NSYNC Member Claims Diddy Told Justin Timberlake to Ditch the Group and Go Solo

NSYNC Gets Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

NSYNC Gets Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
NSYNC Honored With Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
-PICTURED: Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass
-PHOTO by: Vince Flores/startraksphoto.com

NSYNC singer Lance Bass is pulling the curtain back on Justin Timberlake’s decision to go solo. According to him, it was Diddy’s suggestion.

Speaking on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Bass revealed he had never been to a Puff party but did state he never liked the Bad Boy mogul.

“It’s kinda horrible, but never kinda liked him because the very last show in Orlando I overheard him talking to Justin being like, ‘You need to drop these effers, you need to go solo!’

“I was like, ‘I don’t like you anymore Diddy.’”

You can hear it from Bass below.

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Chris Kirkpatrick Net Worth 2024: What Is The *NSYNC Icon Worth?

Chris Kirkpatrick is famed as one of the original members of the globally successful boy band *NSYNC. He has reached a net worth of $10 million in 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Known for his unique vocal contributions and magnetic stage presence, Kirkpatrick was integral to *NSYNC’s meteoric rise and has since pursued a varied career in music and entertainment. His journey from the pop scene to entrepreneurial ventures exemplifies his versatility and lasting influence.

*NSYNC’s Meteoric Rise & Cultural Impact

chris kirkpatrick
American boy band NSYNC, in the penthouse suite of the Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, California, United States, January 2000. Left to right: Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass. (Photo by Tim Roney/Getty Images)

Chris Kirkpatrick’s ascent to stardom began in 1995 when he co-founded *NSYNC alongside Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass. The group’s exceptional harmonies and captivating choreography catapulted them into global fame. They released iconic albums like No Strings Attached and Celebrity, featuring chart-topping hits such as “Bye Bye Bye,” “It’s Gonna Be Me,” and “Pop.” Kirkpatrick’s distinctive countertenor vocals contributed significantly to the group’s harmony-driven sound, setting them apart in a crowded boy band landscape. Their influence extended beyond music to define a generation’s fashion, style, and pop culture, solidifying their status as one of the biggest-selling boy bands in history.

Solo Projects, Collaborations, & Business Ventures

chris kirkpatrick
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 23: NSYNC members: (L-R) Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick and Justin Timberlake backstage at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, February 23, 2000 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)

Following *NSYNC’s hiatus in the early 2000s, Kirkpatrick explored other creative avenues, forming an alternative rock band, Nigels 11. This project showcased his passion for experimentation beyond the pop genre and his commitment to artistic growth. He also ventured into voice acting, lending his distinctive voice to animated characters in series like The Fairly OddParents. Kirkpatrick has remained active in television, appearing on shows like Gone Country and Celebrity Big Brother, demonstrating his adaptability and desire to explore diverse entertainment mediums.

Beyond music, Kirkpatrick’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to engage in business ventures aligned with his interests. He has participated in pop culture conventions and music events, where he reconnects with fans and celebrates *NSYNC’s legacy. Kirkpatrick’s continued engagement with music and entertainment reflects his dedication to expanding his career and influence.

Legacy & Philanthropy

chris kirkpatrick
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 30: Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Justin Timberlake of NSYNC are honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 30, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Additionally, Chris Kirkpatrick has been involved in philanthropic activities, supporting causes that are meaningful to him. He founded the Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation to support underprivileged children and families, emphasizing his commitment to giving back. His charitable work and varied career underscores a legacy built on artistic excellence and social impact. Overall, Chris Kirkpatrick’s net worth reflects his dynamic career trajectory from *NSYNC’s rise to global stardom to his solo projects and business ventures. His adaptability and resilience in navigating personal and professional challenges illustrate his unwavering passion for his craft and his lasting impact on pop culture.

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JC Chasez Net Worth 2024: What Is The NSync Icon Worth?

