing," SANG (again, see: Robin Thicke). JT's Memphis roots are likely part of the reason why he can SANG. I mean, let's face it: most white people can't sing very well. There's Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and that's pretty much it. And two of those guys are dead. What's more is that we didn't see it coming. We knew he could "sing" in his N'Sync days, but we didn't know he could SANG. I will leave you with this last tidbit of information that is also relevant to this point:

All Black people love musicians (of any race) who can make music that makes you want to make babies.

This is an undeniable fact.