When "Girlfriend" was first selected as the third single from *NSYNC's Celebrity album, the plan was to release the original version. However, Timberlake, having developed a rapport with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo in clubs, pushed for a Neptunes-produced overhaul. This collaboration proved to be a "dry run" for Timberlake's solo debut, Justified , which The Neptunes would go on to produce almost entirely later that year. 🎤 Nelly’s Career Risk
The track features dry drums and a signature minimalist groove. Girlfriend (The Neptunes Remix)
The Neptunes replaced the original production with their signature "lush minimalism". When "Girlfriend" was first selected as the third
The remix famously features two new verses from Nelly, but the collaboration almost didn't happen. According to industry accounts, Nelly’s label, Universal Records, initially resisted the feature, warning him that collaborating with a boy band could "ruin his career". Nelly ignored the advice, insisting on the track, which became his first major cross-genre collaboration and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. 🎹 Production Hallmarks 🎤 Nelly’s Career Risk The track features dry
Pharrell noted that Timberlake's ability to handle the R&B-infused track was proof he could "sing every part," from smooth soul highs to raspy lows.
The song hit #1 in Canada and the Top 10 in the UK, Germany, and Australia.
To accommodate Nelly’s inclusion, the original music video was re-edited, splicing in footage of the rapper and Timberlake and removing a drag racing sequence. 📈 Chart & Cultural Impact