Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z – Suit & Tie (New Music)

The buzz escalated quickly, as word got out that R&B Golden Child Justin Timberlake was returning from hiatus with a full project in tow, to be produced by Timbaland, the sonic sorcerer who escalated JT’s career from post-pubescent pop to bonefide rhythm & blues stardom.

A new song was promised, and lo’ and behold, it is here, with the added buzz-inducing factor than only a guest host from Jay-Z can deliver. In all, the song is smooth and catchy, an uptempo joint, which at the same time sounds like a lot that came before it, and like nothing that came before it. Hova’s verse was his typical, how they call it, “aspirational” rap, as the beat dropped to half-tempo, with Timberlake sticking to it after the verse. It makes “Suit & Tie” both a slow jam and club joint at the same time.

The short review: It’s good, but not groundbreaking.

Presumably, this first single from the purportedly titled The 20/20 Experience will signal the beginning of an onslaught of attention the new project is likely to receive, all leading up to the question: Will JT & T be able to surpass the somewhat game-changing success of FutureSex/LoveSounds, Timberlake’s last full length juggernaut, which was big nearly seven years ago.

“Suit & Tie” can be purchased on iTunes, and those who just CAN’T WAIT OMG for Timberlake’s next album can stay tuned and read Justin’s “open letter” over at countdown.justintimberlake.com.

Check Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z, “Suit & Tie” below. The song can be purchased on iTunes.

(If the embed dies because rules, blah blah, rules just go to Timberlake’s site.)