JC Chasez is best known as a member of the globally successful boy band *NSYNC. He has achieved a net worth of $16 million by 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Chasez’s career has been characterized by his talent for songwriting, producing, and performing, which he demonstrated during *NSYNC’s peak and later through his solo and collaborative projects. His dedication to music and knack for reinvention have cemented his lasting influence.

*NSYNC Success & Cultural Impact

JC Chasez
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 23: NSYNC members: (L-R) Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick and Justin Timberlake backstage at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, February 23, 2000 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)

JC Chasez became a household name in the late 1990s as one of the lead vocalists of *NSYNC, alongside Justin Timberlake. Their harmonies, choreography, and charismatic performances won them legions of fans worldwide. Albums like No Strings Attached and Celebrity featured Chasez’s vocals prominently, propelling the band to sell millions of records and secure their place in pop culture. Songs like “Bye Bye Bye,” “It’s Gonna Be Me,” and “Pop” showcased his vocal range and creative input, helping the group become one of the best-selling acts of their era.

Solo Career & Production Work

JC Chasez
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 30: Carson Daly and Ellen DeGeneres attend the ceremony as Lance Bass. JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake and Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC are honored with a star on the Hollywood. Walk of Fame on April 30, 2018, also in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Following *NSYNC’s hiatus in the early 2000s, JC Chasez embarked on a solo career. He released his debut album Schizophrenic in 2004. The album allowed him to explore various musical styles, from pop to rock to electronic. It further reflected his versatility as an artist. Although his solo work didn’t replicate *NSYNC’s massive commercial success, it showcased his talent for songwriting and production. Additionally, Chasez transitioned into music production and songwriting, working with artists like Basement Jaxx, Girls Aloud, and David Archuleta. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of music production have made him a sought-after figure behind the scenes.

Television Appearances & Industry Contributions

JC Chasez
JC Chasez during The Matrix Reloaded Premiere at Mann Village Theater in Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

JC Chasez has also been involved in television, serving as a judge on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. He provided valuable insights into performance and choreography. His involvement in various talent shows and music projects demonstrates his passion for mentoring emerging artists and giving back to the industry that shaped his career. Overall, JC Chasez’s net worth reflects his dynamic career in music and entertainment. From *NSYNC’s heyday to his creative endeavors as a solo artist and producer, Chasez continues to evolve, proving his ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry.

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Lance Bass Net Worth 2024: What Is The *NSYNC Icon Worth?

Lance Bass is a former member of the globally popular boy band *NSYNC. He has reached a net worth of $20 million by 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. His career encompasses more than just music, with achievements spanning acting, producing, and entrepreneurial ventures. Bass’s ability to transition seamlessly between roles and projects illustrates his adaptability and innovative spirit.

Success With *NSYNC

Lance Bass
Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass and JC Chasez of n’ Sync (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Lance Bass became a household name in the late 1990s as a member of *NSYNC. The band, known for hits like “Bye Bye Bye,” “It’s Gonna Be Me,” and “Tearin’ Up My Heart,” became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Bass’s harmonies, choreography, and engaging performances helped cement the group’s success, as they sold millions of albums and performed in sold-out arenas worldwide. *NSYNC’s popularity defined a generation of pop music, and their legacy continues to influence artists today.

Ventures in Television, Film, & Business

Lance Bass
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 30: (L-R) Singers Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Justin Timberlake attend the ceremony honoring NSYNC with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 30, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

After *NSYNC went on hiatus, Lance Bass pursued opportunities in television and film, both as an actor and a producer. He appeared in movies like On the Line and TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars. His company, Lance Bass Productions, enabled him to explore his creative interests in reality TV and scripted content. Additionally, Bass ventured into radio, hosting Dirty Pop with Lance Bass, where he discussed pop culture and entertainment. Bass’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to the business world, where he became an investor in various projects, including restaurants and digital ventures. His involvement in these industries reflects his desire to diversify his career and explore new challenges.

