Justin Timberlake New Song “Filthy” Hit or Miss? - The Evolution of Funk

Justin Timberlake finally released his much anticipated single “Filthy”. It has gained mixed reviews from Fans and Critics alike. The song is co-written and produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Danja, with additional songwriting from James Fauntleroy, and Larrance Dopson who he previously collaborated with on his platinum-selling albums FutureSex/LoveSounds & The 20/20 Experience. The single is the first song for his forthcoming album Man of the Woods due for release on 2nd Feb 2018.

The song's genre best described as “Future Funk”, a new genre which fuses electro, EDM Dubstep synths with the heavy use of samples, primarily of 70's and 80's funk and disco. It emerged from the Vaporwave genre in the summer of 2012.

The main proponents of this genre are Pharrell Williams, Jamiroquai. Calvin Harris latest album Funk Wav Bounces is also very heavily influenced by this genre.

It seems Justin Timberlake and his collaborators have decided to explore this new genre with the release of the song. The song can be best described as a fusion of pounding synths fused / stadium rock guitarists fused a Boosty Collins funk riffs and melodies

The song has received mixed reviews, some people saying the music is poor and not up to Justin Timberlake usually standard, while others saying the song sounds futuristic and is pushing the envelope when it comes to innovation of new musical genres.

Some people also had mixed views about the video. In the video, Justin Timberlake parodies a “Steve Jobs” character presenting his dancing robot at a KeyNote presentation. The robot in essence is a substitute for Justin and dances to his song, while Justin hides behind stage, actually controlling the robot by dancing.
Some have hailed the video as being innovative, while others said it does not match the song.

What do you think ?

Watch the video and leave your comments below.

Personally I think the song is a grower and has the potential to start a new wave of music in this genre for other artists, just as “Sexyback” did for Justin years ago.