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In 2013, TIME Magazine listed Justin Timberlake as one of its 100 Most Influential People in the World. It’s true; JT is an international superstar known for his music, acting (film and television), and miscellaneous business ventures. But in the article, he was praised for doing God’s work, too.
God’s work, huh?
Timberlake has come a long way from his afternoons on the Mickey Mouse Club. The entertainment mogul started out in the boy band ‘N Sync, but he went on to release three albums of his own, two of which peaked at #1 upon their debut. He is a regular guest on shows like Saturday Night Live and Late Night with his good friend Jimmy Fallon, and is married to an international star in her own right, Jessica Biel. JT even has his own line of clothing apparel.
There is little doubt about whether or not Timberlake has earned his spot on the “ICONS” portion of TIME’s list.
But when fellow musician Stevie Wonder described Timberlake’s credentials, he added a spiritual slant that may make some scratch their heads. Wonder wrote:
We met back when Justin was with ‘N Sync and I played harmonica on one of their songs. I found out that his grandfather was a Baptist minister, and that’s reflected in some of the things he does musically – he obviously comes from the church, but he’s also absorbed a lot of different kinds of music: gospel, rock, hip-hop.
His star power comes from the fact that he sounds like he’s having fun when he makes music…. You think, I can relate to that or I believe in that, and then the listener can feel it like Cry Me a River or Suit & Tie, you become part of that emotion.
I think it’s a great thing when you do the most you can with the time you have in life. Justin has accomplished a lot at a young age, taking advantage of all the possibilities, and yet he’s found time to give of himself too – he gets and gives back. He has a spirit. He does God’s work through using the most of his talent.
Justin does God’s work? That’s an interesting statement given the lyrics in some of his music. Here are just a few of the opening lines from Suit & Tie, one of the songs Stevie Wonder praises Timberlake for in his article:
I be on my suit and tie, sh*t tie, sh*t tie
I be on my suit and tie, sh*t tie, sh*t
Can I show you a few things, a few things, a few things, little baby?
‘Cause…
I be on my suit and tie, sh*t tie, sh*t
I be on my suit and tie, sh*t tie, sh*t
Let me show you a few things
Let me show you a few things
Of course, there is also Sexy Back, another one of Timberlake’s smash hits. You may recognize a theme:
I’m bringin’ sexy back
Them motherf***ers don’t know how to act
Girl let me make up for the things you lack
‘Cause you’re burnin’ up, I gotta get it fast
Dirty babe, you see these shackles? Baby I’m your slave
I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave
It’s just that no one makes me feel this way
God’s work?
Stevie must be seeing something that I’m not….
Resource’s Origin:
Stevie Wonder. “100 Most Influential People in the World.” TIME Magazine, April 29, 2013: Pages 146-147.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Celebrities
Culture
Entertainment
Hypocrisy
Influence
Music
Purpose
Reputation
Success
Talent
Vulgarity
Work
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