Advocacy & Public Influence

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 02: (L-R) Michael Turchin and Lance Bass and their twins attend the Environmental Media Association IMPACT Summit And Cocktail Reception at Pendry West Hollywood on June 02, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter)

Lance Bass is also known for his advocacy work, particularly in LGBTQ+ rights. Since publicly coming out in 2006, he has been an outspoken advocate for equality, using his platform to raise awareness and support various causes. He remains active in philanthropy, supporting organizations that promote inclusivity, environmental conservation, and space exploration. Lance Bass’s net worth reflects his ability to adapt and thrive in different entertainment and business areas. His enduring impact as a member of NSYNC, combined with his entrepreneurial pursuits and advocacy, showcases his commitment to evolving his career while making a difference in the world.

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11 Albums That Sold Over 1 Million Copies In The First Week

Musicians put in the work to perfect their craft and churn out great music that their teeming fans will love and appreciate. It takes so much to put out a music album, and one of the ways musicians track how much their work is appreciated is through album sales. Music data relating to album sales began in 1991, thanks to SoundScan, now known as Luminate. Since such data came into existence, only 26 albums have sold a million copies in the first week.

Selling a million album copies in the first week is no mean feat. However, some artists have managed to do it, with a few of them even going ahead to do it more than once. Some of the artists that sold a million album copies in the first week include Norah Jones (Feels Like Home), Limp Bizkit (Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water), and Garth Books (Double Live). Others on the prestigious list include Lady Gaga (Born This Way), The Beatles (1), Backstreet Boys (Black & Blue), and Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard). There are more artists on the list, with Taylor Swift and Adele among the most dominant musicians, releasing albums that sold over one million copies in the first week. Here are 11 albums that sold one million copies in their first week.

11. Drake – Views (2016)

Canadian rapper Drake released his fourth studio album, Views, on April 29, 2016. The album was released under three record labels: Cash Money Records, Republic Records, and Young Money Entertainment. In Views, Drake showed his musical diversity by taking influence from West African and West Indian music. He also made his first full foray into Jamaican dancehall music. Other music genres featured in Views include R&B, Afrobeat, pop, and UK funky. Views did remarkably well thanks to its diversified sound as it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Views sold 1.04 million equivalent album units in its first week. Equivalent album units combine streaming and song downloads in addition to traditional album sales. The measurement was introduced in the mid-2010s as a solution to the drop in album sales in the 21st century. Drake’s actual album sales for Views in the first week was 852,000 copies. Besides hitting high equivalent album unit sales, Drake also smashed streaming records with his Views album as it hit a staggering 245 million streams.

Read More: Every Rap And R&B Album That Sold 1 Million Units In A Week

10. Jay-ZMagna Carta Holy Grail (2013)

Magna Carta Holy Grail was Jay-Z’s 12th studio album. Days before the album’s release, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) changed its rules for gold and platinum certification. Before releasing the album on July 4, 2013, Jay-Z sold one million digital copies to Samsung, which then offered the copies to its users for free. Due to that action, the RIAA ruled that artists no longer had to wait 30 days to get certification for digital sales. Hence, Jay-Z’s one million album sales to Samsung began counting immediately after Magna Carta Holy Grail‘s release, meaning the album went platinum soon after its release.

Jay-Z featured artists like Nas, Rick Ross, Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean, and his wife, Beyoncé, on the album. Some of the hit songs on the album include “Holy Grail,” “Oceans,” and “Tom Ford.” Besides the one million digital album copies sold to Samsung, Magna Carta Holy Grail sold 528,000 physical copies in its first week and topped the US Billboard 200 chart upon its release. Jay-Z earned six Grammy Award nominations for the album, with “Holy Grail” winning the award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

9. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III (2008)

Tha Carter III was Lil Wayne’s sixth studio album. It was released on June 10, 2008, and sold 1,006,000 copies in its first week. Lil Wayne featured several big names in the album, including Jay-Z, Fabolous, Robin Thicke, Kanye West, the late Static Major, and Busta Rhymes. The album had several hit songs, including “A Milli,” “Lollipop,” and “Got Money,” and cemented Lil Wayne’s status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Tha Carter III received several award nominations, including Album of the Year at the 2009 Grammys. That year’s award season was successful for Lil Wayne, as Tha Carter III earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Meanwhile, “Lollipop” won Best Rap Song, while “A Milli” won Best Rap Solo Performance.

Read More: Lil Wayne Says “Tha Carter III” “Holds No Significance” To Him

8. UsherConfessions (2004)

Usher released his fourth studio album, Confessions, on Mar. 23, 2004. The R&B album had instant hits like “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “My Boo,” and “Confessions Part II.” Confessions sold 1,096,000 copies in its first week, solidifying itself as one of the greatest R&B albums. Confessions also came with some controversy due to its theme. There were wide beliefs that the album was themed around Usher’s personal relationships. However, Jermaine Dupri, who mainly produced Confessions, claimed the album was more reflective of his personal story. Besides incredible album sales, Confessions also earned Usher a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.

7. 50 Cent – The Massacre (2005)

After announcing himself to the world with his Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ album in 2003, 50 Cent followed it up with The Massacre two years later. The album debuted at no. 1 on the US Billboard 200 thanks to hits like “Candy Shop,” “Just A Lil Bit,” and “Hate It Or Love It.” The Massacre sold 1,141,000 copies after its first week and solidified 50 Cent’s impact in the rap game. Hip-hop bigwigs like Dr. Dre, Eminem, Sha Money XL, and Scott Storch helped produce The Massacre. 50 Cent also featured Eminem, Olivia, Jamie Foxx, and Tony Yayo in the epic album, which was widely positively received and considered as one of his best albums.

6. Britney Spears – Oops!… I Did It Again (2000)

Oops!.. I Did It Again was a befitting name for Britney Spears’ second studio album. A year before its release, Britney debuted with a highly successful album, …Baby One More Time. Hence, she was under pressure to replicate the success of her first album. Britney welcomed the challenge and worked with several highly sought-after producers. Eventually, she put out a pop album that incorporated funk and R&B, earning her high praise and critical acclaim. Oops!.. I Did It Again enjoyed massive commercial success. It sold 1,319,000 copies in its first week and held the record for the fastest-selling album by a female artist and the largest first-week sales for a female album for 15 years.

Read More: Britney Spears Reveals The Origin Of One Of Her Biggest Hits

5. Eminem – The Eminem Show (2002)

Eminem’s fourth studio album, The Eminem Show, sold 1,322,000 in its first week. The album featured songs like “Without Me,” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” and “White America.” Eventually, it sold 27 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Eminem incorporated more rap rock in The Eminem Show than he did with his previous albums. The Eminem Show was themed around The Real Slim Shady’s hip-hop prominence and his mixed feelings about fame. Eminem also took a step back from his Slim Shady alter ego in the album, as he deviated from being satirical.

4. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)

The Eminem Show was not the first album with which Eminem sold over a million copies within the first week. On May 23, 2000, the rapper released his third studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP. Dr. Dre mainly produced the highly successful album, which went on to sell 1,760,000 copies in its first week. The album’s success helped to propel Eminem to the forefront of America’s hip-hop culture. Some of the album’s most popular songs include “Stan,” “The Real Slim Shady,” and “Bitch Please.”

3. NSYNC – No Strings Attached (2000)

NSYNC is a famous boy band consisting of Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, and JC Chasez. Although the band is not as popular as before following a long hiatus, it remains one of the top-selling bands of all time. After making waves with their first two albums, NSYNC took it a notch higher with their third studio album, No Strings Attached. After its release on Mar. 21, 2000, No Strings Attached sold a mindblowing 2,416,000 copies in its first week. NSYNC repeated the feat with their next album, Celebrity, which sold 1,878,000 copies a week after its release on July 24, 2001.

2. Taylor Swift (The Tortured Poets Department, 2024)

Taylor Swift’s knack for singing about her romantic travails in her albums means her teeming fans would always anticipate her next album release. Hence, when she announced an album was on the way during the 2024 Grammy Awards, Swifties readied their earbuds in anticipation, as the album was Taylor’s first since her split from Joe Alwyn. Taylor released The Tortured Poets Department, her 11th studio album, on April 19, 2024. Unsurprisingly, her latest work sold 2,610,000 copies in its first week.

However, TTPD isn’t Taylor’s first album to sell over a million copies in its first week. The beloved songstress achieved that feat six other times with her previous albums. These include: 1989 (Taylor’s Version), which sold 1,359,000 copies in its first week; 1989, which sold 1,287,000 copies in its first week; Reputation, which sold 1,216,000 copies in its first week; Red, which sold 1,208,000 copies in its first week; Midnights, which sold 1,140,000 copies in its first week; and Speak Now, which sold 1,047,000 copies in its first week.

1. Adele (25, 2015)

While Taylor Swift has sold over a million album copies with seven albums, Adele needed just one album to achieve the feat three times. On Nov. 20, 2015, Adele released 25, her third studio album. The album’s title reflected the singer’s life and mind frame when she was 25 years old and featured classics like “Hello,” “Water Under the Bridge,” and “Love in the Dark.” Adele’s 25 enjoyed so much commercial success. It racked in a massive 3,378,000 album sales in its first week, breaking the record for first-week sales. The album sold over a million copies in a week for the second time in December 2015, selling 1,112,000 copies. It repeated the feat for a third time in January 2016, selling 1,158,000 copies in a week.

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What Is NSYNC’s Best-Selling Album?

Today, public interest has shifted away from the classic teen pop formula of the traditional boy band. However, boy bands like NSYNC heavily dominated the music scene once upon a time, releasing albums that were big enough to cause record store stampedes. Subsequently, they disbanded, only occasionally appearing together in the following years. However, the iconic boy band returned in 2023 with their fast-rising single “Better Place” from the Trolls Band Together soundtrack.

While this reunion may signify bigger things, like an album, for example, we can’t be sure until it actually happens. Nevertheless, their current album lineup remains evergreen, and they have all sold impressive numbers since their releases. NSYNC came out swinging in 1997, releasing their self-titled debut album that is now Diamond-certified in the US. Despite its overwhelming success, however, one other album in their discography trumps it in terms of overall sales.

No String Attached: First Week Sales 

NSYNC released No Strings Attached on March 21, 2000,  and it was one of the most anticipated albums of the new decade. Admittedly, their three other albums also achieved varying but significant levels of commercial success. However, neither of those albums can compare to the sales numbers of No Strings Attached. Upon its release, the album debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart. It set the record for one-week sales in the US, selling 2.4 million copies within its first week of release. NSYNC held this record for 15 years before it was broken by Adele in 2015 with 25.

NYSNC Takes Over The World

In the US, No Strings Attached has sold over 11 million units, becoming 11x Platinum-certified and awarding NYSNC one of the most successful albums ever. Besides the United States, the album is also certified in 12 other countries. For selling 60,000 certified units in Argentina, it earned a Platinum certification. It is also certified Platinum in Austria for 70,000 units, Denmark for 20,000 units, and New Zealand for 15,000 units.

Furthermore, No Strings Attached has sold over 100,000 and 150,000 units in Brazil and Germany, respectively, earning Gold certifications. Likewise, it has additional Gold certifications for selling 100,000 in Japan, 75,000 in Mexico, and 40,000 in the Netherlands. The album also achieved a Gold certification in Spain for selling 50,000 units. The last of its Gold certifications comes from the United Kingdom, where it has sold 206,000 units. Finally, it is certified 7x Platinum in Canada for selling over 700,000 units.

Undoubtedly, NSYNC released one of the most defining albums of the boy band era. Interestingly, the group’s self-titled debut album is also Diamond-certified by the RIAA, as it has sold over 10 million album units. Nevertheless, despite the impressive worldwide sales of NSYNC, it is utterly decimated by the numbers of No Strings Attached. Notably, on the decade-end Billboard albums chart for the 2000s, No Strings Attached took the topmost position.

The Quintessential Boy Band

The success of No Strings Attached solidified NSYNC’s status as one of their era’s most successful boy bands. It also helped solidify lead singer Justin Timberlake’s mainstream appeal, giving rise to his eventual solo stardom. The album’s lead single, “Bye Bye Bye,” is an infectious pop anthem that continues to captivate audiences. It was accompanied by a visually striking music video that showcased the group’s impeccable choreography.

Similarly, “It’s Gonna Be Me,” another standout single from the album, further solidified NSYNC’s reign. With its irresistible chorus and undeniable charisma, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a pop culture touchstone. Additionally, the other singles, “This I Promise You” and “I’ll Never Stop,” also enjoyed considerable commercial success. 

Altogether, these singles significantly contributed to the overall success of the album. In retrospect, No Strings Attached remains a cultural touchstone, encapsulating the spirit of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Its impact on the music industry and enduring popularity among fans showcase the timelessness of the group’s music. NSYNC was a total package act, dominating in stage presence, singles, and, of course, albums. 

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What Happened Between Megan Thee Stallion And Justin Timberlake At The 2023 VMAs?

The 2023 VMAs have already had a fair degree of potential controversy just an hour into the show. During Olivia Rodrigo’s performance, a burning palm tree had fans worried that it wasn’t a planned part of the set, then, just before Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion hit the stage to perform “Bongos,” Meg appeared to exchange words with Justin Timberlake as NSYNC returned backstage after presenting an award to Taylor Swift.

Fans observing the moment on Twitter appeared to be divided about the interpretation. Meg, who was getting last-minute touch-ups from her hairstylist, looked agitated by something Timberlake may have said as he passed. While he was smiling, she pointed at him and gave a forceful response. But to some fans, it looked like her end of the conversation was simply her repeating “that doesn’t count,” which they interpreted as a possible response to the bait-and-switch of NYSNC’s rumored “reunion” — she certainly wouldn’t be alone in expecting them to play a song. Even Swift wondered, “You guys are gonna do something, right?”

Of course, without the audio, all this is speculation, but I’m inclined to believe the latter explanation. Meg is certainly in the demographic that grew up on NSYNC’s music, so she’d be justified (heh) in being just a little annoyed by the letdown… but hey, their “reunion” tonight seems like the perfect setup for their eventual song from the upcoming Trolls movie, Band Together, which plays off the group’s mid-aughties breakup. If the speculation gets too out of hand, I’m sure they’ll all have plenty of time to dispel the rumors on the press tour for the movie.

Megan Thee Stallion is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

R. Kelly Has A Writing Credit On Drake’s New Album ‘Certified Lover Boy’

Drake’s new album Certified Lover Boy has been out for a few hours now, and between its release and now, fans have been carefully examining the project. That sleuthing has led to an eyebrow-raising discovery: R. Kelly has a writing credit on the album.

Along with Drake, the artists credited as writers on the song “TSU” include Harley Arsenault, Noel Cadastre, F. Hills, Timothy Mosley (aka Timbaland), Ronald Coleman (aka OG Ron C), Christopher Cross, Justin Timberlake, and Robert Kelly (aka R. Kelly).

As Genius notes, the song samples NSYNC’s 1997 song “Sailing,” a cover of Cross’ 1980 single. Furthermore, others have pointed out the song also samples Timberlake’s “Until The End Of Time,” which Timbaland co-wrote. According to WhoSampled, the song also samples Kelly’s 1998 song “Half On A Baby,” which is where his writing credit comes from.

It was reported recently that Kelly is attempting to sell the publishing rights to his back catalog. If somebody purchased the rights, Kelly would not profit from his song being sampled on “TSU.” However, it appears Kelly is struggling to find a buyer, so as it stands now, Kelly still owns his publishing rights and will therefore profit from “TSU,” which is becoming a much-discussed song on one of the year’s biggest albums.

Of course, Kelly has faced many allegations of sexual misconduct in recent years. Most recently, an alleged male victim of sexual exploitation by Kelly testified in court.

Certified Lover Boy is out now via OVO Sound/Republic. Get it here.